ORLANDO, Fla. — As COVID-19 continues to surge and Florida breaks records for new cases and hospitalizations, one of the state's largest hospital chains is making changes.

AdventHealth Central Florida began limiting the number of visitors on Monday — and banning in-person visitors to some COVID-19 patients altogether. 

The new visitor policy is as follows:

  • COVID-19 positive patients (adults) — virtual visits only
  • COVID-19 positive patients (minors) — two adult caregivers at a time
  • Non COVID-19 patients — one visitor at a time
  • Obstetrics and pediatric patients — two visitors at a time
  • COVID-19 positive and symptomatic OB patients (C-Section) — two visitors a day, no visitors in operating room

We spoke to Jenny Perez, who was bringing her daughter to the hospital Monday, and she says it’s sad that’s it come to this. 

“I think it sucks, some people are dying alone out here you know," Perez said. "COVID is actually letting nobody go out there, that’s pretty sad actually.” 

On Thursday, AdventHealth Central Florida moved to "black" status, postponing all non-emergency surgeries at its area hospitals.

AdventHealth Central Florida says 94% of COVID-19 positive patients at its hospitals nationwide are unvaccinated.

AdventHealth began limiting visitors last month, but this policy is more stringent. 

On Friday, Halifax Health in Volusia County changed its visitation policy to ban visitors for patients who have COVID-19. A news release said officials would provide virtual visits for those patients. Two visitors are allowed for non-COVID patients. All visitors will be screened for symptoms of flu or possible COVID upon entry.

Brevard County's Health First hospitals also do not allow visitors for COVID-19 patients, except in end-of-life and labor-delivery patients. Non-COVID patients may have one visitor at a time. No visitors younger than 18 are allowed. Visitors must pass a screening and wear a mask at all times.

Orlando Health has also begun limiting COVID patients across its health care system. Non-COVID-19 patients are allowed two visitors a day, while COVID-19 patients are allowed one adult visitor per day. All visitors will be screened for symptoms up entry and must wear a face covering at all times.