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Friday, March 29, 2024

Marion County reports record-high number of weekly COVID-19 cases

Marion County has reported the highest number of weekly positive COVID-19 cases since the onset of the pandemic.

According to the Florida Department of Health, the COVID-19 weekly report for January 7 to January 13 shows that the county reported a record-high 5,536 positive COVID-19 cases, an average of just over 790 new cases each day.

The previous week (December 31 to January 6) saw an average of just over 447 new cases each day.

Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander said, “The increase we have seen this week is an indicator of how transmissible the virus is within our community.”

Vaccines were administered to 990 residents, a decrease of 52 from the previous week. The report shows that around 62% of eligible residents, or 220,791, are currently vaccinated in Marion County. All residents ages 5 and older are considered eligible.

“We encourage residents to consider a COVID-19 vaccine if they have not received one, or a booster if they are eligible for that. Vaccines continue to be the most effective way to prevent serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19 for people aged 5 or older,” Lander said.

For more information on vaccine locations throughout Marion County, visit the Florida Department of Health vaccine locator webpage.

Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shortened its recommended time for isolation for people with COVID-19.

The Omicron variant was detected in the United States on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. According to Lander, the CDC remains the primary agency responsible for maintaining surveillance of Omicron, and the Department of Health in Marion County will respond to the variant as needed with mitigation efforts that include both prevention and treatment.

For more information on last week’s COVID-19 figures, visit the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 website.