Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Aug. 27
The latest on COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Two more COVID-19 deaths in Manatee County
Two more Manatee County residents have died from COVID-19, the Florida Department of Health said Wednesday.
They were among an additional 153 deaths reported by the health department.
The local official death toll in Manatee County now stands at 252.
Statewide, there have been 10,733 Florida residents who have died from COVID-19, according to the health department. The deaths of two more non-residents were also confirmed on Wednesday, making 139 non-residents total who have died.
There were also 3,220 new positive cases announced on Wednesday morning across the state. In Manatee County, there were 37 new cases announced.
The total number of infections in Manatee County since the start of the pandemic is 10,278, according to the Department of Health.
More schools, colleges dealing with COVID-19 exposures
Four K-12 schools and one college reported new COVID-19 cases over the past several days. There have now been more than a dozen cases at Manatee County schools since the return of students on Aug. 17.
Read more here.
Principal placed on leave after COVID-19 test
The principal of Kinnan Elementary School was possibly exposed to COVID-19 the week before he got tested and returned to work. He then received a positive test result and was placed on administrative leave, according to documents obtained by the Bradenton Herald.
Principal Paul Hockenbury publishes a weekly newsletter to his staff, and the most recent edition of the Kinnan Comet’s Tale appears to contain a message from the school leader. The brief update, sent to school employees on Sunday, describes an incident that unfolded days before the return of students on Aug. 17.
Hockenbury could not be reached for comment.
“I was informed Friday night that I was being suspended without pay for the next five days,” the newsletter states. “This is due to a violation of a district procedure put into place on 8/10. More specifically, I came to work for two days after being tested for COVID after work on 8/12. I did not have symptoms but could have possibly been exposed the week prior. District policy states not to come into work if you are waiting on test results.”
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 27, 2020 at 5:30 AM.