Sarasota Memorial Hospital Limits Visitations During COVID Surge

SARASOTA, FL — Just two months ago, with the number of new COVID-19 cases in the area decreasing, Sarasota Memorial Hospital relaxed its visitation policy and resumed normal visiting hours.

Now, the hospital has revisited its policy once again as new coronavirus cases are surging in Sarasota County and throughout Florida.

In Sarasota County, there were about 900 new COVID-19 cases reported in the week of July 16-22 and an 11.9 percent new case positivity rate, according to the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 Weekly Situation Report. Statewide, there were more than 73,000 total news cases during this period and a 15.1 percent positivity rate.

Sarasota Memorial has also noted an increase in coronavirus cases being treated there. As of Tuesday, the hospital was caring for 92 COVID-positive in-patients and 15 of them were in the ICU. SMH also reported a 10.1 percent seven-day positivity rate.

As a result, SMH modified its visitation policy again effective Tuesday, this time adopting stricter rules.

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Sarasota newsletters and real-time email alerts.

“Due to the continuing steep rise in COVID-19 cases, Sarasota Memorial Hospital is reducing visiting hours and limiting the number of patient visitors allowed,” the hospital said on its dedicated COVID-19 page. “We will continue to monitor COVID-19 indicators to determine whether future adjustments are needed.”

Visiting hours are now limited to noon to 6 p.m. daily after expanding to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. All visitors must be at least 16 years old and wear a mask when in the hospital.

Those who can’t visit are encouraged to connect with patients by phone, text and video calling apps, SMH said.

Most hospital inpatients, including those in critical care, may only have up to two visitors each day. Patients in the Emergency Care Center, Labor & Delivery Unit, Mother-Baby Unit, and in surgical, procedural, and testing areas are limited to one support person. Pediatric patients are allowed to have two parents or designated caregivers with them.

Visitation to the Sarasota Memorial Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is by appointment only, and social distancing and masks are required.