Marion County sees uptick in COVID-19 cases

The county saw an uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases during the week ending July 2, according to Mark Lander, Florida Department of Health administrator for Marion County.

Lander, who was giving his monthly report to Marion County Commissioners on Tuesday, said the uptick was likely due to the Memorial Day holiday.

The county reported a 5.3% positivity rate and 168 COVID-19 cases between June 25 and July 2. That was up from a 2.3% positivity rate and 110 cases reported during the week ending June 18, according to Florida Department of Health reports.

The state began reporting cases and vaccination numbers weekly in June, foregoing the daily updates.

Marion County reported 164,492 total vaccinations for residents 12 years and older. Roughly 50% of the county population has been vaccinated.

Vaccination rates for those 55 and older reached 66%, while those 65 and older reached 72%.

“Our target is to have 80% total vaccinations by September,” said Lander, referring to those 65 and older.

Remote vaccination sites will be available in Hog Valley and Fort McCoy on Thursdays. Silver Springs Shores and Summerfield will provide vaccinations on Fridays.

With Marion County schools starting in August, Lander said a ‘Back to School’ mass vaccination initiative will start on July 28.

The vaccine is available at the health department’s office, 1801 SE 32nd Ave. Vaccination appointments can be made for Monday through Friday. To schedule a vaccination appointment, call the Marion County COVID-19 appointment line at 352-644-2590.

Vaccines are also available at Walgreens, CVS, Publix and Sam’s Club locations, among others.

Marion County Fire Rescue and Ocala Fire Rescue continue to vaccinate those at long-term care facilities and homebound residents.

DOH COVID-19 Vaccination Sites:

July 8

Hog Valley Civic Center
23125 NE 160th Ave. Road Ft. McCoy

First Baptist Church of Ft. McCoy
11350 E. Highway 316 Ft. McCoy

July 9

Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church
674 Silver Road Ocala

Starting Point Church
1990 SE Highway 42 Summerfield

July 15

Hog Valley Civic Center
23125 NE 160th Ave. Road Ft. McCoy

First Baptist Church of Ft. McCoy
11350 E. Highway 316 Ft. McCoy

July 16

Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church
674 Silver Road Ocala

Starting Point Church
1990 SE Highway 42 Summerfield