Covid-19

The Pandemic

La Primavera Supermarket to Host Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic Saturday

The event will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available.

09/09/2021 By Staff

The Pandemic

Is Your Caregiver Following Covid-19 Safety Protocols?

We asked Take Care Home Health CEO Susanne Wise to share the safety tips she relies on to keep her staff and clients safe and healthy.

09/08/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Education

Despite DeSantis Appeal, Judge Rules School Mask Mandates Can Continue

In addition to allowing school districts to require masks, Judge John Cooper's decision ends the state's sanctions against 13 districts, including Sarasota County, that previously enacted mandates.

09/08/2021 By Megan McDonald

The Pandemic

Sarasota Memorial Expands ICU Due to Covid Surge

The unit went from 62 to 120 beds to accommodate severely ill Covid-19 patients.

09/02/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Education

Sarasota School District Updates Face Mask Exemption Policy

The district is now only accepting exemption forms from MDs, DOs and nurse practitioners. The move comes after Venice chiropractor Dan Busch signed more than 500 medical exemption forms.

09/01/2021 By Megan McDonald

The Pandemic

Can You Still Be a Covid-19 Carrier Even if You're Fully Vaccinated?

TL;DR: yes. But vaccination significantly reduces severe Covid, hospitalization and death. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Manuel Gordillo answers more of our questions.

08/31/2021 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

Manatee Community Foundation to Host Covid-19 Information Event

Attendees will have the chance to hear from local health experts regarding Covid-19 data, testing, vaccine hesitancy and community response.

08/30/2021 By Staff

Breaking News

Florida Judge Strikes Down DeSantis' Ban on Mask Mandates in Schools

More Florida children are hospitalized with Covid-19 right now than at any other point in the pandemic.

08/27/2021 By Megan McDonald

The pandemic

Covid-19 Antibody Treatment Now Available in Manatee County

Manatee Memorial Hospital is working with the state to provide monoclonal antibody treatments to patients who have tested positive for Covid-19.

08/27/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Good Deeds

Knick's Tavern and Grill, Artisan Cheese Company Help Feed Frontline Workers

As Covid cases surge, the restaurants are providing meals for local first responders.

08/26/2021 By Emma Moneuse

Vaccination

Empath Health Announces Vaccine Policy

The vaccine policy is an initiative of Empath Health senior leadership in consultation with clinical experts and endorsement from the board of directors.

08/24/2021 By Staff

Covid-19

What's the Difference Between a Covid Vaccine Booster and a Third Dose?

Covid-19 booster vaccines are different from a third mRNA shot. The latter is now being administered to the immunocompromised.

08/24/2021 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

Local Organizations Sponsor Free Community Vaccine Clinics This Week

The clinics will take place on Saturday at Church of the Cross and Sunday at the Newtown-North Sarasota Redevelopment Office.

08/23/2021 By Staff

Breaking News

Sarasota School Board Approves Mask Mandate With Limited Exemptions

The measure will stay in place for 90 days, or until Sarasota County's Covid-19 test positivity rate falls.

08/20/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Philanthropy

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Receives $250,000 Gift

The donation, from Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse, will be used to help SMH respond to the current surge of Covid-19 cases

08/20/2021 By Staff

Education

Florida Scholarship to Help Bullied Kids May Now Go Toward 'Covid Harassment'

The Hope Scholarship helps bullied children transfer schools. Now, the taxpayer-funded Florida program may help children transfer to a private school if they are bullied for wearing—or not wearing—a mask at school.

08/20/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Covid-19

Does the Covid Lambda Variant Pose a Threat to Sarasota?

The Lambda variant is present in Florida—however, it's only a "variant of interest," not a "variant of concern," according to the CDC.

08/18/2021 By Allison Forsyth

The Pandemic

Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Will Roll Out Next Month in U.S.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that boosters will be available for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

08/18/2021 By Megan McDonald

The Pandemic

Sarasota Memorial's Covid-19 Patient Census Is the Highest It's Ever Been

Of the 239 Covid-positive patients in the hospital, 52 are in the ICU and 34 are on ventilators; 89 percent of them are unvaccinated.

08/17/2021 By Megan McDonald

Breaking News

Manatee County School Board Approves Mask Mandate

The mandate will remain in place until Wednesday, Aug. 25, but children and employees will be allowed to opt out.

08/16/2021 By Allison Forsyth