Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 27
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
150 new coronavirus infections reported in Manatee
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.
COVID-19 among kids continues to rise
An additional 242 children in Manatee County have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Florida Department of Health.
In a report dated Friday, the health department said a total of 875 children have tested positive for the novel coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 respiratory disease. A week earlier, 633 people 17 and younger had tested positive, according to the health department.
Read more here.
Manatee County Commission to vote on mask mandate
The Manatee County Commission appeared to reverse course on requiring masks in public spaces by voting 4-3 last week to consider adopting a mask mandate.
That debate is set to start at 1:30 p.m. during the commissioners’ meeting at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
Commissioners who voted to have today’s discussion are Reggie Bellamy, Betsy Benac, Misty Servia and Carol Whitmore. Commissioners who have previously opposed any sort of mask requirement are Vanessa Baugh, Steve Jonsson and Priscilla Trace.
Benac, the commission’s chairwoman, had previously opposed a mask mandate before publicly changing her position last week.
The official agenda outlines how you can participate in the debate:
This meeting can be viewed live on www.mymanatee.org/mga and on Manatee Government Access (MGA) Spectrum channel 644, Verizon channel 30, and Comcast channel 20.
Written comments can be submitted at www.mymanatee.org/comment by Monday, July 27, at 11 a.m. Be sure to include your name and submit your remarks by the meeting deadline. Commissioners may not receive your comments before the meeting if the form is submitted after the deadline.
During the meeting, comments may be delivered in person in the Longboat Key Room at the Bradenton Area Convention Center at One Haben Boulevard, Palmetto. If you choose this option, you must adhere to the CDC’s social distancing guidelines.
Also during the meeting, the public can offer comments by phone by dialing 1-888-788-0099 (Toll Free) or 1-877-853-5247 (Toll Free). Enter Meeting ID: 869 7082 7338 (followed by #).
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.