The hospital is now banning most visitors.

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Sarasota Memorial Hospital officials announced Friday that the hospital is treating two new coronavirus patients, and is now banning all visitors from the hospital except in “special circumstances.”

“The temporary change is 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,” the hospital said of the no visitation policy.

The two new cases are an individual in their 60s and an individual in their 70s.

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Sarasota Memorial currently is treating three patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by this coronavirus, and three other patients who contracted the virus have been discharged.

The Florida Department of Health announced 88 new coronavirus cases Friday morning - bringing the statewide total to 520 - and another death.

The death in Broward County from COVID-19, the disease caused by this coronavirus, is the 10th in the state.

Among the Florida cases, 103 individuals have needed hospitalization.

Broward County has the most cases, with 124, while Miami-Dade has the second most with 113.

Manatee County has nine cases and Sarasota County has eight.

The virus is continuing to spark more closures in Florida. Many counties have begun closing beaches.

Sarasota County and Manatee County announced Thursday that all public beaches will be closed.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has closed bars and nightclubs across the state, mandated restaurants operate at half capacity, restricted beach gatherings to no more than 10 people and ordered K-12 schools closed until at least April 15. University classrooms also are closed, with students transitioning to online classes.

Some Florida cities and counties have gone further, closing all restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and other businesses deemed nonessential.

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