Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on June 15
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County
More cases reported in Manatee County
An additional 24 cases of COVID-19 in Manatee County were among 2,016 more cases reported statewide on Sunday, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Six additional COVID-19-related deaths were reported across Florida, none of which were in Manatee. The state death toll since the virus outbreak began is now at 2,931.
The recent upward trend of new COVID-19 cases in Florida is consistent with the state’s reopening and cannot wholly be attributed to increases in testing, a Miami Herald data analysis found.
Health experts said that the rising numbers could indicate a resurgence of the virus, but they also agreed that proactive public and government action could bring the spread under control without the need for another shutdown.
Manatee County was among those that experienced a recent spike in cases, with 56 new cases reported on Friday and 44 on Saturday. The county has now had 1,377 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since testing for the coronavirus began.
In Manatee, 115 people have died from 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.
This story was originally published June 15, 2020 at 5:00 AM.