Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on July 28
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
COVID-19 kills two more Manatee County residents
Two Manatee County residents were among the 77 newest COVID-19 deaths confirmed by the Florida Department of Health on Monday.
A total of 156 residents have now died from COVID-19 in Manatee County. Statewide, the official death toll stands at 5,931. Another 118 non-Florida residents have died from the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
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Another 123 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Manatee, the health department said Monday. A total of at least 7,982 Manatee residents have been infected by the coronavirus since the pandemic got underway.
Across the state, there were 8,892 new cases of the coronavirus on Monday. That is the lowest daily tally of newly confirmed cases in Florida since it reported 7,347 confirmed cases on July 7.
The state now has a total of 432,747 cases.
Manatee County Commission OKs mask mandate
The Manatee County Commission voted 4-3 Monday evening to approve a resolution that requires face masks to be worn in private businesses.
Wearing a mask is “key” to battling the coronavirus pandemic because an estimated 48 percent of the positive COVID-19 cases in Manatee County are asymptomatic, according to the county’s top health official.
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“The evidence is clear that masks help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the more people wearing masks, the better,” said Dr. Jennifer Bencie, the head of the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County.
The Board of County Commissioners met Monday afternoon to consider approving a countywide mask mandate that requires businesses to post signs and individuals to wear masks while inside. The resolution goes into effect immediately.
Commissioners Betsy Benac, Misty Servia, Reggie Bellamy and Carol Whitmore voted in favor of the resolution. Commissioners Vanessa Baugh, Stephen Jonsson and Priscilla Whisenant Trace voted against the resolution.
Exceptions are included for children under the age of 6, those with “documented or demonstrable” medical conditions, restaurant customers and instances where social distancing is taking place.
Businesses will also be required to post signs encouraging the use of a face mask. Example signs will be available to print directly from the county’s website.
Free masks are available in Manatee County
COVID-19 at Manatee jail
There are three inmates who are positive for the coronavirus currently being held at the Manatee County jail, as of Monday afternoon.
All three of the inmates are being held in isolated negative pressure cells, according to sheriff’s office spokesman Randy Warren.
Last week, another inmate was found to be positive and also held in isolation for a few days before being released. The inmate was initially being held elsewhere in the jail when he developed symptoms and was transferred. As a result, the remaining inmates housed in the same cell block were held in quarantine and monitored by the jail’s medical staff.
The latest cases make a total of six inmates at the Manatee County jail who have tested positive since the pandemic started. The jail houses an average of 800 inmates daily.
During a special meeting of the Manatee County Commission on whether to enact a mask mandate, Florida Department of Health Manatee County health officer Dr. Jennifer Bencie said the county’s jail has been fortunate not to have an outbreak like has been seen in other jails and prisons around the state.
High school graduations begin
First one up, Southeast High School.
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.
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.