Weekly COVID-19 update: 145 new cases, 2.9% positivity, eight deaths reported in Marion

Danielle Johnson, Ocala Star-Banner
·4 min read
Andrew Cielo-Hernandez, a West Port High School sophomore, wears a mask while he gets caught up on classes in this file photo from July.
Andrew Cielo-Hernandez, a West Port High School sophomore, wears a mask while he gets caught up on classes in this file photo from July.

New COVID-19 cases slightly increased in Marion County last week, according to the Florida Department of Health’s weekly data report for Nov. 19-25.

There were 145 new cases for the week, an increase from the 129 cases reported the previous week.

The testing positivity rate was 2.9%, up from the previous week’s 2.6%. Until last week, when the rate had remained steady, positivity had decreased for 13 weeks in a row.

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“We are highly encouraged by what we are seeing across the community in terms of new infections and vaccines,” Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander said in a press release Tuesday.

“Our status as a low transmission community indicates our residents are taking appropriate protective measures, especially in getting vaccinated, which remains the most effective way to avoid serious illness and hospitalization," he said. "We urge the community to continue these practices throughout the holidays, as opportunities for crowded gatherings increase.”

Marion County reports eight new deaths

The running total of COVID-19 cases in Marion County since March 1, 2020 is now 57,299 — 15.4% of the population. CDC data showed 4,048 COVID-19 tests performed the week ending Tuesday, Nov. 23, a decrease of 6.8% from the previous week.

There were eight deaths reported since Nov. 19, bringing the total death count in Marion County to 1,771, though recording may be delayed until weeks after a death occurred.

The addition of 1,249 more people vaccinated this week brings the county total to 211,752. Of Marion County’s population aged 5 and older, 60% have received the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The number of people receiving vaccines each week has increased for the past three weeks.

With the recent authorization for children, the state’s vaccination rate is now 69%.

CDC data also show 13 new hospitalizations for the seven days ending Sunday, a decrease of 45.8% from the previous week.

The percentage of beds used for COVID-19 patients was 2.7%, unchanged from last week. The percentage of intensive care unit beds used was 6.8%, a slight increase from the previous week.

Statewide trends

The FDOH report showed many counties surrounding Marion County also had relatively low COVID-19 case counts:

  • Alachua: 129

  • Citrus: 126

  • Flagler: 53

  • Lake: 170

  • Levy: 31

  • Putnam: 22

  • Sumter: 55

  • Volusia: 270

The new cases reported across the state for the week totaled 9,663, a decrease from last week's 10,893. The state's positivity rate was 2.4%, down from last week's 2.5%.

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CDC data through Monday showed Marion County and 65 other Florida counties have a "low" level of community transmission. Only one county is in the "moderate" category, and none have "substantial" or "high" transmission.

Virtually all of the cases in the region and across the country are caused by the delta variant of the coronavirus.

Marion County offers regular, booster shots

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County offers vaccines for people ages 5 and up.

The vaccine available for ages 5 to 11 is the Pfizer-Biontech vaccine, which has the same active ingredients as that given to adults and adolescents but only one-third the dose of the adult vaccine. It is also administered with smaller needles designed for children.

Two doses are recommended three weeks apart, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vaccinations are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Florida Department of Health in Marion County, 1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala. Appointments can be made at tinyurl.com/MakeMarionFLVaxAppt.

Certain individuals who received Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines are also eligible for booster shots.

The CDC recently authorized booster shots for all adults, not just older Americans and those working or living in high-risk conditions.

Individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine are eligible for booster shots six months after the completion of their initial series, while those who received Johnson & Johnson must wait two months after their initial vaccination.

Per the CDC, individuals can "mix and match" which vaccine they receive as a booster when available. Many pharmacies, doctor's offices, clinics and health centers also offer vaccines. Other locations can be searched at bit.ly/3GWsBQm.

Testing still available at First Baptist Church

COVID-19 testing is available at the First Baptist Church of Ocala, 2801 SE Maricamp Road. COVID Test FL is offering the drive-thru testing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Individuals should bring a valid photo ID, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Testing is also available at many private labs, physicians' offices, pharmacies and walk-in clinics in the county.

Contact reporter Danielle Johnson at djohnson@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Weekly COVID update: 2.9% positivity, 145 new cases in Marion