Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Aug. 14
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
More new cases reported in Manatee
There were 86 new coronavirus infections reported in Manatee County on Thursday, part of the 6,235 new cases reported by the Florida Department of Health.
There are now 557,137 people who have now tested positive in Florida. Infections in Manatee County now total 9,554.
The deaths of 148 residents were also confirmed in Florida. The official statewide death toll now stands at 8,913.
In Manatee County, there were no new deaths reported. The local death toll now stands at 242.
Bradenton ‘church’ leaders were selling COVID-19 ‘miracle cure’ when arrested in Colombia
Colombian officials say they have arrested two Bradenton men wanted in the United States on charges they illegally sold a bleachlike chemical as a miracle cure for the new coronavirus and other diseases.
The Colombian prosecutor’s office said Mark and Joseph Grennon were arrested in the beach town of Santa Marta, and were shipping their “Miracle Mineral Solution” — chlorine dioxide — from there to clients in the United States, Colombia and Africa.
It said seven Americans had died from using the substance.
Mark Grenon is the archbishop of the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, based in Bradenton, which is centered on use of the toxic chemical as a supposed sacrament it claims can cure a vast variety of illnesses ranging from cancer to autism to malaria and now COVID-19..
A Miami federal judge in April ordered the self-styled church to stop selling the substance, but it was ignored.
Read more here.
Blake Medical Center resumes elective procedures
Get the details 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, which requires the drawing of blood, also is available at this location.
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.