Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on May 30
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Death toll in Manatee up to 96
Another person has died from COVID-19 in Manatee County, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Also, Manatee County has 15 new cases of COVID-19, as the state adds more than 1,200 new cases to its total count, according to the health department.
Manatee County has now had 96 people die from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The state death toll, which increased by 49 on Friday, now stands at 2,413.
About two-thirds of the COVID-19 deaths in Manatee County have been residents or staff at one of the county’s skilled nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
A total of 1,022 people in Manatee County have now tested positive for the coronavirus. Statewide, there are now 54,497 total cases.
COVID-19 adds to urgency of buying hurricane supplies
With COVID-19 still an unchecked deadly threat, Floridians will need to combine social distancing and appropriate mask wearing when buying their emergency supplies for what is predicted to be a intense hurricane season.
State and local officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of the 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which started Friday and runs through June. 4.
Hurricane season starts June 1.
Read more here.
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.
This story was originally published May 30, 2020 at 5:00 AM.