Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Sept. 28
The latest on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bradenton and Manatee County.
More COVID-19 infections reported in Manatee County
Another 22 Manatee County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health. They were among 1,882 new cases confirmed statewide on Sunday.
The number of known cases of COVID-19 in Florida since the pandemic began reached 700,564 on Sunday. That number includes 8,330 non-residents. Florida has the third-highest number of reported cases nationwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the fifth-highest number of deaths.
On Sunday, the state health department confirmed the deaths of 10 more Florida residents and two more non-residents who had the coronavirus. The statewide death toll from COVID-19 now stands at 14,032 Florida residents and 170 non-residents.
No new deaths were reported for Manatee County on Sunday, where the death toll remained at 291 residents.
The cumulative case count of COVID-19 in Manatee County is now at 11,458.
Manatee County restaurants respond to lifting of restrictions
Manatee County restaurateurs welcomed the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on dining rooms and bars by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday, but were proceeding cautiously with their next steps.
“We will gradually increase to 100 percent seating occupancy. It is my understanding that the governor has lifted the masking requirements and social distancing in restaurants,” said John Horne, owner of four Anna Maria Oyster Bar Restaurants.
To reassure customers, however, the AMOB staff will continue to wear masks and follow stringent cleaning protocols, Horne said.
AMOB restaurants include The Pier at 200 Bridge St., Landside at 6906 14th St. W., Cortez at 6696 Cortez Road W., and Ellenton at 1525 51st Ave. E.
Ron Fuller, a partner in Excellence in Restaurants LLC with Steve Bishop, had a similar reaction.
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“It looks like all restrictions have been lifted. We will be adjusting our seating capacity. The key is whether customers will feel comfortable,” Fuller said.
Read more here.
Almost 1,000 people have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 while at school, Manatee district says
As of Friday afternoon, Manatee County School District had reported since of the start of the school year, Aug. 17, 76 COVID-19 cases among students and employees in the district, and 973 instances of someone being exposed to one of the infected people.
For a list the number of cases and exposures at district’s campuses, read this.
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 28, 2020 at 5:00 AM.