Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Sept. 18
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
Coronavirus infections in Manatee top 11,000
Fifty-six of the state’s newest 3,255 coronavirus infections confirmed in Florida on Thursday were in Manatee County, according to the Florida Department of Health.
With the latest cases, Manatee County has now had at least 11,041 coronavirus infections since the onset of the pandemic.
Across Florida, there were 3,255 new infections reported on Thursday. Cases now total 674,456 in the state.
The deaths of 147 Florida residents caused by COVID-19 were also confirmed on Thursday, according to the health department. A total of 13,086 residents have died from COVID-19.
No new deaths were reported in Manatee County on Thursday. The county’s official death toll is 277.
More COVID-19 cases in Manatee schools
Three new COVID-19 cases led to 25 quarantines at Manatee County schools, according to the district’s update on Wednesday evening.
Witt Elementary School, 200 Rye Road E. in Bradenton, joined the list after one student tested positive for COVID-19, forcing 18 others to quarantine, according to a daily report from the school district.
Families received a message on Wednesday afternoon, notifying them of a case at Witt Elementary and 17 related exposures. The district later discovered an additional exposure and added it to the report, said Mike Barber, the district spokesman.
Parrish Community High School, 7505 Fort Hamer Road, reported its third case since the start of classes on Aug. 17. Wednesday’s update said that six people quarantined after being directly exposed to one student who tested positive.
Braden River High School, 6545 State Road 70 E. in Bradenton, reported one student with COVID-19 and one related quarantine. It was the third case discovered at Braden River High.
Read more here.
School district surveys parents
The historic 2020-21 school year will soon reach a milestone in Manatee County. The first quarter is nearing its end, and families now have the chance to share their needs and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Classes began on Aug. 17 with three options: a traditional education on campus, full-time online learning or the hybrid schedule, which rotates between in-person and online lessons. Manatee’s reopening plan said families would have the option to switch learning formats after the first quarter, which ends on Oct. 9.
A new poll, found under the “Hot Topics” section on the district website, www.manateeschools.net, is centered on families’ recent experiences, their needs in the upcoming quarter and their desire to switch learning formats.
“With the school year underway, we want to hear from you! Your feedback is critical. Please provide your honest thoughts to help us better understand your family’s preferences and needs at this time so we can best support you and your child,” the poll states.
Local families have until Sep. 27 to complete the 15-question poll, which is available in English and Spanish. Families with multiple children were asked to complete a separate poll for each student.
As of Wednesday, one month after the start of classes, Manatee schools had reported 62 cases affecting 30 campuses, while 26 schools and district offices had no reported COVID-19 cases.
Another 850 people were directly exposed to the confirmed cases, according to reports from the school district. “Direct exposure” means someone had close and prolonged contact with an infected person (less than six feet of separation for at least 15 minutes), and it requires the exposed student or employee to quarantine for 14 days.
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 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 18, 2020 at 6:34 AM.