Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on June 20
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County
New daily record set in Manatee County
Local officials are stressing the need for residents to wear face masks in public as Manatee County and the state of Florida both set a new record-high for the number of COVID-19 cases reported in a single day.
Manatee reported 101 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, a new daily record. Statewide, 3,822 cases, also a record daily high, were reported, according to the Florida Department of Health. Even as cases of the novel coronavirus surge, officials say they don’t expect to approve an ordinance that makes face coverings mandatory — a step taken in other Tampa Bay cities.
Two additional deaths were reported in Manatee County, bringing the local death toll to 124. In Florida, an additional 43 deaths were recorded. As of Friday, 3,104 Floridians had died of COVID-19 since the pandemic hit here in March.
The number of cases in Florida climbed to 89,748.
The previous daily high in Manatee was on Tuesday, when 62 new infections were reported.
As the number of local cases continues to rise, Manatee’s Public Safety Director Jake Saur encouraged residents to use a mask or face covering any time they enter the public.
“It is troublesome to see the uptick in recent cases but as we move through this, it’s important for the general public to understand that they have a duty to curb the spread of COVID-19 and that’s by wearing a mask,” he said.
Free COVID-19 testing available here
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.
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.
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 20, 2020 at 5:00 AM.