Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Sept. 1
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
8 new COVID-19 cases reported in Manatee County
Eight Manatee County residents were among 1,885 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed statewide on Monday, according to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health.
It was the lowest number of new reported cases in Florida since June 15, when 1,758 new cases were confirmed.
Since that date, the state health department has reported the deaths of more than 8,200 residents from the coronavirus. The spike in cases and deaths occurred after the state’s reopening and accounts for the majority of Florida’s death toll, which now stands at 11,187 residents and 144 non-residents. The number includes 68 new resident deaths that were confirmed on Monday.
In Manatee County, 10,426 residents have tested positive, and 258 people have died from COVID-19.
More COVID-19 cases at Manatee County schools
A local high school has joined the list of campuses with COVID-19 cases and exposures, while an elementary school reported its second case since the return of students.
Lakewood Ranch High School, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, reported “a case of COVID-19” and “direct exposures” to the infected person, according to the message sent to parents on Saturday.
For the second time, Ballard Elementary School, 912 18th St. W. in Bradenton, reported a COVID-19 case and “direct exposures” to the infected person. The recent message was sent to parents and employees on Sunday, and a similar message was published on Aug. 18, according to the school district.
“Anyone who had Direct Exposure to the confirmed case is being contacted this weekend and will be kept home to isolate for 14 days from the last date of known exposure, in accordance with CDC and Florida Department of Health protocols,” both messages said. “The confirmed case is also isolated away from school in accordance with those same protocols.”
“In addition, a portion of the campus is being sanitized with a disinfectant that is used in addition to the cleaning and sanitization done by the school’s custodial staff on a daily basis,” the messages continued.
For a roundup of other schools that have seen cases and exposures, read here.
Publix removes social distancing markers
Publix has discontinued its one-way aisles in stores where they are not required under local ordinance because of COVID-19.
A Publix spokeswoman on Monday confirmed that the one-way aisles, designed to curb the spread of coronavirus infections, had been discontinued.
“We continue to take actions across our operations to help safeguard the health and well-being of our customers, associates and communities. We implemented one-way aisles at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic to help our customers understand and practice social distancing and over time, it has become widely understood and adopted into our routines,” Maria Brous, Publix director of communications, said in an email.
“We will continue to provide friendly social distancing reminders in our stores, through signage, floor markers at checkout and other queuing areas, as well as through our public address announcements,” she said.
The one-way aisles met with mixed results with some customers walking deep into the aisle before they realized they were going the wrong way, and then often apologizing to other customers.
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 September 1, 2020 at 7:44 AM.