CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — An increase in positive COVID-19 cases in Citrus County is causing testing sites to remain open on Thanksgiving.

The health department is seeing a record number of positive cases this month alone then they have in July or August.

“Normal holiday routine for us is day of Thanksgiving and the Friday after we are closed, but COVID-19 takes no rest,” said Health Department Administrator Tito Rubio. 

Rubio said that the health department will be closed but they wanted to make sure testing is provided to the community regardless of the holiday. 

“We’ve seen a little bit of a surge lately and we think that’s because of the holiday for Thanksgiving and also people traveling," he said. "We’ve had a lot of people come through the testing site and say ‘I need to have a test because I’m going to travel and I’m required in my destination to show a test.'"

As of November 25, the health department has seen a decline in the number of COVID-19 related deaths in the county, however, they have recorded an average of 50 new cases a day.

“The month of November is probably going to be our highest month since this event started of cases for the month,” Rubio said. "Our positivity rate in Citrus County in hovering somewhere around 10%.”

He said he hasn’t seen since the peak of the pandemic, especially with the holiday season ahead, a piece of mind will make for a better celebration

“You still have to remember to wear your mask,” Rubio said. "Social distance, stay safe. This is not over and it’s not going to be over after this holiday.”

Residents won’t be able to get tested on Christmas Day but they will be able to get tested on New Years Day.