Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 23
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
COVID-19 cases in Manatee pass the 7,000 mark
Manatee County has 207 new coronavirus cases, according to the latest data released by the Florida Department of Health on Wednesday.
Across the state, 9,785 new cases were reported. A total of 379,619 people in Florida have been infected since the pandemic got underway.
In Manatee County, a total of 7,078 people have been infected.
Statewide, the health department reported the deaths of 139 people from COVID-19. The state’s official death toll now stands at 5,345.
Manatee County’s death toll remained 149.
Manatee commission moves toward mask mandate
A majority of the Manatee County Commission appears to have reversed its earlier opposition to a requirement that residents wear masks when out in public.
After hearing an update from Public Safety Director Jake Saur on Wednesday, commissioners voted to have the County Attorney’s Office put together a resolution that would require masks to be worn at indoor businesses throughout the county.
A vote will come Monday.
“Everything about personal decisions makes sense, but we need to deal in reality,” said Commissioner Betsy Benac., who last month opposed adopting a mask mandate. “I think we need to take leadership.”
Commissioners Priscilla Whisenant Trace, Vanessa Baugh and Stephen Jonsson voted against the proposal. Voting in favor were commissioners Reggie Bellamy, Misty Servia, Carol Whitmore and Benac.
In the time since the Board of County Commissioners last met on June 24, 4,680 people had tested positive for COVID-19 in Manatee County and 22 people had died, Saur said Wednesday.
County to use motel to house recovering COVID-19 patients
Manatee County residents who are positive for the coronavirus but don’t have anywhere they can self-isolate may be eligible for a free hotel room.
Read the details here.
Less than a month before school starts, Manatee district has a technology gap
Every K-12 student in the Manatee County School District has the option to take online classes when school resumes next month, but not everyone has access to the internet.
As of Tuesday, Scott Hansen, the district’s chief technology officer, estimated that 4,000 students — at a minimum — lacked internet access at home. The district will have a better idea of how many students are going online and how many will need a device after Thursday, the deadline to choose in-person, online or hybrid classes.
Depending on the need, Hansen may suggest a plan at the first school board meeting in August, but it would come at a cost. For between $1.3 million to $1.4 million, the district could likely order 4,000 hot spots and the service plans for each, Hansen said.
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.
Free masks are available in Manatee County
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.