Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on March 31
The latest on the novel coronavirus crisis in Bradenton and Sarasota.
More COVID-19 in Manatee, Sarasota
An additional four cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Manatee County on Monday, bring the number of cases here to 42, according to the Florida Department of Health.
As of Monday evening, 352 Manatee County residents had been tested. In Sarasota, where 835 people have been tested, there were 67 people who have tested positive.
The statewide count for COVID-19 cases was up to 5,473.
Manatee’s state of emergency extended
If you planned to spend part of your Tuesday, playing pickle ball or tennis or skateboarding at a Manatee County park, you’re better off staying at home.
Which is exactly what county officials emphasized Monday in announcing a seven-day extension of the county’s state of emergency and a list of new closures.
“The county’s tennis and pickle ball courts will be closed temporarily tomorrow since crowds continue to gather without practicing social distancing as recommended by the governor in Executive Order 20-83, and the Florida Department of Health Office of the Surgeon General,” the county said in a news release Monday evening. “Areas that cannot be closed will be monitored by safety guards and law enforcement agencies.”
The city of Bradenton also closed its skatepark on the Riverwalk.
Buchanan, Good speak out on behalf of Florida cruise ship passengers
They probably didn’t plan it this way, but state Rep. Margaret Good, D-Sarasota, and U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, expressed almost identical support for Floridians, including four Sarasota residents, stuck on two cruise ships where some passengers and crew have tested positive for COVID-19.
The political rivals — Good is challenging Buchanan this year for his seat in the U.S. House — spoke out after Gov. Ron DeSantis said he didn’t want the ships’ passengers “dumped” on Florida.
“There are hundreds of people aboard the Zaandam and Rotterdam who are in danger of contracting COVID-19 and many on the Zaandam who are already gravely ill. These people need our help,” Good said in a statement.
“During times of crisis, Americans rise to the challenge and help others in need; we do not turn our backs. I call on the governor to intervene immediately and ensure these passengers are able to disembark,” she added.
Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, also weighed in on the situation in a tweet posted Monday evening. The Florida residents should be able to dock in the state and come back to their homes, he argued.
“We take care of our people,” he wrote.
In an interview with the Bradenton Herald, Buchanan said he was primarily focused on taking care of the 49 Floridians trapped on both ships.
“My focus is primarily on Florida, especially the four in our region and in Sarasota, but we’re going to do everything we can,” said Buchanan, who suggested that the White House and the State Department would help place the other U.S. citizens and passengers. “The others, we can look where they’re from and see what’s appropriate.”
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 April 15, 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.
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 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 31, 2020 at 4:43 AM with the headline "Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on March 31."