COVID-19 kills 12 more people in Manatee-Sarasota

Death toll in Sarasota County tops 1,500. In Manatee, it nears 1,150, CDC says

COVID-19 has killed another dozen people in Manatee and Sarasota counties, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When the latest victims died was not clear, but the deaths — six in Manatee and six in Sarasota — were reported during the week of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, according to data updated on Thursday, Jan. 6.

In all, COVID-19 has killed at least 1,143 Manatee County residents — or about 1 in every 350 people, since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

In Sarasota County, 1,501 people — or about 1 in every 289 residents — have died after being infected with the novel coronavirus.

Vaccines are free and available in Manatee County

Billboard on Cortez Road West, near 30th Street West, in Bradenton implores residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19. (Photo by Marc. R. Masferrer

The emergence of the omicron variant of the coronavirus, which is considered more transmissible than other variants of the virus, has added urgency to experts’ pleas for people to get vaccinated.

Anyone 5 and older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

DOHManatee @HealthyManatee

COVID-19 continues on the rise! Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov to locate testing, vaccination and treatment sites. To book a vaccination, call (941) 242-6649. Vax Up Manatee!

January 7th 2022

Vaccines, including boosters, are free and widely available local pharmacies and other locations. To find a place where you can get your shot, visit vaccines.gov or the Florida Department of Health’s vaccine locator.

DOHManatee @HealthyManatee

Booking a COVID-19 vaccination in South Manatee County? Call (941) 242-6649 and ask to be served at our new location: 7780 Westmoreland Drive (corner of US41 and Westmoreland).

January 7th 2022

You can reach the writer at Marc.R.Masferrer@gmail.com.