Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 14
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
New death reported in Manatee County
One more death in Manatee County is being blamed on COVID-19 as the Florida Department of Health confirmed 48 new deaths statewide on Wednesday.
The latest death is connected to one of the eight skilled nursing homes or three assisted living facilities with confirmed cases locally.
There are now 75 deaths in the county confirmed to be caused by COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Among those, 47 of the deaths occurred in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
As of Tuesday, there were 94 current cases of residents in these facilities, 60 current cases in residents who had been transferred out and 62 current cases in staffers.
Quote of the day
“I kind of thought OK, she was older. She passed. ... But when they were trying to hide it and lie about it, that’s when I needed to let people know that, ‘Hey, they are not being honest with the patients there and their families.’” — Patti Varrato, whose mother died at Braden River Rehabilitation Center on April 1.
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.
This story was originally published May 14, 2020 at 5:00 AM.