Sarasota Memorial Hospital will begin banning most visitors during COVID-19 outbreak
After confirming it is treating the newest two cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, Sarasota Memorial Hospital announced Friday that it will be banning most visitation.
Beginning at 6 p.m., visitors will no longer be allowed at the hospita. Exceptions will be made under special circumstances that were not detailed.
A Sarasota man and woman being treated at the hospital both tested positive late Thursday night and were among the latest 88 cases of COVID-19 in Florida announced Friday morning by the Florida Department of Health. The new cases make a total of six COVID-19 patients the hospital has treated.
Three patients have since recovered and been released, while the three remaining are in isolation.
Hospital staff members will be stationed at all the main entrances to stop or screen people before they enter. The hospital is encouraging patient’s families use Facebook, FaceTime, WhatsApp or other video calling apps to communicate.
“No matter how much you plan and prepare, there will always be unforeseen events and things you have to do differently,” Sarasota Memorial CEO David Verinder said. “We have an incredible team and I could not be prouder as they rise to each and every challenge this virus throws our way.”
The hospital says it continues to continually disinfect all surface areas of the hospital and outpatient sites. In high-risk areas, such as operating rooms and intensive care units, and the hospital is also using it’s two Tru-D ultraviolet disinfection robots.
The suspension to visitation will also include the following facilities:
• SMH Bayside Center for Behavioral Health
• SMH Rehab Pavilion / Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit
• SMH Nursing & Rehab Center on Rand Boulevard
Manatee Memorial Hospital already banned most visitation on Wednesday, while Blake Medical Center and Doctors Hospital in Sarasota have limited visitation on Thursday.
