SARASOTA COUNTY (WSNN) – The coronavirus has not gone away, and right now the cases are the worst they’ve ever been in Florida. Two hospitals in Manatee County are the latest hospitals to tighten their visitation rules.
“I have to agree with that,” Manatee County resident, Otto Morales said. “They’re trying to prevent the spread of the virus, and they’re taking precautions.”
“I think it’s harsh,” a Manatee County resident who wants to remain anonymous said. “People that are sick need support from their family members.”
As of Tuesday, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and Manatee Memorial Hospital are not allowing visitors in their inpatient nursing unit. However, Lakewood Ranch allows Emergency Room visitors, while Manatee Memorial does not.
“About three weeks we ere in single digits, but as of this morning, we had 62 COVID-19 patients at Manatee Memorial and eight in our ICU,” Manatee Memorial Hospital CEO Kevin DiLallo said.
DiLallo says this exponential increase prompted the change to their visitation rules.
“Because we’re concerned for our patients and for our employees,” DiLallo said. “We want to make sure that they are safe, so that the less exposure that we get throughout the facility, I think the better for now until we get this a little more under control.”
There are some exceptions to the no-visitor policy. One of them includes the women’s center/ labor and delivery unit.
“We feel it’s very important to have the person that supported you through your labor to be in that room.”
Exceptions also include patients who need a support person prior to a surgical procedure and patients with extraordinary circumstances, like end-of-life care.
“We will work with family,” DiLallo said.
This goes for both healthcare facilities. But, Manatee Memorial also allows one visitor at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
“I understand this is for the greater good,” Morales said.
“I’m over this as well,” an anonymous Manatee County resident said.
Hospital staff will monitor the COVID cases and update the policies as needed.
