Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on April 14
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Two people more die in Manatee County
There were two additional COVID-19-related deaths confirmed in Manatee County on Monday as the state death toll reached 499 people, according to the Florida Department of Health.
There were also 16 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Manatee County.
As of Monday evening, Manatee County had 252 cases of people who have tested positive for the new coronavirus, which causes the respiratory disease COVID-19. Fifteen people have died.
COVID-19 all but grounds SRQ airport
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport saw a 22.6 percent decrease in passenger traffic for March with 153,246 passengers traveling through the terminal, the majority being recorded in the first half of the month.
April could be a lot worse, the airport said Monday.
“With the spread of COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, along with stay-at-home orders implemented throughout the country, the airport has experienced a sharp decline in passengers and air service. Passenger traffic is expected to be down 95 percent in April as the full effects of the decline in travel are experienced for the full month,” Rick Piccolo, president and CEO of the airport, said in a press release.
With many of SRQ’s nine air carriers applying for federal grant money under the CARES Act, the airport expects to maintain a minimal level of service to multiple destinations as the country transitions through the pandemic.
Monday morning, the SRQ arrivals board was showing 21 flights and of those, seven had been canceled.
“We know it is going to be painful for the next couple of months as the entire country works to contain and reverse the spread of COVID-19. During this time, the airport plans to proceed with construction projects that would otherwise be very difficult to complete when high volumes of travelers are using the airport,” Piccolo said.
COVID-19 shuts down Wawa store
A Wawa store in East Manatee has been temporarily closed, after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
The Wawa at 4506 53rd Ave. E., near Lockwood Ridge Road, was shut down on Saturday to be deep cleaned and disinfected.
“In accordance with our stringent protocols, we took immediate action and closed the store to have it professionally cleaned and disinfected. The store will open as soon as possible with associates from neighboring stores, if needed, ” the letter on the front door stated. “We are working with the Department of Health on notifications to any associate who may have had close contact with the associate.”
Bradenton food banks need help
Area food pantries report they are falling short on donations as the demand for food increases during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Recently we put out an appeal for food,” St. Joseph Food Pantry wrote on its website. “We found we are unable to order food from grocers as they are having problems stocking their shelves. We had a huge response from those we contacted and we cannot thank you enough. With your help, we now have enough food for April. We are taking this one month at a time.
Free takeout food for a year?
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 14, 2020 at 5:00 AM.