Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on June 24
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County
More than 2,000 Manatee County residents have tested positive
Manatee County’ recorded 36 new cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases to 2,013, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The first case in Manatee County was reported March 1.
One new death was reported bringing the county’s death toll to 127, with 80 of those deaths being patients at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
Of the 36 new cases, health officials reported seven new cases in long-term care facilities, bringing the total to 468 of all the cases, or 13 percent.
The percentage of Manatee County residents tested who have been infected by the coronavirus has been on the rise in recent days, but remained stable on Tuesday at 6.1 percent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s targeted rate is 9 percent.
Florida added 3,289 new cases, bringing the state total to 103,506. Another 64 Florida residents have lost their lives to COVID-19, bringing the state death toll to 3,237.
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 pantry locations
Manatee County government has 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 24, 2020 at 6:30 AM.