Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on April 15
The latest on the coronavirus pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
More deaths in Manatee County
The state won’t say. from COVID-19, according to the Florida Department of Health. In all, 19 people have died in Manatee during the pandemic.
The number of total cases in the county rose by nine to 261 as of Tuesday evening.
Florida’s death toll climbed by 72 for a total of 571. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases climbed from 21,019 on Monday to 21,628 on Tuesday evening.
Which elder-care facilities have COVID-19? Florida won’t say
On Tuesday, the Florida Department of Health reported the aggregate number of residents and staff at long-term care facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19, the deadly respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus: 1,179 — up 217 cases since Monday. Most of the cases are in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, but alarming hot spots have metastasized in three North Florida counties: Suwanee, Clay and Leon.
Which facilities are those?
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.
The Miami Herald contributed to this story.
This story was originally published April 15, 2020 at 5:00 AM.