Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 4
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Manatee County has more than 600 coronavirus cases
Another 12 people in Manatee County were among 615 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed statewide on Sunday, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Florida has now had 36,078 confirmed cases of the disease, including 619 in Manatee County.
In Florida, 1,379 people have died from COVID-19, including 59 in Manatee County.
COVID-19 testing at Sarasota shopping mall
Free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing is now available for the Manatee County and Sarasota County area at a site near The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota.
The site, operated by the Florida National Guard, opened Sunday and will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, according to the Joint Information Center on COVID-19 for the State of Florida.
Testing is free and available for anyone over the age of 18. No prescriptions, appointments or symptoms are required.
Participants do not have to be residents of Sarasota or Manatee counties.
Florida to partially reopen
Manatee and most of the rest of Florida will partially reopen Monday.
Here are some details about how that might play out in Manatee County:
Public beaches are about to reopen on Anna Maria Island. Parking could be a challenge.
Bradenton area retail stores announce plans to partially reopen after governor’s order.
‘Best weekend ever to nothing.’ Some Bradenton restaurants reopening, others stress caution.
COVID-19 postponed elective surgeries. Manatee Memorial Hospital is ready to resume
Warnings about reopening
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.
Also, several public health experts are offering their critiques about Gov. Ron DeSantis’s plan to reopen Florida.
Most said it was a reasonable, balanced plan, but five of the seven consulted by the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times said it was soon to deploy it.
Dr. Les Beitsch, the state’s deputy secretary of health in 2018, said there’s one chance to get this right, so why rush?
“Once you reopen, it’s difficult to have a time out. It creates a serious concern about people’s trust in their leadership,” Beitsch said. “And if you’re incorrect, the consequences could be catastrophic.”
SCF’s virtual graduation
State College of Florida honored more than 800 graduates during a virtual ceremony on Friday afternoon, broadcasting the event on Facebook Live and WSLR 96.5 Community Radio.
“This is the most unique commencement ceremony in the history of our institution, and perhaps one of the most important,” said SCF President Carol Probstfeld.
Quote of the day
“In the end, you’re still going to graduate. ... You’re still going to college, but it may be a little different.” — Ximena Chafloque, 18, Southeast High student describing how COVID-19 has disrupted her senior year.
NEED A JOB? LOOK HERE
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.
Meanwhile, these companies say they are hiring.
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.
This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 5:11 AM.