COVID-19 forces shutdown of libraries, other county government buildings in Manatee
Several Manatee County Government buildings are being shutdown for the next two weeks to limit any possible spread of the novel coronavirus.
Starting Wednesday morning, all of the county’s public buildings that provide walk-in services will be closed to the public for 15 days, according to a release. The changes are in line with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that advises against gatherings of more than 10 people.
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a local state of emergency declaration Monday afternoon.
“The public is encouraged to conduct transactions with the county online or over the phone wherever possible,” a release said.
Manatee County’s closures apply to the following facilities:
- County Administration Building
- All Manatee County Public Library Locations — late fees will be waived.
- Manatee County Animal Services locations.
- G.T. Bray Recreational Center — all athletic league games and other events have been canceled.
- Bradenton Area Convention Center.
- All locations for Building and Development Services.
- Veterans Services.
- Utilities Administration Building.
- Manatee County Clerk of Court Historic Courthouse.
- Manatee County Property Appraiser
Outdoor areas, such as the county’s parks and beaches are not affected. The Manatee County Area Transit bus system will continue to operate as normal, including Handy Bus services.
“Transit Services remain a vital service for individuals without access to essentials such as grocery stores, pharmacies and medical appointments,” County Administrator Cheri Coryea said in a prepared statement. “This is an hour-by-hour emergency event and should a new directive need to be implemented to further protect the public, we will make that call.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis also announced measures to prevent community spread of the illness Tuesday, ordering restaurants to operate at 50 percent capacity and ordering bars and nightclubs to close for 30 days.
For more information, residents are asked to visit www.MyManatee.org/Coronavirus or call 311.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 8:31 PM.
