Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Aug. 12
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Seven more COVID-19 deaths in Manatee County
The death of seven more Manatee County residents from COVID-19 have been confirmed by the Florida Department of Health. Statewide, 276 new deaths were reported Tuesday, the highest daily count since the start of the pandemic.
The state’s official death toll of people who have died because of COVID-19 is 9,395. The death of another non-resident was also reported on Tuesday, making a total of 132 non-residents who have died in the state from the disease.
In Manatee County, the official death toll now stands at 234. Thirty-five of those deaths were reported Monday, setting a daily record for Manatee.
The health department also confirmed 55 new coronavirus infections in Manatee County on Tuesday. In total, 9,396 people have tested positive locally.
Across the state there were 5,831 new cases announced. The total number of infections in Florida is now 542,792.
The latest local confirmed deaths included a 79-year-old man, a 33-year-old man, a 55-year-old man, a 74-year-old woman, am 81-year-old woman, an 84-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man.
COVID-19 hits Manatee County jail
The number of coronavirus infections continues to grow at the Manatee County jail, with seven inmates and six staffers positive for the virus as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
A total of 20 inmates at the Manatee County jail have tested positive since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
Read more here.
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.
Antibody testing available
Manatee County officials have announced the start of free antibody testing at Lincoln Park, 501 17th St. E. in Palmetto.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management began operating a COVID-19 testing site at the park in May, offering free walk-up tests to screen the community for new infections. The addition of antibody testing will allow adults to screen themselves for past infections.
“The immune system produces these antibodies — proteins that are critical for fighting and clearing out the virus,” the Mayo Clinic said on its website. “If test results show that you have antibodies, it indicates that you were likely infected with COVID-19 at some time in the past.”
Antibody tests are now available at Lincoln Park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. every day. Visitors should be 18 or older and have a valid ID, but no prescription or appointment is necessary, according to a news release from the county spokesman, Nick Azzara.
“Unlike the nasal swab COVID screening, antibody testing involves a blood draw,” the release states. “Tests are processed on site, and results are available within 15 minutes.”
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.