The deaths are the first linked to COVID-19 in Sarasota or Manatee counties.

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Sarasota Memorial Hospital announced Tuesday that a patient with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and another patient suspected of having the disease have died.

The deaths are the first linked to COVID-19 in Sarasota or Manatee counties.

“On behalf of the hospital and the clinical team dedicated to caring for these patients, we extend our deepest sympathies to their families and friends,” Sarasota Memorial CEO David Verinder said in a news release. “It is a sad and sobering reality to see the effects of this virus across the world, and now in our own community, but our team stands united and prepared to fight this together.”

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Sarasota Memorial currently has nine patients with COVID-19. The hospital has treated 16 patients with the disease and discharged six of them.

Tests results are still pending for the second patient who died, but the hospital said that COVID-19 is suspected as the cause of death.

Acclaimed playwright Terrence McNally, 81, was one of the victims. McNally won Tony Awards for “Love! Valour! Compassion!” and “Master Class” and for “Ragtime” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman.”

The Florida Department of Health reported 1,412 coronavirus cases in the state as of Tuesday morning and 18 deaths. Sarasota County has 26 cases and Manatee County has 16.

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