Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 28
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Two more COVID-19 deaths in Manatee County
Another six people have tested positive for COVID-19 and two more patients have died in Manatee County, according to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health.
Health officials say 996 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Manatee. Throughout the state, 52,634 have tested positive — an increase of 379 cases since Tuesday.
The newly reported deaths bring Manatee’s death toll to 93 people. An increase in testing availability has allowed state officials to test 16,548 residents overall, bringing the county’s percentage of positive cases to 6 percent, which is within Florida’s “target range” for controlling the spread of the virus.
New coronavirus testing site in Palmetto
Manatee County residents can now walk up to a new testing site in Palmetto and be tested for the coronavirus.
The county’s first walk-up test site is at Lincoln Park, 501 17th St. E., Palmetto.
It had 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.
Fourth of July celebration canceled
The annual Fourth of July celebration at Sutton Park in Palmetto has been canceled due to the coronavirus.
Wynonna & The Big Noise, featuring country star Wynonna Judd, was scheduled to headline the 2020 event. The performance has now been rescheduled for July 4, 2021.
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 28, 2020 at 5:00 AM.