OCALA, Fla.—The Department of Health in Marion County is reporting 1,111 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this morning. This is an addition of 68 cases from yesterday, and an addition of 389 cases since July 1. 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. 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

Of Marion COVID-19 tests from July 7, 8.2% were positive. The county’s cumulative positive test rate is 4.1%. Today is the first time that the county’s cumulative test rate has risen above 4%; the cumulative rate has been steadily growing as daily positive test rates have remained high locally.

The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 tests in Florida on July 7 was 14.1%; the state’s cumulative positive test rate is 9.6%. For more detailed information on all cases, visit Covid-19 County Updates to view Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard

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

• 32213 (Citra): 21
• 34420 (Belleview/Shores): 58
• 34431 (Dunnellon): 35
• 34432 (Dunnellon): 21
• 34470 (Ocala): 39
• 34471 (Ocala): 174
• 34472 (Ocala/Shores): 79
• 34473 (Ocala/Marion Oaks): 91
• 34474 (Ocala): 74
• 34475 (Ocala): 33
• 34476 (Ocala): 88
• 34479 (Ocala): 41
• 34480 (Ocala/Belleview): 71
• 34481 (Ocala): 27
• 34482 (Ocala): 50
• 34491 (Summerfield): 82

Exposure and testing

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), 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

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. You 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.