Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Sept. 3
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Three more COVID-19 deaths reported in Manatee County
Three Manatee County residents are among the 127 Floridians newly confirmed to have died from COVID-19, the Florida Department of Health said Wednesday.
In Manatee County, there have been a total of 263 residents who have died from COVID-19, the deadly respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Statewide, a total of 11,501 residents have died since the pandemic started. The deaths of three additional non-residents were also reported, making a total of 150 non-residents who have died in the state.
Manatee County also had 42 new infections reported on Wednesday. A total of 10,532 people have contracted the coronavirus since March locally.
Across the state there were 2,402 new infections reported, making a total of 633,42 people in Florida who have tested positive.
Two middle schools report COVID-19 cases
A local middle school joined the list of Manatee County campuses with a verified COVID-19 case, while another middle school had its second case since the return of students.
In a message to families on Tuesday evening, R. Dan Nolan Middle School, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd. in Bradenton, reported “another case of COVID-19” and “direct exposures” to the infected person. The first case was reported on Monday, one day prior.
Braden River Middle School, 6215 River Club Blvd. in Bradenton, joined the list of schools with cases. In a message to employees and families on Tuesday evening, the campus reported “a case of COVID-19” and “direct exposures” to the infected person.
Much like every notification sent after the return of students, the recent messages offered no detail on the number of people infected or exposed, making it hard to know the full impact of COVID-19 on local schools.
Other school districts in the region have been more forthcoming with those kinds of details, including with online dashboards linked to their respective websites.
Hospitals resume visitation hours
Patient visitation at Manatee Memorial Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is set to resume at noon on Tuesday after being suspended for two months due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
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 September 3, 2020 at 5:00 AM.