Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on June 18
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
40 more cases, 1 more dead reported in Manatee
An additional 40 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Manatee County. They are among the 2,610 new cases across the state reported by the Florida Department of Health on Wednesday.
Another person has also died in Manatee County from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. That death is among 25 new deaths that were reported across the state.
A total of 117 people have now died from the disease locally, while statewide there have now been 3,018 deaths.
Manatee County’s total infections now total 1,523. Statewide, a total of 82,719 have tested positive for the virus.
Locally the cumulative percent positive rate remained unchanged since Tuesday at 5.3%. The state’s rate increased by one tenth of a percentage point to 5.6%.
Free COVID-19 testing
A reminder that free COVID-19 testing continues at locations in Manatee and Sarasota counties, including:
A drive-thru site near The Mall at University Town Center, in the parking lot east of Dillard’s, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or until the site reaches 750 tests for the day).
A walk-up site at Home Depot, 2350 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or until the site reaches 100 tests for the day).
A walk-up site at Lincoln Park, 501 17th St. E., Palmetto, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or until the site reaches 200 tests for the day).
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 18, 2020 at 5:00 AM.