Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 9

The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Manatee County.

Four more deaths from COVID-19

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been officially reported in Manatee County, as the statewide death toll climbs to 1,669.

There are now 72 people confirmed to have died in Manatee County because of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

In Manatee, there have been a total of 738 people test positive for the coronavirus.

COVID-19 deaths spike in Florida nursing homes

Florida health officials released stark new data late Friday showing that deaths in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities appear to have accounted for 60 percent of the deaths in Florida this past week from COVID-19.

The Florida Department of Health reported a total of 665 deaths from COVID-19 at such facilities, an increase of 242 deaths from last week’s report.

In the same time period, the state’s overall toll increased by 401 deaths.

Two of the seven Florida facilities to the most COVID-19 deaths of residents and/or staff are in Manatee County.

Braden River Rehabilitation Center in Bradenton is tied for second with two other homes with 18 deaths.

Riviera Palms Rehabiltation Center in Palmetto, which is managed by the same company as Braden River, is in seventh place with 12 deaths.

DeSantis says barbershops and salons can reopen

Gov. Ron DeSantis posted a video Friday featuring Orlando barbershop owner John Henry, who announced that starting Monday, barbershops, hair salons and nail salons will be allowed to reopen in most of the state after being shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are ready to get back to work and make some money,” Henry, who operates J Henry’s Barber Shop, said in the video. “But getting back to work, we want to be safe to continue to wear gloves, wear masks, bookmark appointments and continue to keep the community safe. I know everyone is happy to come out and support the barbershop, and we want to continue to keep one thing in mind, safety is always first.”

During an appearance Friday morning in Jacksonville, DeSantis said industry proposals had been looked at by the state Department of Health and physicians and were “going in a really good direction.”

“Look, I practically have a mullet. So, I haven’t had a haircut in a long time,” DeSantis said during the appearance. “But you know, we just want to make sure we’re going in a safe, smart step-by-step approach. We’re being very judicious on everything we’re doing. But I absolutely see a path. And I think if people watch out, I think that you’ll be hearing something on that very soon.”

Floridians not following safety procedures, survey finds

As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to allow phased reopenings in more parts of the state, the state’s Department of Health announced a new app that streamlines the way Floridians and others can take the Community Action Survey, which officials say can help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Data from the survey show Floridians aren’t following some health official safety measures.

The Community Action Survey Report was first announced in early April. DeSantis said, “In addition to helping our state better identify and predict coronavirus trends in Florida, the StrongerThanC-19 community action survey will also guide users through the next ‘STEPS’ of preparedness and prevention measures.”

On Thursday, the Florida Department of Health launched the StrongerThanC-19 app where people can take the survey. In a press release that announced the launch of the app, officials said the app was launched “to help flatten the curve.”

As of Friday afternoon, 324,208 Floridians and non-Florida residents have completed the survey, which is about 1.5% of the population of the state.

The survey asks seven questions, which includes asking participants if they feel sick, have coronavirus symptoms and if they are taking steps to prevent the virus spread.

Since the outbreak began health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health have been asking citizens to social distance, sanitize, stay at home and be aware of what updates are released from their organizations.

The survey shows some people have been disregarding these warnings.

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.

Contribute to Coronavirus Reporting Fund

The Bradenton Herald’s Coronavirus Reporting Fund allows you to contribute to our reporting on the pandemic. We need your help to maintain our current level of coverage.

You can donate here.

Or you can also send us a check. Make it out to the Local Media Foundation and in the memo field, write “Bradenton Herald.” Send it to Bradenton Herald Give Butter, 1111 Third Ave. W., #100 Bradenton 34205.

All of the money raised will support our reporting here in Bradenton. All contributions are tax deductible.

The Miami Herald contributed to this story.

This story was originally published May 9, 2020 at 5:00 AM.