Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on April 28
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County
25 more COVID-19 cases in Manatee
Manatee County has 25 new cases of COVID-19 as the state added more than 600 new cases, according to the Florida Department of Health.
There are now 533 people in Manatee County who have tested positive for the new coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19. Statewide, the total cases has topped 32,000.
The statewide death toll rose to 1,088 with the latest 14 new deaths. Manatee County’s death toll remains at 42.
Drive-thru testing in Palmetto
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County will offer another round of drive-thru specimen collections for COVID-19 testing in Palmetto this week.
The patient samples will be collected from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.
Sample collection is free of charge and will only be offered to residents who meet certain criteria, according to the health department.
Residents will be considered for testing if they have a prescription from a healthcare provider or are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or are at high risk from the disease.
Appointments can be made by calling the health department at 941-748-0747.
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.
This story was originally published April 28, 2020 at 5:00 AM.