Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 17
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Four more COVID-19 deaths in Manatee County
Four Manatee County residents are among the 156 deaths caused by COVID-19 announced on morning — the highest death count reported on a single day in Florida since the start of the pandemic.
Florida’s official death toll now stands at 4,677. In Manatee County, the official toll is now 143.
The Florida Department of Health also announced 13,965 new coronavirus infections. Statewide, infections now total 315,775.
In Manatee County, there were 350 new positive cases reported, bringing the county’s tally to 5,914.
Hospitalizations also continue to rise in Manatee County, with patients positive for the coronavirus growing from 120 to 126.
The numbers of new cases were the second-highest daily counts reported since the start of the pandemic for both Florida and Manatee County.
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.
Free masks are available in Manatee County
Plasma donations needed
With hospitalizations due to COVID-19 on the rise, Bradenton area hospitals face a shortage of a potentially lifesaving substance.
Blood plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients contains antibodies that may help the most critically ill fight off the infection.
The antibodies could also help high risk patients, like those with heart disease or diabetes, avoid serious complications if they contract the coronavirus, according to Mayo Clinic.
The recent spike in COVID-19 cases is filling hospitals to capacity in Manatee County, and it has also put a strain on the supply of the precious convalescent plasma.
Local non-profit SunCoast Blood Centers collects and supplies the plasma and other blood products to area facilities, including Manatee Memorial Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota. At the end of June, their supply of the plasma dwindled to roughly a dozen doses, and now there is no reserve.
“As soon as it hits the shelves, it’s gone,” SunCoast spokeswoman Joan Leonard told the Bradenton Herald. “It’s imperative that we get it. People who have had the virus need to come in to donate.”
Read more here.
Safety rules for high school graduations
At least two Manatee County schools have announced plans and safety guidelines for their upcoming graduation ceremonies.
LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W. in Bradenton, will host all but one ceremony in late July and early August. Graduations were originally scheduled for mid-May at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, but the COVID-19 pandemic sparked concerns about large crowds and social distancing.
Read the details here.
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.