Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Aug. 17
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
New COVID-19 cases in Manatee hit lowest level in more than a month
Manatee County added 46 new cases of people testing positive for the coronavirus, according to the latest data released by the Florida Department of Health on Sunday.. It was the fewest number of new cases in Manatee County reported in a day since 46 were recorded on June 30..
The cases were among the 3,779 new infections announced statewide. That was the lowest statewide daily count since the 3,494 cases recorded in Florida on June 21.
Infections in Florida now total 573,416 since the pandemic began
In Manatee, a total of 9,781 people have tested positive for the coronavirus.
With schools set to open on Monday, there were 28 people 17 or younger who have tested positive since Friday.
Sunday’s 542 local test results released by the health department had a positivity rate of 8.5%. The overall positivity rate remains about 11%.
The deaths of 107 Florida residents from COVID-19 were also confirmed on Sunday morning. The state’s official death toll now stands at 9,452. A total of 135 non-residents have also died in the state from the disease.
Manatee County’s death toll remained at 245 on Sunday.
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.