Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 6
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
More COVID-19 deaths in Manatee County
The Florida Department of Health reported two more deaths in Manatee County related to COVID-19, bringing the death toll here to 61.
In all, 684 people have tested postive for the novel coronavirus in the county.
Governor visits coronavirus testing site
Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted the importance of COVID-19 testing and Florida’s ability to screen residents during his visit to Sarasota on Tuesday morning.
As he departed from the Mall at University Town Center, a state-supported location for drive-thru testing, the site reached capacity and turned away frustrated residents.
The site at UTC opened on Sunday and closed early the last two days. While testing was scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the 400 available tests were accounted for by 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, as the governor wrapped up his press conference.
Flanked by members of the local legislative delegation, the governor said he would support more testing at the site.
“This can accommodate 400, but if we need to scale it up, that will happen very quickly,” DeSantis said during the briefing. “I know Jared (Moskowitz) has supplies ready to go.”
Moskowitz, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said the testing site in Sarasota would expand its testing capabilities.
“When we open these sites, we open them up at a 400-person capacity to work out the kinks, make sure everything works,” he said. “After today this site will go to 750 a day.”
Testing will continue in Sarasota on Wednesday, starting at 9 a.m., and no prescription, appointment or insurance is required. The local site is expected to remain open through at least May 17.
Big local employer takes a hit
Food distribution company Sysco has cut its national workforce by one-third due to the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sysco’s West Coast Florida operation, 3000 69th St. E., Palmetto is one of Manatee County’s larger employers. The Palmetto operation opened in 1996.
Prior to the pandemic, Sysco West Coast Florida employed 468, making it the eighth largest business employer in Manatee County, according to the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp.
Federal judge moves to stop Bradenton ‘church’
A Bradenton organization that peddles drinking industrial-grade bleach as a cure for 95 percent of the world’s known illnesses, including HIV/AIDS, autism, Alzheimer’s, leukemia, and most recently, COVID-19, was openly defiant after a federal court issued a temporary restraining order on the sale of its products.
“We are doing good, so we have no fear of you AND you still have NO authority in our Church or its practices,” wrote Mark Grenon, leader of Genesis II Church of Health and Healing in an email addressed to U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams on April 24.
Grenon, who said he has written President Donald Trump about his product, also told the judge to cancel all orders against the organization.
The judge has issued a preliminary injunction that extends a ban on the organization from distributing its MMS product, also known as “Master” or “Miracle Mineral Solution.”
“The Court finds that the United States has shown a cognizable danger that Defendants will continue to violate the FDCA in the future unless a preliminary injunction is issued,” Judge Williams stated her in May 1 order.
Debunking COVID-19 myths
Quote of the day
“This can accommodate 400, but if we need to scale it up, that will happen very quickly.” — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during visit to COVID-19 testing site near the Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota.
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.
The Miami Herald contributed to this story.
This story was originally published May 6, 2020 at 5:00 AM.