Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Bradenton and Manatee County on Oct. 2

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

More coronavirus infections reported in Manatee County

Forty new coronavirus infections in Manatee County were confirmed by the Florida Department of Health on Thursday. Statewide, there were 2,628 new cases and 129 new deaths from COVID-19.

In total, there have been 11,619 people infected in Manatee County by the coronavirus since the pandemic hit. Statewide, infections now total 709,144.

The respiratory virus has killed 14,444 residents and 171 non-residents in Florida since March.

No new deaths were confirmed in Manatee County, where the official death toll remained at 291.

The latest local cases were among the results for 681 tests administered locally, with a positivity rate of 10.3%.

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 October 2, 2020 at 6:00 AM.