MANATEE COUNTY (WSNN) – As COVID-19 cases continue to climb, several medical facilities in Manatee County are limiting visitors again.
Thursday marks the 25th consecutive day that Florida has set a record high in its seven-day rolling average for COVID-19 cases with more than 10,000 cases, for a total of nearly 170,000 across the state.
Manatee County reported 160 new cases Thursday, with more than 3,000 cases, the highest single-day increase since June 27.
Manatee Memorial is among some of the hospitals on the Suncoast enforcing visitor policies.
“Based on the rise in cases throughout the county, we felt that we wanted to make sure everyone was safe, not only our patients but also our employees,” CEO, Kevin DiLallo, said.
DiLallo says it will be more lax than before when they shut out all visitors completely in March and April.
This time around they will be limiting one visitor per patient a day.
“Visitation is a very important part of the care of the patient,” DiLallo said. “And we want to try and remain open for visitors as much as we can.”
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is also limiting visitors to one visitor per patient in all areas of the hospital. BUT, coronavirus patients are not allowed any visitors except for end-of-life situations.
“We recognize that both patients and their loved ones would like to see other more, but our first priority is safety,” CEO, Andy Guz said. “Our covid-positive cases have increased since the state-wide restrictions have been lifted. We were prepared for this, and are not overwhelmed.”
Black Medical Center has the same policy at Lakewood Ranch. Only one visitor for out-patient surgery and for emergency needs.
“The temporary changes further limit the number of people entering the hospital and are part of ongoing efforts to help ensure the safety of and protect the health of our patients, caregivers, and community,” President and CEO, Randy Currin, said.
DiLallo says he encourages people to listen to healthcare professionals: Wear masks, wash hands, and practice social distancing.
“I think people need to listen to the advice and not say it won’t happen to them because ‘I’m young and it doesn’t affect us.’ It can,” DiLallo said.
Staff at all facilities are checking temperatures upon entry, asking COVID-related questions, and requiring visitors to wear masks.
The times for all three medical facilities are different.
There’s more information at each of their websites below:
