Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 13

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

Manatee County case count nears 800

Almost 800 people in Manatee County have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

As of Tuesday morning, the case count in Manatee stood at 795, including 74 deaths.

The statewide total was 41,923, including 1,779 deaths.

Beach limits lifted

As of Wednesday, you can stay at public beaches as long as you want — as long as you keep your social distance.

And if you don’t want to drive that far, you can again spend a beach day along the Palma Sola Causeway.

In-person Catholic Masses to resume

Catholic Masses will be allowed to resume in-person next Monday in parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice, Bishop Frank J. Dewane announced in a press release on Tuesday.

All non-liturgical activities will remain suspended, and the diocese outlined additional safety measures to be followed at local parishes to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Diocesan pastors have been asked to limit the size of congregations to 25 percent occupancy and maintain social distancing guidelines indoors. Additionally, those who attend Mass will be asked to wear face masks, bring hand sanitizer and receive communion in the hand rather than by mouth.

Quote of the day

“I wanted to give back to everybody. ... I wanted to give back to the fishermen, so that they could get out and fish for something. … And I was trying to give back to the locals, because I’m born and raised here.” — Joe Caputo, Bradenton fishing captain whose inaugural fishing tournament raised $2,000 for the Manatee Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund.

Do you need a mask?

Manatee County government can hook you up.

Here’s where you can get them.

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.