Florida’s COVID-19 count passes 4,000. There are three more in Manatee County

The Florida Department of Health is reporting three new COVID-19 case in Manatee County — bringing the total to 32 as of their Saturday evening update.

Sarasota County cases jumped from 35 to 42 residents and Sarasota Memorial Hospital is now reporting a a member of their patient care team has tested positive for COVID-19

“The case remains under investigation, but based on the tracing of the employee’s contacts, there is no known exposure to a positive patient at SMH,” said Kim Savage, SMH public information. “She is doing well and will be monitored at home for 14 days. Patients and staff who had close contact with the employee in the days before she went into quarantine are being notified.”

Savage said several staff members have been asked to stay at home and self quarantine for two weeks, “and we are testing those who have or develop symptoms.”

Florida cases now total 3,877 among residents. Non resident cases increased to 161 , for a total of 4,038 cases in the state.

The death toll in Florida has climbed from 46 to 56 overnight.

Manatee County is reporting three new cases since Friday evening.

A breakdown for Manatee County:

▪ All 32 cases in Manatee County are from local residents with no cases being reported from those who have traveled to the area.

▪ The cases range in age from 14 to 83, with the average age of infection now at 54.

▪ Of those infected, 17 are men and 15 are women.

▪ There are no new cases of hospitalization being reported, which stands at 13 people and there remains only one fatality since the outbreak.

A breakdown for Sarasota County:

▪ The death toll in Sarasota County remains at two.

▪ The total number of cases in the county is 50, with eight non residents testing positive who have traveled through the area. That number has not changed since Friday.

▪ The cases range in age from 21 to 90, with the average age of infection being 62.

▪ Of those infected, 26 are men and 24 are women.

▪ New hospitalization cases are being reported at 19, an increase of one since Friday.

The Florida Department of Heath in Sarasota is suspending their COVID-19 drive-thru testing at Twin Lakes Park until March 31.

The site has tested 60 people thus far, but has not been able to fill the 50 appointment slots per day. Health officials said that by pausing operations for two days, people who believe they may have symptoms will have more time to seek medical advice, have a test ordered and receive a prescription for an appointment.

The site, located at 6700 Clark Road, will reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday and will remain open until noon.

Hot spot counties with more than 100 cases in Florida continue to spike. As of Saturday:

▪ Miami-Dade County jumped from 849 cases Friday to 1,097 Saturday evening.

▪ Broward County spiked from 612 cases to 801 overnight.

▪ Hillsborough County is reporting an increase from 168 cases to 200 cases overnight.

▪ Orange County saw cases increase from 160 cases to 198 cases.

▪ Palm Beach County spiked from 230 cases to 304 in 24 hours.

▪ Duval County broke the 100-case mark. They were at 93 cases Friday evening and are now reporting 114 cases.

Lee County is the latest to break the 100-case mark at 111 cases. They were at 94 cases Saturday morning.

This story was originally published March 28, 2020 at 12:14 PM.