OCALA, Fla.—With the Christmas holiday upon us, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County is urging residents to take precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We are seeing a large increase in COVID-19 activity locally, and this is primarily due to smaller outbreaks from social gatherings and workplaces, said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “The people who you spend the most time around are also the ones most likely to expose you to possible illness.”

Take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, even in smaller social settings.

• 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.
• 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.
• Consider hosting an outdoor gathering rather than an indoor gathering.
• 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.

Marion cases continuing to increase

Marion County is reporting 16,090 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon. This is an increase of 181 cases from yesterday (Dec. 20). Of Marion COVID-19 tests from Dec. 20, 10.82% were positive. The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 tests in Florida on Dec. 20 was 8.45%.

Marion’s cases and daily positivity rates continue to trend high. From COVID-19 cases reported over the past 7 days (Dec. 15 to Dec. 21), Marion saw an average of:

• 165 new cases reported per day
• 11.7% daily positivity rate
• 1 COVID-19 related death reported per day

In comparison, from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, Marion saw an average of:

• 70.6 new cases reported per day
• 7.9% daily positivity rate
• 1 COVID-19 related death reported per day

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
• 1.9 COVID-19 related deaths reported per day