Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 2
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County
Another 159 COVID-19 cases in Manatee County
Another 159 people in Manatee County have tested positive for the coronavirus, pushing the total of those infected locally to past 3,000. It is the third-highest daily count since the start of the pandemic.
The latest cases in Manatee County are among the 6,563 new cases announced Wednesday by the Florida Department of Health.
Manatee County now has 3,015 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Across the state, those who have been infected now total 158,997.
There were 46 new deaths announced across the state as a result of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Those deaths include the death of one non-resident, a tally which the health department has been keeping separate.
In Manatee County, one COVID-19 death was deleted from the death toll in the latest data released. The current official death toll is 129.
Data about COVID-19 and kids
As of last Friday, 199 children in Manatee County, and 46 in Sarasota County, had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to the Florida Department of Health.
None of the infected people 17 or younger in Manatee or Sarasota had died from COVID-19.
Hospitals change visitation rules
New rules are in effect at Blake Medical Center and Manatee Memorial Hospital.
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 uses all of its test equipment 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 uses all of its test equipment 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 uses all of its test equipment 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 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.
The Miami Herald contributed to this story.