Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 2

The latest on the coronavirus pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.

More deaths reported in Manatee County

COVID-19 claimed two more lives in Manatee County, as the state added more than 1,000 new cases.

The death toll in Manatee County now stands at 57, according to Florida Department of Health’s latest release of data on Friday morning. Statewide, 46 more deaths were announced, taking the death toll to 1,314.

In Manatee County, 587 people have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Manatee jail inmate tests positive

An inmate at the Manatee County jail has tested positive for the coronavirus.

During his arrest and while he was being booked into the jail on Thursday, the 60-year-old man said something to the arresting deputy and medical staff that prompted the man to be tested, according to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Randy Warren.

He was not showing any symptoms at the time, but he was placed in a pressurized cell in the medical unit at the jail.

On Thursday, the jail received the positive result. The inmate, whose name was not released for medical privacy reasons, is still not showing any symptoms, however.

Manatee County predicted to become a new hot spot

A study has identified 22 small metropolitan and rural counties in eight states that appear to be on the verge of an exponential surge in cases. Manatee County is among those impending hot spots identified.

Read the details here.

Nursing home data released

Florida health administrators Friday released detailed information about coronavirus fatalities at long-term care facilities in the state after more than a month of refusing to discuss the virus’ toll. But as has been the case throughout the pandemic, the new numbers raise questions about their reliability.

The administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis disclosed the fatality numbers after several news organizations, including the Miami Herald, filed suit under the state’s public records law to force the data’s release. The release came in the wake of withering pressure from elder advocates and the families of long-term care residents who have been isolated in nursing homes and assisted living facilities for over a month.

The data show that nursing homes and assisted living facilities have accounted for one in three coronavirus deaths in the state.

According to Friday’s release, three nursing homes have suffered the greatest losses: Braden River Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton, Suwannee Health and Rehabilitation Center in Live Oak and Seminole Pavilion Rehabilitation and Nursing Services in Seminole all have reported 13 resident deaths and one death among staff members.

Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center in Palmetto, operated by the same company as Braden River, was tied for the fifth-highest number of patient deaths, nine.

More testing available Saturday

You won’t need an appointment or a doctor’s prescription.

Get the details here.

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.

The Miami Herald contributed to this story.