MANATEE COUNTY, FL (May 11, 2021) – County Commissioners today voted to direct the County Administrator to remove all COVID-19-related restrictions imposed in county properties, action that means masks will no longer be required for visitors to Manatee County libraries and other County-owned public buildings.
Today's vote came after the Board received two significant updates on the COVID-19 front from public safety officials. First, Dr. Jennifer Bencie, the County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, announced that 52 percent of eligible (ages 16 and older) Manatee County residents have been vaccinated. Second, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has announced that the local COVID-19 test site Bradenton Area Convention Center will close after testing ends Saturday, May 15. A state testing site at the Sarasota Kennel Club will also close on Saturday. All other state run testing sites throughout the state will be closed by May 28.
Manatee County will work closely with the Department of Health to promote vaccine and testing locations in coming weeks. The County will keep the testing area of its website current with local sites to get tested.