Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Sept. 22
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
More COVID-19 cases in Manatee County
Manatee County saw 31 more confirmed cases of COVID-19 among residents, the Florida Department of Health said Monday.. They were among 1,685 new cases reported statewide.
Statewide, it was the lowest number of new cases announced since June 10, when 1,371 were reported.
Florida’s total case count since testing began now stands at 685,439. Another 21 Florida residents have died from the coronavirus, according to the state health department, which brings the statewide death toll to 13,317 residents and 163 non-residents.
In Manatee County, there have been 11,241 reported cases of COVID-19. Deaths remained at 277 on Monday.
Three more Manatee schools report coronavirus infections
Three schools have reported their first COVID-19 cases since classes began last month, while a local high school made its second appearance on the list, according to an update from the School District of Manatee County.
Published on Friday afternoon, the report listed five new cases between four local schools, including two schools that managed to avoid exposures and quarantines.
Read the whole list of schools here.
New testing site to open in Sarasota County
The coronavirus testing-site previously located near the Mall at the University Town Center is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday at a new location.
The state-run testing site will reopen at a parking lot at 100 Cattleman Road in Sarasota. It will still have the capacity to conduct up to 1,000 tests per day, according to Florida Division of Emergency Management Communications Director Jason Mahon.
The new location will be less convenient for Manatee County residents who will have to drive farther south into Sarasota to get to the site. But the site was forced to close at its original location because the mall did not renew the site’s lease.
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 22, 2020 at 4:26 AM.