Marion County health officials are reporting a drop in new COVID-19 cases for a fourth consecutive week.
During the week of Friday, February 4 to Thursday, February 10, the county reported 1,564 positive COVID-19 cases, an average of just over 223 cases each day. The updated statistics were released as part of the Florida Department of Health weekly COVID-19 situation report.
The number of positive cases has steadily declined in recent weeks following the record-high spike that the county experienced during the second week of January.
“We’re pleased that the trend in new cases continues downward,” said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander.
Vaccines were administered to 264 residents, a decrease of 47 from the previous week. The report shows that 63% of eligible residents, or 224,303, are currently vaccinated in Marion County. All residents ages 5 and older are considered eligible.
“We’re not relaxing in our efforts to encourage the community to take steps to reduce the spread of the virus. That includes staying home if you don’t feel well and consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you have not received one already, or a booster if you are eligible. The vaccines remain an effective tool against serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19,” said Lander.
COVID-19 vaccines for anyone ages 5 and older are available for free at the Florida Department of Health in Marion County. Visit the Florida Department of Health in Marion County COVID-19 vaccines webpage to make an appointment.
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County provides vaccinations Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at its main office located at 1801 SE 32nd Avenue in Ocala.
Anyone who has questions about vaccines, whether for themselves or their children, should consult with their health care provider.
In addition to the Florida Department of Health in Marion County, vaccines are available throughout the county at many pharmacies, doctor’s offices, clinics, and health centers. For more information on vaccines, or to find a vaccine location, visit the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine locator webpage.
Monoclonal antibody therapy is available in Florida for anyone ages 12 and older who is considered at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19. Monoclonal antibody treatments can prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death in high-risk patients. Florida has also introduced AstraZeneca’s Evusheld, Pfizer’s Paxlovid, and Merck’s molnupiravir, which can be administered with a physician’s prescription.
For more information on last week’s COVID-19 figures, visit the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 webpage, and click on the “Treatment Locator” tab at the top of the webpage for more information about monoclonal antibody treatment and other therapeutics.