OCALA, Fla.—In the month of June, Marion County has more than doubled its previous total number of COVID-19 cases. The Department of Health in Marion County is reporting 598 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon. This is an increase of 348 cases since June 1.

Of Marion COVID-19 tests from June 26, 7.9% were positive; the county’s cumulative positive test rate is 2.6%. Florida’s daily positive test rate for June 26 was 14.36%; the state’s cumulative positive test rate is 7.2%. To date, 22,780 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Of those, 22,176 were negative.

For more detailed information on all Marion cases, view Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.

Standard COVID-19 precautions include staying 6 feet away from others when in public, wearing a cloth face covering when you go into public and it’s difficult to practice social distancing, staying home when you are sick (and self-isolating), avoiding gatherings of 50 or more people, frequently washing your hands, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces. Vulnerable individuals should take additional precautions to help reduce possible exposure.

People should also avoid the 3 C’s to help stop the spread of COVID-19. These are:

• Closed spaces with poor ventilation,
• Crowded places with many others nearby
• Close-contact settings, such as close-range conversation.

The risk of a cluster of COVID-19 cases is particularly high when these 3 C’s overlap.

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 self-isolate and 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.

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 Mario