Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 16
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Florida surpasses 300,000 coronavirus infections
Manatee County has 145 new coronavirus cases as the state surpassed 300,000 cases total, the Florida Department of Health reported Wednesday.
In Manatee County, there have now been 5,564 positive cases of the coronavirus since March.
Statewide, there were 10,181 new cases reported, making a total of 301,810 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic.
The FDOH also announced 112 new deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The official state death toll now stands at 4,521. Another 105 people who were not Florida residents have also died in the state but not counted as part of the official toll.
In Manatee County, the death toll dropped from 140 to 139.
Deaths have been removed from local death toll before but FDOH has not commented on those cases specifically. Officials have said sometimes a death can be removed from the list when they learn that the person is not a resident.
Manatee County hospitals hit capacity
All three of Manatee County’s general hospitals have hit capacity, as COVID-19 cases keep surging.
Manatee Memorial Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and Blake Medical Center had no available beds as of Wednesday afternoon. Coronavirus-positive patients represent almost 20% of the people currently being treated at the hospitals.
According to the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration, the three hospitals should have 75 more beds available, including nine ICU beds, but they lack the staff needed to fill them.
“The hospitals all have additional space, that’s not the problem, but they don’t have the nurses,” said Manatee County Director of Public Safety Jacob Saur.
The Florida Department of Health on Wednesday reported 145 new coronavirus infections in the county. There have now been 5,564 positive cases of the coronavirus in Manatee since the pandemic began.
Bradenton passes mask ordinance
Starting Friday, Bradenton businesses will be required to post signs recommending that customers wear masks in public.
Bradenton City Council voted unanimously to approve the emergency ordinance regarding face coverings Wednesday morning. Businesses that don’t post the signs can be fined, but it will be up to businesses to decide whether to enforce the policy.
“The ordinance itself does not require members of the public to wear face coverings and it does not require businesses to enforce it,” said City Attorney Scott Rudacille.
However, according to Code Compliance Manager Volker Reiss, businesses that don’t comply by putting up a sign can be subjected to a fine. Individual shoppers will not be penalized or fined by the city.
“The way it would be enforced, we would provide a written notice of violation to give the owner reasonable time to comply, which in this case is about 24 hours — all they have to do is post a sign. If not, we would issue a ticket.”
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.