Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on June 16
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
More cases in Manatee County
Another 44 people who’ve tested positive for the coronavirus in Manatee County are among the 1,758 total new cases statewide on Monday, according to the Florida Department of Health.
There are now 1,421 people who have tested positive locally for the coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19. Across Florida, there have been 77,326 cases total since the state’s first case in March.
The death toll in Manatee County remained the same on Monday, 115.
Statewide, a total of 2,938 people have died.
Employee at Palmetto High School tests positive
A case of COVID-19 was confirmed at Palmetto High School after a district employee visited one of the local testing sites.
“I learned of it today,” district spokesman Mike Barber said on Monday evening, after receiving an inquiry from the Bradenton Herald. “I’m not sure when it was confirmed.”
Barber said a crew disinfected the “areas that need to be addressed” at Palmetto High, and that most employees were gone for the summer. Depending on the school, he said there was usually a “skeleton crew” of administrators, custodians and office staff.
There were also cafeteria workers who made summer meals for the drive-thru sites and mobile buses throughout Manatee County, feeding students during the break.
Barber confirmed that a district employee self-reported their test results. He declined to provide the employee’s role at the school, citing the Health Insurance portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
“We have no students on campus,” he said. “Those who need to know have been notified.”
Help could be coming to small businesses in Manatee
Local help is on the way for small business owners in Manatee County who were affected by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ statewide shutdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Certain businesses that qualify may be eligible for up to $5,000 in funding, thanks to a new Recover Manatee program run by the county’s Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity Department. The organization has detailed the guidelines required to receive funding.
To qualify, a business must employ 15 or fewer full-time equivalent workers, have documented proof of losses incurred during the shutdown and no prior receipt of funds from the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan or the Paycheck Protection Program, among other criteria.
The Manatee Board of County Commissioners is set to approve guidelines for the program during Tuesday’s public meeting. County staff previously briefed board members on the program, noting that the funds would be used to help the businesses and industries most affected by the pandemic.
Commissioners agreed that the grants could help get the economy back on the right track. If approved, an application process will open up in the coming weeks.
Tourists start to return to Bradenton
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 16, 2020 at 5:00 AM.