Manatee adds 150 new cases of COVID-19. Rate of positive tests still rising

Another 150 Manatee County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Florida Department of Health. They were among 9,344 new cases reported statewide on Sunday.

An additional 77 COVID-19-related deaths were reported across Florida. That brings the state death toll to 5,972 since the outbreak began, including 118 non-residents. The cumulative COVID-19 case total for Florida is now at 423,855.

Manatee’s cumulative case count has increased to 7,859 residents. The local death toll remained at 154 on Sunday. Cases among residents and staff of nursing homes now account for only 8% of Manatee County’s total cases, but nearly 60% of all deaths.

The rate at which Manatee residents are testing positive for COVID-19 is still rising. As of Sunday, the positivity rate was at 10.6%. That compares to 10% a week ago. The indicator, used to gauge the severity of the coronavirus outbreak and whether adequate testing is being performed, has steadily risen from a low of around 5% in early June. The health department’s “target range” for positivity rates is below 10%.

The statewide positivity rate increased to 12.5% as of Sunday.

Manatee County cases from Saturday to Sunday:

• Cases increased from 7,709 to 7,859. (1,290 new cases were recorded over the past week.)
• The death toll remained at 154. (11 new deaths were reported over the last week.)
• The number of residents hospitalized since the outbreak increased from 470 to 473.
• The number of males infected is 3,638 compared to 4,002 females.
• The number of tests administered increased from 73,292 to 74,161.
• Manatee County’s overall positivity rate increased from 10.5% to 10.6%. That compares to 10% last week, 9.2% two weeks ago, 8% three weeks ago and 7% a month ago.
• 586 cases (8% of all cases) and 92 deaths were among residents and staff of long-term care facilities in Manatee.
  
  

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

• As of this week, 875 children have tested positive for COVID-19 in Manatee.

Florida cases from Saturday to Sunday:

• Cases increased from 414,511 to 423,855.
• The number of deaths increased to 5,972.
• Florida’s positivity rate increased from 12.4% to 12.5%.

Surrounding counties:

• Pinellas County cases increased from 14,985 to 15,147. The death toll increased from 372 to 373.
• Hillsborough County cases increased from 26,626 to 27,077. The death toll remains at 295.
• Hardee County cases increased from 776 to 781. The death toll increased from four to five.
• DeSoto County cases increased from 1,164 to 1,172. The death toll remains at 14.
• Sarasota County cases increased from 5,006 to 5,103. The death toll remains at 113.

This story was originally published July 26, 2020 at 12:25 PM.