OCALA, Fla.—Marion County has seen its highest one-day increase in cases of COVID-19 today as it continues to see large growth in the number of people who test positive for COVID-19. The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is urging residents to wear a face mask when in public to reduce the spread of the virus, along with following other precautions that reduce virus transmission.

“We saw 164 new cases today and will soon be at triple the amount of cases we had on July 1,” said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “Residents need to wear face masks when in public if they can’t stay 6 feet away from others, and they need to follow all of the other mitigation measures in addition to this. If we do not follow these precautions, we will only continue to see worse levels of illness in our community that will put our residents, especially those most vulnerable, at risk.”

Masks need to be worn correctly to be effective. 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.

Latest testing data

Marion County has reported 1,938 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon. This is: 

• An increase of 1,216 cases since July 1
• An addition of 164 cases since yesterday (July 14)

(Note: Positive cases are only counted once in cumulative case counts, regardless of how many times a person would test and have a positive result.)

Of Marion COVID-19 tests from July 14, 14.7% were positive. The county’s cumulative positive test rate is 5.9%. The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 tests in Florida on July 14 was 13.59%. The state’s cumulative positive test rate is 11%. To date, 32,633 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.

Two new COVID-19 related deaths

Two Marion County residents, an 85-year-old male from Ocala and an 85-year-old male from Silver Springs have passed away after contracting COVID-19. They each had underlying health conditions. These are the 16th and 17th Marion County residents to die after becoming ill with the virus.

Mitigation measures

Residents need to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus when out in the community. This means:

• Practice social distancing (stay 6 feet apart).
• Wear a mask when in public and you can’t practice social distancing.
• Avoid large gatherings of 50 or more people.
• Stay home when sick.

Residents should also avoid the 3C’s, which show the highest risk for spreading COVID-19:

• Closed spaces with poor ventilation
• Crowded places with many others nearby
• 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.

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.