Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 27
More COVID-19 cases in Bradenton
There are two new COVID-19 cases in Manatee County, according to the Florida Department of Health.
A total of 990 people in Manatee County have tested positive for the coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19. There have been 91 deaths.
New coronavirus testing site in Palmetto
Manatee County residents will soon be able to walk up to a new testing site in Palmetto and be tested for the coronavirus.
On Tuesday, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, with the help of the Florida National Guard, was setting up the county’s first walk-up test site at Lincoln Park, 501 17th St. E., Palmetto.
It will have a soft opening on Wednesday, and will be fully operational from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Thursday. It will be open for at least 14 days.
You will not need an appointment or prescription to be tested.
Going to school in the age of COVID-19
Manatee County School Board is still making plans for whatever the 2020-21 school year might bring. But already, it seems all but certain that there will be many new rules for students because of COVID-19.
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 27, 2020 at 5:00 AM.