An increase in COVID-19 cases in Sumter County is tied to newly reported data from the federal prison complex in Coleman.
But The Villages retirement community also added 20 new cases Wednesday.
The new cases are being reported as The Villages prepares to revive its social life, with nightly concerts beginning Monday on the town squares, and club activities in the recreation centers.
Sumter County added 61 new positive tests on Tuesday and one additional death, bringing its death toll to 70. The positivity rate was 9.4% on Monday and more than 21% on Tuesday.
A health department spokeswoman says cases from Coleman are contributing to the spike.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons reports 257 active cases among prisoners there and 106 among staff. So far, three inmates have died.
