Zac Anderson Political Editor
Thursday
Jun 25, 2020 at 5:16 PM
Sarasota Memorial was treating 36 COVID-19 patients on Thursday, more than triple the number of patients hospitalized with the disease at the beginning of the month.
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After easing restrictions on visitors earlier this month, Sarasota Memorial Hospital is reversing course and limiting visitation again amid an increase in COVID-19 patients.
Sarasota Memorial was treating 36 COVID-19 patients on Thursday, more than triple the number of patients hospitalized with the disease at the beginning of the month.
The hospital’s COVID-19 caseload peaked at 43 patients on May 10 and May 11 before dropping through the end of May. On June 1 Sarasota Memorial was down to 10 COVID-19 patients, with none in the intensive care unit.
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But since then COVID-19 hospitalizations have been on the rise. So starting Monday, Sarasota Memorial will reinstate a “no visitors” policy that prohibits visitation “except in special circumstances.”
“SMH is taking a proactive approach to reduce risks of exposure by significantly reducing the number of people in the facility,” the hospital said in a press release. “The temporary changes are part of the health system’s ongoing effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard the health of patients, families, staff and the community.”
The change comes as the number of new coronavirus infections statewide, and in both Sarasota and Manatee counties, has been setting daily records.
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There were 52 new coronavirus cases confirmed in Sarasota County on Wednesday according to data released by the Florida Department of Health Thursday. That’s just below the county’s daily record of 59 cases confirmed Tuesday.
There were 68 new coronavirus cases confirmed in Manatee County on Wednesday. The 139 new cases confirmed Saturday is the record for the county.
