Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on April 7
The latest on the coronavirus in Bradenton and Manatee County.
More deaths in Manatee County
Two additional Manatee County residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have died, according to the Florida Department of Health.
They were among 33 new deaths announced statewide on Monday. A total of 254 people have now died in Florida since the outbreak began.
The state health department also confirmed more than 1,200 new infections statewide, bringing the total in Florida to 13,629.
In Manatee County, there have been 145 confirmed cases; in Sarasota County, 159 cases.
Another COVID-19 case in Manatee School District
“A person associated with” the School District of Manatee County has tested positive for COVID-19, the school district said Monday.
The Department of Health informed district officials of the positive confirmation last week, but it provided limited information, district spokesman Mike Barber said.
“I was told the person had some kind of contact that occurred during spring break, they did not return to any of our sites once spring break was over, and then we got confirmation there was a positive case last week,” he said.
Barber said he spoke with two district officials who had direct knowledge of the case, and neither was informed about which school or district facility the person was associated with.
It is at least the third COVID-19 case involving someone with connections to the school district.
Need a job? Look here
Business organizations in Manatee and Sarasota counties reported they have joined forces to connect displaced workers with employers.
Employers can post jobs while workers displaced by the coronavirus pandemic can search for them at jobfocus.com, a service hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
Also, here is a link to more information about applying for unemployment benefits in Florida.
Organizations offering help
Resources are available to help struggling Manatee County residents through the COVID-19 pandemic. Opportunities also exist to support local relief efforts, which are facing a sudden and overwhelming demand.
With all schools closed through May 1, area students might struggle to find their daily lunch, and parents may need child care while they continue working. Other residents are losing work hours or jobs with the restrictions placed on restaurants and bars.
Here is a list of some of the organizations offering help.
Need help paying rent or utility bills? Check out the groups listed here.
Bradenton restaurants offering take-home and delivery services
The Bradenton Herald has published a list of restaurants offering take out and/or delivery services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Also, feel free to leave the names, addresses and phone numbers of other restaurants, either as a comment on our Facebook page or on the page for the Manatee Eats group.
Tips to protect yourself from the coronavirus
There’s no vaccine for the COVID-19 virus, and experts say one may be months away from mass production.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, staying home when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
The agency also advises washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
The CDC does not advise that healthy people wear face masks, but says they should be worn by coronavirus patients to help avoid spreading the illness.
The latest closings and cancellations
Numerous businesses and organizations in Bradenton have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. For a list of closings, cancellations and postponements, check out our list.