Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on April 18
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Nine more deaths in Manatee County
Nine more people have died in Manatee County from COVID-19, according to the Florida Department of Health. Overall, there were 17 new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, reported Friday in Manatee County.
There are now 326 people who have now tested positive for the coronavirus locally and 24,753 people statewide, as of Friday evening’s report from the Florida Department of Health.
The death toll in Manatee County is now 29.
Former Manatee County commissioner dies
Former Manatee County Commissioner Gwendolyn Brown passed away from complications related to the coronavirus, Commissioner Carol Whitmore announced during a Board of County Commissioners meeting Friday afternoon.
Brown’s family asked Whitmore to share the news publicly.
“I’ve known her for many years through Commissioner Pat Glass — way before I was elected,” Whitmore said. “She was a very nice lady and very loyal to her friends.”
Brown, who was first elected to the board in 1994, was the county’s first African-American commissioner, county officials said. She served on the board until 2010.
“I’ve known Gwen Brown for a very long time and I know the heart she had for her community, so I extend condolences to her family,” Commissioner Betsy Benac said.
State Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, took to Twitter Friday afternoon to express his condolences.
“Commissioner Brown served Manatee County with such distinction. Dr. Brown was a trailblazer being the first African-American Manatee County commissioner. I was honored to know her and will miss her. My prayers are with her family during this difficult time.”
Commission extends nighttime curfew
The Board of County Commissioners voted 4-3 to extend the local curfew until Tuesday in an effort to stop the spread and flatten the curve of a nationwide COVID-19 outbreak.
The board will meet again to discuss a further extension of the 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, which first went into effect on April 3. President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis have both said they will provide coronavirus updates on Monday, and commissioners hope to use some of that information to make their decision.
Hospital furloughs workers
Hospital workers at Manatee Memorial who have been on the front line of the fight against the coronavirus, a pandemic so dangerous that many Americans have been told to stay in their homes, are now also facing furloughs and feeling the pinch of belt tightening.
“During these unprecedented and difficult times associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Manatee Memorial Hospital has worked hard to ensure the protection of employment through the following options: a reduction in hours with benefits, a redeployment within the organization, or a furlough which will include a retention of company paid benefits including health, vision, dental, and life insurance,” CEO Kevin DiLallo said in a statement.
Need a job? Look here
A website projects the unemployment rate in Manatee-Sarasota could hit 28 percent, as businesses shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic shed jobs.
Local business organizations are not standing pat.
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 18, 2020 at 5:00 AM.