Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 29
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Two more deaths in Manatee as total cases surpass 1,000
Another two people with COVID-19 have died and 11 more people have tested positive in Manatee County, according to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health.
There have now been 1,007 people who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Manatee County since testing began. The death toll has reached 95.
Unemployment rate keeps rising
Even as Manatee County businesses reopen under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive orders, the number of unemployment assistance claims continue to grow.
Manatee County’s unemployment rate now stands at 11.8 percent, with 21,246 out of a workforce of 179,993 filing unemployment assistance claims, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity dashboard.
Last week, the DEO reported that 18,390 Manatee County residents, or 10.2 percent of the workforce had filed claims.
In February, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the area, Manatee County enjoyed a robust economy and a 3 percent unemployment rate.
Nurses protest conditions at Blake Medical Center
The threat of impending layoffs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t helping morale at Blake Medical Center, several nurses said in a protest Thursday morning.
While working to provide the best care possible, nurses say the strain of staff shortages and the lack of protective equipment are major disruptions to their working conditions.
About 20 nurses took part in the demonstration, joining staffs at 14 other HCA Healthcare hospitals across the nation fighting against similar issues. Organizers planned a similar protest at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota Thursday night.
“We came here to stand up for patient safety,” said Kim Brooks, a 15-year registered nurse at Blake and member of the National Nurses United union that organized the protest. “(Hospital administrators) have not been working with us. They gave us two options: layoffs of 10 percent or delaying the layoffs for six months with a freeze on raises.”
“It’s already a stressful time during the pandemic,” she added.
Read more, including the hospital’s response, here.
CVS offers testing
CVS has announced the addition of 30 new COVID-19 self-swab test sites across Florida, including three stores in Sarasota.
“These new sites will utilize self-swab tests and deliver on the company’s commitment to establish 1,000 locations across the country by the end of May,” according to a corporate press release issued Thursday.
Re-openings continue
The Bishop Musuem of Science and Nature in downtown Bradenton has plans to reopen, after being closed for almost three months because of COVID-19.
So does Mote Marine’s aquarium in Sarasota.
Prepare yourselves for new rules at both attractions.
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 29, 2020 at 5:00 AM.