Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on March 24

The latest on the coronavirus crisis in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

More COVID-19 cases in Manatee, Sarasota

Two Manatee County women are among the newest 270 cases of COVID-19 announced on Monday morning by the Florida Department of Health. That brings the total for the county to 15, including one death.

There are now 1,,227 total cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, in Florida. Of those cases, 1,147 are Florida residents.

There were four new cases also in Sarasota County, bringing the total there to 21.

Possible COVID-19 shuts down Lakewood Ranch High School

Employees of Lakewood Ranch High School were directed to work from home this week, after someone with a possible case of COVID-19 was on the campus, according to the school district.

The School District of Manatee County sent a message to employees on Sunday night, followed by another message to families on Monday morning. The case was unconfirmed at the time, according to both messages, but it seems there was a development.

“I’ve heard from an internal source that it was confirmed, but I urge you strongly to get final confirmation from the Florida Department of Health,” said Mike Barber, the district spokesman, in an interview on Monday afternoon.

Christopher Tittel, spokesman for the health department in Manatee County, declined to comment.

The staff at Lakewood Ranch High was asked to work from home, after the district learned of a person “who may have contracted” the virus and been on campus.

In his message to employees, Principal Dustin Dahlquist said the person “has not had contact with the school in at least 11 days,” but he stopped short of naming the person’s relationship with Lakewood Ranch High.

If the person were on campus 11 days ago, before the start of spring break, he or she may have been in direct contact with students and staff.

Barber said the district would stay in touch with health officials and provide updates to the community when available. Manatee learned about the possible case on Sunday, and if the case is confirmed, the health department will investigate and reach out to the affected people, he continued.

School district to expand feeding program

The School District of Manatee County changed two of the locations in its free lunch program, and more than a dozen new sites are expected in the near future.

While the mobile lunch program was originally scheduled to end last week, it was extended through April 15, after the Florida Department of Education announced that schools would remain closed due to COVID-19. Though physical campuses are closed, Manatee is still providing free lunches while students continue their education online.

The extended break ends on Friday, and virtual classes are scheduled to begin on Monday.

Instead of setting up at Lincoln Park and Pride Park, the district is now visiting Daughtrey Elementary School and the Palmetto Youth Center, along with the original five locations.

For the other locations, go here.

Bradenton restaurants offering take-home and delivery services

Speaking of food, 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 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.

This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 12:00 AM.