Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 26
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Manatee County’s COVID-19 death toll rises
One more person in Manatee County has died from COVID-19, the Florida Department of Health said Saturday.
The death was at least 154th because of the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.
Statewide, there were 135 additional deaths reported, bringing the death toll to 5,777. And with another 12,199 new cases reported, the total number of cases in Florida climbed to 414,511.
Manatee County added 189 new cases, bringing the total number of infected to 7,709.
Manatee High School custodian dies
Read how Ramon Morales’ family is remembering him.
Wear your masks, says Manatee Memorial Hospital CEO
Kevin DiLallo, CEO of Manatee Healthcare System, lost a friend to COVID-19 on Friday.
One way to prevent more such deaths would be if everyone wore a mask, he wrote in a letter to the Manatee County government officials published in the Bradenton Herald:
“To us, wearing a mask out and about for the time being seems a small price to pay if it means we can prevent more death. In respect to the 154 Manatee residents who’ve already died — and to prevent another devastating loss for a local family like my good friend who died this past Friday. — please, consider a mask.”
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.