OCALA, Fla.—Marion County is reporting 12,220 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon. This is an increase of 159 cases from yesterday (Nov. 19). Of Marion COVID-19 tests from Nov. 19, 10.28% were positive. The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 tests in Florida on Nov. 19 was 7.64%.

The number of new cases seen per day and the daily positivity rate in Marion County are increasing from where they were in October. From COVID-19 cases reported Nov. 14 to 20, Marion saw an average of:

• 88.5 new cases reported per day
• 10.01% daily positivity rate
• 1.85 COVID-19 related deaths 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

Thanksgiving precautions

With Thanksgiving next week, residents should take extra precautions to reduce the risk of spreading illness.

• If someone feels ill, get tested for COVID-19 and avoid going out in public or being around at-risk individuals.
• Older adults or persons with certain medical conditions who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, or live or work with someone at increased risk of severe illness, should avoid in-person gatherings with people who do not live in their household.
• Consider hosting an outdoor gathering rather than an indoor gathering.
• Guests who have traveled from other areas or towns should distance themselves from people who are 65 or older and people of any age who have underlying health issues such as lung or heart disease.
• Hosts entertaining at home should make sure frequently touched surfaces are cleaned and disinfected before and after gatherings.
• All individuals should wash their hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently.