OCALA, Fla.—The Department of Health in Marion County is reporting 424 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon. The most recent individuals confirmed to have the virus are: 

• 39-year-old female, Ocala
• 44-year-old male, Ocala
• 27-year-old male, Ocala
• 59-year-old female, Ocala
• 74-year-old female, Summerfield
• 21-year-old female, Belleview
• 64-year-old male, Summerfield
• 36-year-old male, Ocala
• 70-year-old female, Summerfield
• 66-year-old male, Summerfield
• 24-year-old male, Ocala

2.4 percent of tests from June 22 were positive; Marion’s overall positive test rate is 2.0%. Florida’s overall positive test rate is 6.3%. To date, 21,002 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Of those, 20,571 were negative. Individuals who tested positive for the virus in Marion County have ranged in age from 6 months to 97 years old. Ten Marion County residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19. For more detailed information on all Marion cases, view Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard. 

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you are experiencing symptoms of the virus (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing), DOH-Marion recommends that you get tested for the virus. The department offers free COVID-19 testing; call 352-644-2590 to schedule an appointment at the health department. You do not need to be experiencing symptoms to be tested. Testing is also available at other local medical providers; call before visiting a facility if you would like to be tested for COVID-19. 

Department of Health issues additional health advisory

The Florida Department of Health issued an additional public health advisory on Saturday, June 20, in response to COVID-19, providing recommendations to protect Floridians and visitors from the virus. This advisory is in addition to steps that the department has taken to increase mitigation measures, including the purchase of 20 million cloth masks across the state. In Marion County, DOH-Marion staff have distributed more than 100,000 cloth masks to-date. 

The Public Health Advisory provides the following recommendations: 

• All individuals in Florida should wear masks in any setting where social distancing is not possible, unless any of the following apply:
  • A child is under 2 years old;
  • An individual has one or more medical conditions or disabilities that prevent wearing a face covering;
  • An individual is obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;
  • An individual works in a profession where use of a face covering will not be compatible with the duties of the profession; or
  • An individual is engaged in outdoor work or recreation with appropriate social distancing in place.

• All individuals over the age of 65 and all individuals of any age with high-risk health conditions should limit personal interactions outside of the home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

• All individuals should refrain from participation in social or recreational gatherings of more than 50 people. For all gatherings of fewer than 50 people, individuals should practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of at least six feet from each other and wearing a face covering.

This is a reinforcement of the previously issued advisory as well as direction that has been provided in the task force report for a Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.

Currently, 64 counties are in Phase 2, which dictates:

Restaurants, bars and other vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, excluding nightclubs:

• May operate at 50% of the establishment’s indoor capacity.
• May operate at full capacity outside with appropriate social distancing.
• Bar areas may operate with seated service.

Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys and arcades:

• May operate at 50% of the establishment’s capacity with appropriate social distancing between groups and proper sanitization protocols.

In-store retail businesses:

• May operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing measures and proper sanitization protocols.

Gyms and fitness centers:

• May operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing and frequent sanitization.

Personal services including but not limited to tattooing, body piercing, tanning and massage:

• May operate while adhering to appropriate safety guidelines outlined by the Florida Department of Health.

Barber shops, hair salons and nail salons:

• May continue to operate while adhering to safety protocols.

Phase 2 continued emphasis on preventative measures outlined by the CDC and OSHA:

• Senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and take measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• Individuals should avoid gathering in groups larger than 50.
• All persons who work in long-term care facilities should be tested for COVID-19 on a routine basis.

For more guidance

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Florida, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov. For general questions about COVID-19, call the state hotline (866-779-6121), local hotline (352-644-2590), or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Individuals can also follow the Department of Health in Marion County on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FLHealthMarion for the latest updates on COVID-19 in Marion.