Coronavirus

Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Aug. 20

Herald staff report

August 20, 2020 5:59 AM

The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Manatee County

More coronavirus infections reported

Manatee County had 33 new positive cases of the coronavirus among the 4,115 new cases confirmed across the state by the Florida Department of Health on Wednesday.

There are now 9,924 people who have tested positive locally since the start of the pandemic. Statewide., infections now total 584,047.

Another 174 Florida residents have been confirmed to have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. A total of 9,932 residents and 135 non-residents have died since March.

In Manatee County, there were no new COVID-19 deaths announced. The official local death toll now stands at 247.

COVID-19 reported in Manatee County Public Schools

People at three Manatee County Public Schools and a public charter school were potentially exposed to COVID-19 while at school.

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.