Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Aug. 22
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County
One more COVID-19 death confirmed in Manatee County
A 66-year-old Manatee County woman was among the 119 new COVID-19 deaths confirmed across the state by the Florida Department of Health on Friday. The total number of infections in the county surpassed 10,000.
The woman did not live or work at a long-term care facility. Her case was officially counted on June 20.
Since the pandemic hit, a total of 248 Manatee County residents have died from COVID-19.
Across the state, there have been 10,168 residents and 136 non-residents who have died from COVID-19, according to the health department. Friday’s data had one fewer non-resident dying from COVID-19, compared to Thursday, when the tally of non-resident deaths totaled 137.
There were also 62 new positive cases of the coronavirus reported in Manatee County on Friday. Infections in Manatee County now total 10,059.
Manatee County School District confirms more COVID-19 cases on campuses
At least nine Manatee County schools have reported COVID-19 cases since the start of school on Monday. In most cases, an untold number of people were exposed to the respiratory illness.
W.D. Sugg Middle School had a confirmed case and no direct exposures to the infected person, according to a message sent to employees and families. A similar notification informed parents that Willis Elementary School had a case of COVID-19 and “direct exposures” to the infected person.
The Bradenton Herald verified both cases after obtaining the messages sent to families and employees. The school district then issued its weekly update to reporters at 3:40 p.m. on Friday, confirming the cases and revealing several others.
The update said that Moody Elementary School had a COVID-19 case and direct exposures. It also said the Bayshore Elementary School had a confirmed case and a “minimal number of direct exposures.”
“A common thread among confirmed cases during the first week of school is that virtually all of them have come into our facilities after having close contact or Direct Exposure to a confirmed case within their own family or extended household,” the update stated.
“That is happening even though employees and students are being asked questions daily related to COVID exposures and symptoms,” it continued.
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.
This story was originally published August 22, 2020 at 7:01 AM.