OCALA, Fla.—Marion County continues to see a substantial increase in positive COVID-19 cases locally. The county has added 736 cases since June 1, for a total of 986 cases since the first official case in March. Key themes in new cases have been attending large gatherings and being in crowded places or closed spaces with poor ventilation and close conversations.

“COVID-19 is present in our community and remains a concern,” said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “Our daily positive test rate remains high; it is vital that you embrace the mitigation practices and precautions that help prevent the spread of the virus.”

Of Marion COVID-19 tests from July 5, 10.7% were positive; the county’s cumulative positive test rate is 3.6%. The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 tests in Florida on July 5 was 14.8%; the state’s cumulative positive test rate is 9.2%.

DOH-Marion continues to see some cases in asymptomatic individuals. This means it’s important all individuals follow the mitigation practices that prevent the spread of the virus (even if they aren’t experiencing symptoms) and get tested if they become exposed. 

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.

To date, 26,338 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. Twelve Marion residents have died after contracting COVID-19.

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

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.