Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Aug. 26
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
COVID-19 death toll in Manatee hits 250
Two more Manatee County residents with COVID-19 have died, raising the death toll to 250, and another 32 residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health on Tuesday.
The local deaths were among 183 COVID-19-related deaths reported statewide. Throughout the state, 10,580 Florida residents and 137 non-residents have died.
An additional 2,673 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed throughout Florida on Tuesday, continuing a streak of the lowest new case totals reported since mid-June.
An additional 32 cases were reported Tuesday in Manatee County, raising the total to 10,241.
Manatee County relaxes mask mandate for churches
The Manatee County Commission on Tuesday voted 6-1 to exempt houses of worship from the county’s mask mandate.
The vote came after several speakers, including a pastor who is suing the county over the requirement, asked the commission for some relief for churches.
“I do not call into question the intent of your resolution, but I do call into question the unintended consequences of your decision,” the Rev. Joel Tillis told commissioners, arguing that the mask mandate gives his churchgoers “less right to worship.”
Tillis, senior pastor at Suncoast Baptist Church in Palmetto, previously filed a lawsuit against Manatee County seeking to amend the mask mandate with an exemption for houses of worship.
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.
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 26, 2020 at 5:30 AM.