Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Aug. 10
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Another death in Manatee County
Another resident has died and 89 more have tested positive for COVID-19 in Manatee County, according to data released Sunday by the Florida Department of Health.
Statewide, 6,229 additional cases were recorded, bringing Florida’s total to 532,806. A total of 9,288 people have confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Manatee County.
In Manatee, 192 people have died from COVID-19, according to the health department.
In Manatee, 85,026 people have been tested for COVID-19, and the county’s percentage of positive cases increased from 10.7 percent to 10.9 percent. That’s above the state’s target goal of 10 percent positivity.
The statewide average is also trending above 10 percent. On Sunday, the state reported that 13.35 percent of all coronavirus tests were positive. The state has tested nearly four million people.
The Florida Department of Health also announced that another 77 people died from COVID-19 throughout the state, increasing the state’s death toll to 8,186 people. The non-resident death county remains at 129.
Manatee schools prepare to reopen during COVID-19 pandemic
Less than one week before the start of classes, the School Board of Manatee County will consider more than $2.8 million in COVID-19 preparations.
Doug Wagner, the deputy superintendent of business services, also plans to update the board Tuesday evening on options for rapid COVID-19 testing. A majority of board members are interested in testing employees and possibly students, helping to isolate cases before they spread.
COVID already has become an issue in the schools even before students have arrived. Last week, several schools reported cases of COVID-19 as teachers returned for planning and preparation.
A case at Samoset Elementary School forced six people to isolate for 14 days after a colleague tested positive.
And more cases popped up after that, affecting at least four other schools.
“The most important thing to us is that teachers are given what they need to stay safe,” teacher union president Pat Barber said.
Read more here.
More than 1,000 Manatee County kids test positive for coronavirus
More than 1,000 children in Manatee County have tested positive for the novel coronavirus since the start of the pandemic in March, according to the Florida Department of Health.
In a report dated Friday, the health department said 1,042 Manatee County residents between the the ages of 0 and 17 had tested positive for the coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 respiratory disease.
A total of 7,534 Manatee County children had been tested as of Friday, with 13.8% testing positive. The overall positivity rate for Manatee County was 10.9%, as of Friday, according to the health department.
Testing locations in Manatee County
Among the places you can get tested for the novel coronavirus are:
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.