Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Aug. 18
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
68 new infections reported in Manatee County
Manatee County had 68 new positive cases of the coronavirus as 2,678 new cases were reported statewide — the lowest daily count of new cases in Florida since June.
In Manatee County, infections now total 9,843 since the start of the pandemic, according to the latest data released by the Florida Department of Health on Monday. Statewide, there have now been a total of 576,094 infections.
The deaths of 87 more residents from COVID-19, the fatal respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, were also confirmed by the health department. A total of 9,539 residents and 135 non-residents have died in Florida from COVID-19.
There were no new deaths caused by COVID-19 reported in Manatee County on Monday. The local official death toll stands at 245.
Manatee County schools open for 2020-21
Monday was the first day of classes for students in the Manatee County School District.
Read what some of the students were saying about going to school during a pandemic.
COVID-19 takes big bite out of local tourism
Manatee County tourist tax revenue fell 46.2 percent in May from the same month a year earlier. In June, tourism tax collections fell 73.2 percent. And in July, tourist tax revenue fell 32.4 percent, according to a presentation by Jan Brewer of Manatee County’s Office of Financial Management.
Brewer made her presentation during a meeting of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council.
In response to the grim news, the TDC voted to recommend that the county commission rescind an earlier agreement to provide $5 million for the expansion of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
Read more here.
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.