Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on April 19

The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.

Two more deaths in Manatee County

Two more people have died from COVID-19 in Manatee County, the Florida Department of Health said Saturday.

That brings the death toll in Manatee to 31, a number that spiked by 11 in just two days.

Overall, there were 362 COVID-19 cases in Manatee, as of Saturday. That was up from 326 a day earlier, according to the health department.

COVID-19 in nursing homes

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered the Florida Department of Health to release the names for Florida nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care centers where residents or staff have fallen ill because of COVID-19.

The list released Saturday evening included the names of 303 facilities and the counties where they are located but nothing else, such as the number of people who have contracted COVID-19 at the facilities and how many have died.

Eight of the centers are in Manatee County. See the list here.

They said goodbye on Zoom

Carol “Dorothy” Davis had not recognized her younger son in about two years because of her dementia. On Tuesday, he and his family had to say goodbye to her through a Zoom video conference before she died from COVID-19 at Manatee Memorial Hospital on Tuesday. She was 80.

Davis had been a resident at Braden River Rehabilitation for the last couple years of her life. It was there where she contracted the coronavirus.

“I don’t think it’s getting the attention it needs at assisted living facilities,” said Lawrence Watkins, Davis’s son. “There’s an acute problem in a lot of places and unless there’s more data, I don’t think they are going to get the help they need.”

As of Friday evening, there had been at least 58 cases of residents or staffers from long-term care facilities in Manatee County who had tested positive for the coronavirus. Eleven of those people had died.

Day care centers providing essential service during pandemic

Despite a sharp drop in enrollment, a host of Manatee County are providing a needed service to local families and essential workers.

With some parents losing their jobs and many others working from home, the enrollment at Kids ‘R’ Kids dropped from about 270 to 70 children, said Danette Chirillo, a facility director.

Located near the corner of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and State Road 70, less than four miles from Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, the program serves health care workers, law enforcement officers and firefighters, among others.

“We have gotten so many letters from our parents who are essential workers,” Chirillo said. “Many of them don’t have other family around, and without us being here, they would not be able to do their jobs.”

Bradenton Farmers’ Market to launch virtual store

The Bradenton Farmers’ Market has launched an online store to allow customers to purchase local fruits, produce, and artisan foods directly from local vendors.

In response to Florida’s Safer-At-Home Order, Realize Bradenton developed Shop.RealizeBradenton.com, an online storefront, offering curbside pickup every Saturday. The physical weekly market has been canceled through May 8.

Beginning 4 p.m. Monday, customers may shop and securely place their online order by visiting shop.RealizeBradenton.com. All orders placed between Monday and 9 p.m. Wednesday will be filled on Saturday of the same week.

To pick up an order, customers must bring a copy of their confirmation email (or have it available on their smartphone) to the designated pickup location 10 a.m. - noon Saturday at Angel Oak Café , 2004 Sixth Ave. W., one block south of Manatee Ave. West, just behind the Bank OZK branch. Customers are encouraged to open their trunk and have volunteers load the order into their vehicle.

“Our connection with the vendors and local growers is more than a business relationship — it’s a collaboration. Together, we brainstormed ideas about how we could bring products and fresh produce to the community at the time that they need it most. This cooperation is what makes the Bradenton Farmers’ Market extra special,” market manager Peg Haynes said in a press release.

Need a job? Look here

A website projects the unemployment rate in Manatee-Sarasota could hit 28 percent, as businesses shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic shed jobs.

Local business organizations are not standing pat.

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 advise that people wear face masks to avoid either contracting the virus or passing it on.

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.

This story was originally published April 19, 2020 at 5:00 AM.