Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on April 13
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
More cases in Manatee, Sarasota
Another 15 people in Manatee County were among 909 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed across the state on Sunday, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Florida has now had 19,895 confirmed cases of the disease, 19,337 of which were found in residents.
An additional nine people have died, according to the state health department, bringing the number of confirmed deaths in Florida to 461 since the coronavirus outbreak started.
As of Sunday evening, 236 people in Manatee had tested positive, including 13 who died. In Sarasota, the count is up to 226, including 12 deaths.
Boat ramps to reopen
Boat ramps operated by Manatee County government will reopen by Monday evening, after the county commission voted 4-3 to overrule an earlier decision by the county’s public safety chief.
“The thing of it is that then it’s up to the people to show that they’re responsible enough to do what they need to do,” Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said during the discussion. “The bottom line is I’d like to give citizens the opportunity.”
Public Safety Chief Jake Saur said the commission’s decision sends a “mixed message” about the county’s efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“My hope is after the action by the board, the public continues to heed the message to social distance,” Saur said. “It’s unfortunate, at a pivotal point in our fight against COVID-19, that we could possibly send a mixed message that now is the time for the public to be at home. They should only be out for essential business.”
At the same meeting, the commission voted to extend a nighttime curfew in the county for another seven days.
COVID-19 at Bradenton nursing home
A spokeswoman for Braden River Rehabilitation Center confirmed residents of the facility have tested positive for COVID-19.
It is one of at least three such long-term facilities in Manatee County to report cases of the disease. At least 32 patients in total have been diagnosed as positive for the disease at the local facilities.
State and local health officials have declined to release the names of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care centers with patients who have contracted COVID-19.
The Miami Herald plans to file a lawsuit to force the state to release the names of the facilities.
Nurses upset about reused masks
Nurses are speaking out against what they describe as unsafe working conditions at Manatee Memorial Hospital, where administrators are asking staff to reuse N95 masks.
In a memo dated March 30, the hospital told employees that their masks could be reused up to five times thanks to ultraviolet light technology that sanitizes the masks. Nurses are asked to write their names on the mask, as well as how many times it has been cleaned, before placing it in a paper bag and a central collection bin.
But not everyone thinks the method is safe.
“I don’t know the accuracy or effectiveness of it, but this is what they’re using,” said one nurse who spoke with the Bradenton Herald on the condition of anonymity, fearing that speaking out could cost them their job. “I can’t imagine this being sanitary. We’re putting our masks in one bucket and saying it’s now clean.”
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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.
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 advise that people wear face masks to avoid either contracting the virus or passing it on.
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 13, 2020 at 7:59 AM.