Another Manatee County resident dies from COVID-19. Sixty-nine new infections reported
Another Manatee County resident has died from COVID-19, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The health department also reported 69 new infections in Manatee, among 6,336 new cases reported statewide.
A total of 3,785 people in Manatee County have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, since the pandemic started. Statewide, there have now been 206,447 people infected.
The official death toll in Manatee County rose to 132 with the latest announced death.
Across the state, the deaths of 69 more Floridians in Broward, Miami-Dade, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Orange, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and St. Lucie counties were announced raising the official death toll to 3,785.
The death of another non-resident was also reported. A total of 102 non-residents have now died from COVID-19 in Florida, but the state tallies those deaths separately.
Of the 532 test results released in Manatee County on Monday, the positive rate was 13%. The overall positive rate continues to climb, now at 8.1%.
The state’s overall positive rate, now 9.1%, has also continued to climb.
The overall median age of those who test positive meanwhile has continued to fall, It is now at 39 years old. Half of cases to date in Manatee County involve residents between the ages of 15 and 44.
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 are on the rise as cases surge.
At Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, there are now 22 patients admitted who are positive for the coronavirus, according to spokeswoman Kristina R. Sparacino. The hospital’s ICU only has 2 of its 20 beds currently available.
According to a county internal report, Manatee County EMS is reporting to a 3-day average of 15 suspected COVID-19 cases per day. One third of those calls are to skilled nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
Surrounding counties:
- Sarasota County: Cases increased from 2,160 to 2,191. The death toll remained at 98.
- Desoto County: Cases increased from 748 to 752. The death toll remained at 10.
- Hardee County: Cases increased from 506 to 509. The death toll remained at three.
- Hillsborough County cases increased from 14,336 to 14,677. The death toll rose from 150 to 158.
- Pinellas County cases increased from 8,533 to 8,759. The death toll rose from 198 to 199.
On Thursday, the town of Longboat Key became the third local government to pass a mask ordinance. Masks will be required indoors and outdoors when social distancing is not permitted. It includes children six years and over.
The ordinance exempts schools, day care centers, government facilities and first responders, allowing those agencies to set their own policies.
Holmes Beach and the city of Anna Maria also have adopted measures requiring the use of masks.
This story was originally published July 6, 2020 at 11:13 AM.
