OCALA, Fla.—Marion County is reporting 11,600 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon. This is an increase of 92 cases from yesterday (Nov. 12). Of Marion COVID-19 tests from Nov. 12, 7.3% were positive. The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 tests in Florida on Nov. 12 was 7.95%.

The number of new cases seen per day and the daily positivity rate are trending up in Marion County from where they were in October. From COVID-19 cases reported Nov. 7 to Nov. 13, Marion saw an average of:

• 56.4 new cases reported per day
• 6.6% daily positivity rate
• 1 COVID-19 related death reported per day

In comparison, from cases reported Oct. 1 to Oct. 31, Marion saw an average of:

• 37.2 new cases reported per day
• 4.6% daily positivity rate
• 1.87 COVID-19 related deaths reported per day

“While we received news this week about a potential vaccine that shows great promise, this is not the time to stop following prevention practices,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “It’s still important for you to continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, stay home when sick, avoid large gatherings where mitigation practices can’t be observed, and wash your hands regularly to help combat the spread of the virus.”

COVID-19 vaccination planning

The Department of Health in Marion County is coordinating with Marion County Emergency Management, local hospitals, and local, state and federal government agencies on plans for how vaccinations would be distributed throughout the community once available. Initial planning anticipates focusing on high priority populations (such as first responders and medical personnel) first and a more general public distribution in the spring once the vaccine becomes more widely available.