The Florida Department of Health has released its virus summary for the week of Friday, November 25 through Thursday, December 1, and it shows that new COVID-19 cases in Marion County have increased for the third consecutive report.
A total of 295 new COVID-19 infections were reported in Marion County during the previous week, according to the Florida Department of Health in Marion County’s (DOH-Marion) bi-weekly COVID-19 situation report.
In the report, the local health department stated that Marion County experienced an average of just over 42 new cases each day, with approximately 77 cases being reported per 100,000 Marion County residents. During the previous reported week of November 11 to November 17, the county averaged over 25 new infections per day.
The state’s data does not include at-home tests in Marion County that were not reported.
The latest report from DOH-Marion is a stark contrast to the summer peak in mid-July when Marion County saw nearly 1,200 recorded cases.
As of December 1, a cumulative total of 101,227 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Marion County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has rated the county’s community transmission risk as ‘low.’
DOH-Marion encourages members of the community to take steps to reduce the spread of the virus as much as possible, including staying at home if you feel ill and practicing good personal hygiene. The department is also reminding residents that vaccines may help reduce serious illness and hospitalizations from COVID-19.
A total of 20 residents were vaccinated last week. The latest report shows that 61% of eligible residents are currently vaccinated in Marion County. All residents ages 6 months or older are considered eligible.
DOH-Marion provides free COVID-19 vaccinations Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at its main office located at 1801 SE 32nd Avenue in Ocala. Vaccines are available by appointment or walk-in visits.
In addition to DOH-Marion, vaccines for all age groups can be obtained throughout Marion County at many pharmacies, doctor’s offices, clinics, and health centers. Anyone who has questions about vaccines, whether for themselves or their children, should consult with their health care provider.
COVID-19 testing is also available at numerous pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and doctor’s offices throughout Marion County.
For more information on vaccine locations or the latest vaccine guidance, or to find local testing sites, visit the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 website.
DOH-Marion states that several COVID-19 treatment options are still available in Florida to prevent severe illness and hospitalization, including Monoclonal antibody therapy as well as therapeutics such as Evusheld, Paxlovid, and Molnupiravir, which can be administered with a physician’s prescription.
For more information on the latest COVID-19 figures, visit the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 website, and click on the “Treatment Locator” tab at the top of the webpage for more information about monoclonal antibody treatment and other therapeutics.
For more information about COVID-19 locally, visit the Florida Department of Health in Marion County’s website or call the department at 352-629-0137.