Sarasota Memorial Hospital has announced that effective 6 p.m. on Friday, June 26, the hospital will once again activate a “no visitors” policy, except in special circumstances. The temporary changes are part of the health system’s ongoing effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard the health of patients, families, staff and the community. Visitors will not be allowed at the hospital, with the following exceptions:

• Patients in certain extraordinary circumstances
• Patients in the emergency care center, who may each have one support person that will be allowed to wait in the hospital lobby (first floor access only). If a patient requires assistance to receive treatment (such as a stroke patient who cannot speak for himself), then an essential caregiver may be allowed to accompany the patient into the emergency care center or another patient care area as necessary.
• Labor and delivery/mother-baby patients are allowed one support person/visitor
• Pediatrics patients are allowed one parent or support person
• Neonatal ICU patients are allowed two visitors, but only one may visit per day
• Surgical, procedural and testing-area patients are allowed one support person

Visitors permitted under those guidelines must complete a screening questionnaire, pass a temperature check (under 99 degrees Fahrenheit), and wear a mask while in the hospital. Visitors must be 18 years or older. No visitors will be permitted for patients suspected of having COVID-19 or who have tested positive. Visitors also are not permitted in the Bayside Center for Behavioral Health or at the Sarasota Memorial Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Rand Boulevard. The hospital encourages community members and loved ones looking to connect with patients to utilize apps such as Skype, Facetime and Zoom. Staff is available to assist patients and  have iPads and other devices available to ensure patients can continue to keep in contact with family and friends.