OCALA, Fla.— Marion County is reporting 2,057 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon. This is: 

• An addition of 119 cases since yesterday (July 15)
• An increase of 1,330 cases since July 1

Of Marion COVID-19 tests from July 15, 12.1% were positive. The county’s cumulative positive test rate is 6.2%. The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 tests in Florida on July 15 was 12.94%. The state’s cumulative positive test rate is 11.2%. To date, 33,342 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Individuals who tested positive for the virus have ranged in age from 4 days old to 99 years old.

New COVID-19 related death

An 80-year-old male from Ocala has passed away after contracting COVID-19. He had underlying health conditions. This is the 18th Marion County resident to die after becoming ill with the virus.

Mitigation measures needed

Marion County has seen a substantial increase in cases of 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. 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.
• Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation
• Avoid crowded places with many others nearby
• Avoid 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.

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.

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.