New COVID-19 cases in both Florida and Manatee County surpassed previous record highs last week, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Reduce your risk
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine
- Wear a mask
- Wash your hands
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and
- Avoid the Three Cs:
- Closed Spaces. Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation that could allow contagious droplets to linger in the air.
- Crowded Places. Avoid crowded places with many people nearby; the greater the number of individuals in an area, the greater the chances of COVID-19 spreading from person-to-person.
- Close-Contact Settings. Avoid close-range conversations and stay at least 6 feet from others.
Individuals over the age of 65 and those with underlying conditions are at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 and should avoid crowds and minimize contact outside the home.
Testing and vaccination sites
Free COVID-19 testing (both PCR and rapid testing) and vaccinations (Moderna) are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Palmetto Bus Station, 1802 Eighth Ave. W. in Palmetto from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. weekdays. No appointment is necessary.
Free testing is also available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Rapid testing will be provided. PCR testing will be provided only to symptomatic patients who test negative on the rapid test.
Visitors are asked to bring proof of Florida residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill with a Florida address. For more information, call 941-242-6646.
Vaccinations are also available at CVS, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie stores.
Source: Florida Department of Health, CDC
