OCALA, Fla.—Two Marion County residents, a 60-year-old male from Ocala and a 66-year-old male from Ocklawaha, have passed away after contracting COVID-19. These are the eleventh and twelfth Marion County residents to die after contracting COVID-19.

Residents are urged to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when out in the community. 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. Individuals over the age of 65 and those with underlying conditions are at risk of severe complications from COVID-19 and should avoid crowds and minimize contact outside the home.

Latest testing data

Marion County has reported 817 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon, an increase of 567 since June 1. Of Marion COVID-19 tests from July 2, 7.8% were positive; the county’s cumulative positive test rate is 3.3%. The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 tests in Florida on July 2 was 14.8%; the state’s cumulative positive test rate is 8.6%. To date, 24,967 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Individuals who tested positive for the virus have ranged in age from 3 months old to 97 years old.

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

Exposure and testing

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you are experiencing symptomsof the virus (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing), you should self-isolate and get tested for the virus.

The department offers free COVID-19 testing by appointment; call 352-644-2590 to schedule a test. 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.

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.