OCALA, Fla.—The Department of Health in Marion County is reporting 672 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon; 347 of those cases were added within the past two weeks. Because of this substantial increase in cases, residents need to take extra care when out in the community to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Practice social distancing, wear a mask when in public and you can’t practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings and stay home when sick. Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with many others nearby, and close-contact settings, such as close-range conversation.

Latest testing data

Of Marion COVID-19 tests from June 29, 7.1% were positive; the county’s cumulative positive test rate is 2.8%. The daily positivity rate for all COVID-19 tests in Florida on June 29 was 16.82%; the state’s cumulative positive test rate is 7.8%. To date, 23,674 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Of those, 22,997 were negative.

The zip codes in Marion reporting the highest total number of cases are:

• 34420 (Belleview/Shores): 40
• 34471 (Ocala): 103
• 34472 (Ocala/Shores): 45
• 34473 (Ocala/Marion Oaks): 59
• 34474 (Ocala): 46
• 34476 (Ocala): 59
• 34480 (Ocala/Belleview): 41
• 34482 (Ocala): 27
• 34491 (Summerfield): 61

For more detailed information on all Marion cases, visit https://tinyurl.com/r63wtp4 to view Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.

Testing

The health department offers free COVID-19 testing by appointment; call 352-644-2590 to schedule an appointment with the department. You do not need to be experiencing symptoms to be tested.

Testing is also available at many other local medical providers, including urgent care facilities; call before visiting a facility if you would like to be tested for COVID-19.

Cloth mask care

The department recommends individuals wear cloth face masks when out in public and unable to practice social distancing. To wear one properly, make sure that you:

1. Wash or sanitize your hands before putting it on.
2. Ensure it covers your nose and mouth and is snug against the sides of your face.
3. Avoid touching your mask in public.
4. Wash your mask after every use.

Masks should be washed with regular detergent and at the warmest temperature that won’t damage the fabric. To dry, use the highest heat that won’t damage the fabric and dry completely. Or, air dry (in the sun is best).

For more information

Visit DOH-Marion online at Marion.FloridaHealth.gov and follow the agency on Twitter (@FLHealthMarion) for the latest on COVID-19 in Marion. 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.