Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Sept. 25

The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.

Four more COVID-19 deaths reported in Manatee County

Four more Manatee County residents have been confirmed to have died from COVID-19, the Florida Department of Health said Thursday.

The health department also reported 25 new coronavirus infections in the county.

The official death toll in Manatee County now stands at 286 dead since the start of the pandemic in March.

A total of 11,352 people in Manatee County have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 respiratory disease.

Statewide, Florida recorded another 2,541 cases and 177 fatalities. As of Thursday’s update, 693,040 Floridians have contracted COVID-19 since the outbreak and 13,795 have died.

More coronavirus infections reported at Manatee County schools

A Manatee County elementary school has reported its first COVID-19 infection, while a high school reported its third case, according to the Manatee County School District.

Freedom Elementary said one student had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and that four other people were in quarantine after a “direct exposure” to the student.

At Palmetto High School, a third employee was infected with the novel coronavirus since the start of the school year on Aug. 17. An additional 26 people were exposed and are now in quarantine.

Read more here.

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 25, 2020 at 5:00 AM.