ANNA MARIA ISLAND – While life has returned nearly to normal on the Island more than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, people are still catching the virus with cases on the rise.
The current community level in Manatee County is medium after spending more than two months at low.
COVID-19 community levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend taking precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on your community level. The CDC guidelines are:
- Low: Stay up to date with vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms.
- Medium: If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your doctor about whether you need to wear a mask or take extra precautions. Stay up to date with vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms.
- High: Wear a mask indoors in public, stay up to date with vaccines, get tested if you have symptoms and take additional precautions if you’re at high risk for illness.
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH) continues to give no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations at its clinic on Sixth Avenue East in Bradenton. The DOH offers the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. All vaccinations are by appointment only. Appointments are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. Call 941-242-6646 to book an appointment.
COVID-19 in Manatee County
June 5
Cases 289
% Positivity 22.39%
Deaths < 10
% Eligible population vaccinated 72.4%
New hospital admissions 33
June 13
Cases 298
% Positivity 22.39%
Deaths < 10
% Eligible population vaccinated 72.5%
New hospital admissions 52
Source: CDC
Anyone who books an appointment for a vaccination is asked to download and complete a vaccination consent form. Click on “Events” in the toolbar and the system will take you to the page with the form.
Anyone under age 18 who would like to be vaccinated must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The clinic is located at 410 Sixth Ave. E. in Bradenton.
There were three deaths in Manatee County due to COVID-19 in the past week, a 233% increase from the previous week, so the DOH encourages every eligible person to get vaccinated. According to the DOH, anyone who qualifies for a COVID-19 vaccination who has yet to get vaccinated – whether they’ve already had COVID-19 or not – is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and have proven effective in preventing illness and death due to the virus. If you are seeking a second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, please be sure to bring your vaccination card and the completed consent form to the clinic.
COVID-19 testing continues to be offered outdoors at the Bradenton Area Convention Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day (weather permitting). The site offers both PCR and rapid testing.
Additional vaccination and testing sites in Manatee County can be found here. Vaccines and tests are also available at most pharmacies.
