Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 11
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
166 new coronavirus infections reported in Manatee as hospitals near capacity
Manatee County has another 166 residents who have tested positive for the coronavirus just as the county’s three hospitals report they are running out of beds and staff to take care of patients.
The new local cases were among the more than 11,443 new cases announced on Friday by the Florida Department of Health. It was the second-highest daily statewide count since the start of the pandemic.
There are now 4,432 people who’ve tested positive in Manatee County since the onset of the pandemic. Statewide, the official tally of cases is now 244,151.
As of Friday afternoon, the county’s three general hospitals had a total of 14 beds, including five intensive-care beds, available, according to data they provided county officials.
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s database. reported there were 101 beds available, but the database does not take into account the amount of staff available to care for patients.
Between the three hospitals, on Friday afternoon they said they had 115 patients who had tested positive for the coronavirus.
According to new data that the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s added to its online database on Friday afternoon, there were 84 people hospitalized in Manatee County who have a primary diagnosis of COVID-19.
The reason for the discrepancy was not clear.
Lakewood Ranch restaurant closed after worker dies from COVID-19
The staff of the Lucky Pelican Bistro, 6239 Lake Osprey Drive, was devastated to learn Thursday that a staff member had died of COVID-19 related complications.
The restaurant immediately announced on social media that it was closing until further notice.
“We are deeply hurt and grieving the loss of our friend and co-worker. He had a great sense of humor and a great work ethic,” owner Patrick Moore said Friday. “We are just besides ourselves.”
Read more here.
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.
This story was originally published July 11, 2020 at 7:26 AM with the headline "Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 11."