Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on April 9
The latest on the coronavirus pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Another death in Manatee County
An eighth person has died in Manatee County after testing positive for COVID-19, according to the Florida Department of Health. It is the fifth local death reported this week.
The state health department also confirmed eight new cases of COVID-19 in Manatee County and 11 new cases in Sarasota County on Wednesday. They were among 951 new cases in Florida.
A total of 172 people in Manatee County have now tested positive for the new coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19. In Sarasota County, 184 people have tested positive.
Florida had 15,698 cases, according to the latest data released by the state health department on Wednesday evening.
ACLU objects to curfew
A civil rights group says Manatee County’s 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. stay-at-home curfew has gone too far.
In a letter sent to the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union said it has grave concerns about the breadth of the emergency resolution, which is meant to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.
“While we certainly appreciate the unique and difficult circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACLU is always concerned when safety measures curtail the right of individuals to gather and/or shelter as needed under their particular needs,” the group wrote.
“In that respect, we are concerned with the overbreadth of this resolution and the chilling (effect) it may have on the exercise of constitutionally-protected activities,” the letter continues.
Commissioners voted 5-2 on Friday to approve the curfew, which went into effect that night. Commissioners Vanessa Baugh and Stephen Jonsson voted against the resolution.
The curfew requires people to stay home, unless they are doing something deemed “essential,” such as going to or from work or caring for a family memeber.
As of Wednesday, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office says no one has been cited for violating the curfew.
Is it OK for marinas to remain open?
Getting a clear-cut answer was tough but generally speaking, yes, marinas can be open.
Nick Azzara, Manatee County information outreach manager, said as far as the county is concerned, marinas fall into the same “recreational” category as golf courses, which are allowed to operate as long as they follow social distancing guidelines.
Food pantries feeling the crunch
Manatee County families are relying on outside help for their weekly meals, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but some food banks are struggling to meet the demand, while others are closing altogether.
Vicki Snyder, the co-founder of Hungers End Manatee, said her organization was helping more people with fewer supplies.
The organization usually serves about 200 people on Wednesdays, but Snyder now receives daily calls for help, and the pantry is giving out an extra 100 meals throughout the week, if not more.
“I don’t know what I’m getting on the truck,” she said. “With the stores having such a run on them, the trucks have been a lot less. I could get eight or 10 pallets, whereas now I’m getting three or four pallets.”
Need a job? Look here
Business organizations in Manatee and Sarasota counties reported they have joined forces to connect displaced workers with employers.
Employers can post jobs while workers displaced by the coronavirus pandemic can search for them at jobfocus.com, a service hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
Also, here is a link to more information about applying for unemployment benefits in Florida.
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 May 1, 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.
Need help paying rent or utility bills? Check out the groups listed here.
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.
Restaurants offering Easter meal deals
Don’t want to cook for Easter? These restaurants and grocery stores have a deal for you.
Tips to protect yourself from the 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 9, 2020 at 5:00 AM.