Record-breaking 480 new COVID-19 cases in Manatee. More than 5,000 have been infected

The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections surged again on Sunday as the Florida Department of Health reported record-breaking new case numbers both in Manatee County and across the state.

In Manatee County, 480 new cases were reported. The state’s COVID-19 dashboard listed 470 new cases in Manatee on Sunday, but testing data and daily case totals put the number of new cases at 480. It is by far the highest single-day record of new cases since the coronavirus pandemic began. Manatee’s cumulative case count now stands at 5,112, including 138 deaths.

Statewide, 15,386 new positive cases were recorded. That compares to a previous record of 11,458 new cases reported on July 4. The next highest daily number occurred on Friday when the state health department recorded 11,433 new cases.

The total number of infections reported in Florida is now 269,811, and the statewide death toll is 4,346.

The percentage of people testing positive for the virus continues to creep upward in Manatee County. The overall positivity rate was at 9.2 percent as of Sunday, according to the state health department, an increase of four percentage points in five weeks.

The state health’s department’s target range for test positivity rates is below 10 percent. The state as a whole is currently outside of that range with an overall positivity rate of 10.5 percent.

Residents and staff of long-term care facilities in Manatee County currently account for 10 percent of local COVID-19 cases, but nearly two-thirds of the reported deaths.

As of Sunday, there were 84 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Manatee County hospitals, according to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

The median age of infection in Manatee County is 39. Fatalities have occurred among people ages 42 to 101, but primarily in the elderly population.

Nearly 470 children have now tested positive for the coronavirus in Manatee County, and more than 17,000 children have tested positive statewide, including four fatal cases.

Manatee County cases from Saturday to Sunday:

• The number of cases increased from 4,632 to 5,112. (1,396 new cases were reported over the past week.)
• The death toll remains at 138. (Seven new deaths were reported over the past week.)
• The number of men infected is 2,413 compared to 2,618 females.
• Hospitalizations increased from 335 to 356 residents.
• The number of people tested increased from 51,754 to 55,651.
• Manatee County’s overall positivity rate increased from 9% to 9.2%. That compares to 8% a week ago, 7% two weeks ago and 6.1% three weeks ago.

• 513 cases (10% of all cases) and 91 deaths were among residents and staff of long-term care facilities in Manatee.

• Six cases have been reported at Manatee County correctional facilities.

• As of this week, 468 children have tested positive for COVID-19 in Manatee.

Florida cases from Saturday to Sunday:

• Cases statewide increased from 254,425 to 269,811.
• The death toll increased from 4,346, including 104 non-residents.

• The cumulative statewide positivity rate is at 10.5%.

Surrounding counties:

• Sarasota cases increased from 2,641 to 3,106. The death toll remained at 100.
• Pinellas County cases increased from 10,596 to 10,844. The death toll remained at 229.
• Hillsborough County cases increased from 18,360 to 19,150. The death toll increased from 187 to 188.
• Polk County cases increased from 6,983 to 7,246. The death toll increased from 138 to 140.
• Hardee County cases increased from 596 to 602. The death toll remained at four.
• Desoto County cases increased from 830 to 831. The death toll remained at 11.

This story was originally published July 12, 2020 at 12:25 PM.