OCALA, Fla.-The Department of Health in Marion County is reporting 655 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon; 340 of those cases were added within the past two weeks. Because of this substantial increase in cases, residents need to take extra care with Fourth of July celebrations and activities in the coming days.
“Ultimately, we do not want to see a surge in cases linked to Fourth of July celebrations,” said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “So, however you celebrate, do so responsibly by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask if you can’t socially distance, avoiding large gatherings, and staying home if you are sick,”
Residents are also advised to avoid the three C’s: closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with many others nearby, and close-contact settings, such as close-range conversation. The risk of COVID-19 spreading among a group of people is highest when the three C’s overlap.
Cloth mask care
The department recommends individuals wear cloth face masks when out in public and unable to practice social distancing. To wear one properly, make sure that you:
- Wash or sanitize your hands before putting it on.
- Ensure it covers your nose and mouth and is snug against the sides of your face.
- Avoid touching your mask in public.
- Wash your mask after every use.
Masks should be washed with regular detergent and at the warmest temperature that won’t damage the fabric. To dry, use the highest heat that won’t damage the fabric and dry completely. Or, air dry-in the sun is best.
Latest testing data
Of Marion COVID-19 tests from June 28, 7.6% were positive; the county’s cumulative positive test rate is 2.8%. To date, 23,474 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Of those, 22,814 were negative.
The zip codes in Marion reporting the highest total number of cases are:
- 34420 (Belleview/Shores): 38
- 34471 (Ocala): 101
- 34472 (Ocala/Shores): 45
- 34473 (Ocala): 59
- 34474 (Ocala): 43
- 34476 (Ocala): 57
- 34480 (Ocala/Belleview): 39
- 34482 (Ocala): 27
- 34491 (Summerfield): 60
For more detailed information on all Marion cases, visit https://tinyurl.com/r63wtp4 to view Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.
Testing
The department offers free COVID-19 testing; call 352-644-2590 to schedule an appointment at the health department. You do not need to be experiencing symptoms to be tested.
Testing is also available at many other local medical providers, including urgent care facilities; call before visiting a facility if you would like to be tested for COVID-19.
For more information
Visit DOH-Marion online at Marion.FloridaHealth.gov and follow the agency on Twitter (@FLHealthMarion) for the latest on COVID-19 in Marion. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Florida, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov<https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/>. For general questions about COVID-19, call the state hotline (866-779-6121), local hotline (352-644-2590), or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov<mailto:COVID-19@flhealth.gov>.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board<http://www.phaboard.org/>, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/FLDepartmentofHealth?utm_source=article>, Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/florida.health/> and Twitter at @HealthyFla<https://twitter.com/HealthyFla?utm_source=article>. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov<http://www.floridahealth.gov/?utm_source=article>.
Contact:
Christy Jergens, Public Information Officer
Mobile: 352-266-5597
