Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on April 1
Here’s the latest on the coronavirus pandemic in Bradenton and Sarasota.
More cases in Manatee, Sarasota
Manatee County’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose to 48 as reported by the Florida Department of Health on Tuesday morning, a spike of six new cases.
Sarasota County’s confirmed cases climbed from 67 cases to 71 while statewide numbers increased to a total of 6,338 cases as the coronavirus pandemic intensifies. Florida’s death toll climbed from 71 cases on Monday to 77 on Tuesday morning.
No DeSoto Grand Parade in 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has forced the cancellation of one of Bradenton’s grandest traditions, the DeSoto Heritage Festival Grand Parade. Other festival events, like the Children’s Parade and the Bottle Boat Regatta, also have been cancelled.
“With the widespread uncertainly related to COVID-19, logistical complexities, government mandates and other personal consideration in the community, we have decided this was the best course of action at this time,” DeSoto President Pat Bustle wrote in a letter announcing the decision.
“This has been a very somber time for us at the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society, as the DeSoto Heritage Festival is the pinnacle of our year,” Bustle wrote. “We will miss all of you who were unable to celebrate with us this year and will be excited to see you next time!”
Ellenton clinic offering drive-thru testing
While the Manatee Department of Health has admitted to having limited specimen collection supplies to test for the new coronavirus, one local urgent care facility has stepped up and is now offering drive-thru testing.
On Monday, Ellenton Urgent Care, 4015 U.S. 301, began offering drive-thru testing outside its facility.
“We’re working with Quest and LabCorp to provide testing for the community,” physician assistant Alexander Petreas said.
Anyone wanting to be tested needs to call the clinic at 941-531-2800 to be pre-screened and then schedule an appointment. Appointments are available between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 pm.
Manatee school campuses closed until May 4
Public schools in Manatee County will remain closed through May 1, continuing a series of closures since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.
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 April 1, 2020 at 5:00 AM.