Coronavirus

Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 18

Herald staff report

Updated May 18, 2020 6:22 AM

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

Fifteen more cases in Manatee

An additional 15 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Manatee County, according to the Florida Department of Health.

They were among 777 new cases reported statewide on Sunday.

Manatee County has now had 849 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since testing for the coronavirus began, including 81 deaths.

Statewide, there have been 45,588, including 1,973 deaths.

Summer camp planning

Local schools begin their summer break in less than two weeks, and after spending more than a month at home with online learning, students and their parents are ready for something new.

Manatee County families often look to summer camps between June and August, but COVID-19 forced some programs into a state of uncertainty.

Out of 10 camps that responded to the Bradenton Herald, two were canceled, two were undecided and six planned to open under new guidelines. Most of the camps lowered their enrollment to maintain social distancing, and at least two raised their prices.

All of the programs could adjust their dates and activities, depending on how the pandemic and the public guidelines change, so families should contact the programs before registering.

Food pantries in Manatee County

As COVID-19 has ravaged Manatee County and employers have shedded jobs, food security has become a bigger issue for many residents.

Manatee County government this week released a list of food pantries in the county where residents can obtain free food and other assistance.

Read it here.

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 18, 2020 at 5:00 AM.