Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on March 23
The latest on the coronavirus crisis in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
More cases in Sarasota County
Three more people in Sarasota County has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, according to the Florida Department.
That brought the total number of cases in Sarasota to 17. In Manatee, the number of cases was the same as on Saturday, 13.
One person has died in Manatee County.
More than three times as many people have been tested in Sarasota County as in Manatee County.
Statewide, 1,007 people have tested positive, and there have been 13 deaths.
State releases some city-by-city data on COVID-19
The Florida Department of Health has released more detailed information about those who have tested positive, including their cities of residences. (Previously, only the patients’ counties had been released.)
The data show that of the 13 positive cases in Manatee, six reside in Bradenton, two in Lakewood Ranch and one each in Longboat Key and Parrish. The health department said the city is not always received as part of the initial notification and may be missing while the case is being investigated.
Of Sarasota County’s 17 patients, four reside in the city of Sarasota and one each in Englewood, Venice and Longboat Key.
Statewide, the 10 cities with the highest number of cases are: Miami, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Naples, Gainesville, Orlando, Miami Beach and Miramar.
AT&T makes easier to reach out to family and friends
Facetime your loved ones all you want — if you’re an AT&T customer.
The company is waiving domestic wireless voice and data overage fees nationwide, and the waiver retroactively applies back to March 13. All the better to continue social isolation, which helps stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
AT&T also announced it won’t halt service for wireless, home phone, broadband residential or small business customers if they can’t pay the bill because of coronavirus disruptions. It’s also waiving late fee payments for those customers.
Bradenton restaurants offering take-home and delivery services
Bradenton-area restaurants took a big hit Friday, when Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered all restaurant dining rooms be closed because of the novel coronavirus.
As a public service, the Bradenton Herald has published a list of restaurants offering take out and/or delivery services.
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 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.
The Miami Herald contributed to this story.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 4:20 AM.