Sanford Bemidji Medical Center and Sanford Bagley Medical Center announced visitor restrictions will be in effect today at their respective campuses, due to the recent, sustained increase in COVID-19 cases in the Bemidji area.
“This situation is very serious, and we need our community and region to act now,” said Dr. Colleen Swank, pediatrician and leader of physicians and providers as vice president of clinics for Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota.
“While we continue to adjust our operations to accommodate the growing number of patients who need care, it has become very challenging to ensure the community’s care needs remain manageable with local resources. We are asking you to be good stewards. Follow the recommendations of social distancing, keep your social circle small, wear masks and wash your hands. By doing so, you can directly impact your health systems’ ability to care for your friends, neighbors and family.”
Effective as of 8 a.m. today, these restrictions are in place for all visitors, including staff members and their families, during the visiting hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Only one visitor is allowed per patient per day.
- Patient visitors are limited to clergy and immediate family members, including:
- Spouse or significant other
- Parent or grandparent
- In-laws
- Sibling
This new restriction does not apply to the following:
- Designated COVID-19 units—no visitors.
- Pediatric hospital patients will be allowed two parent/guardian visitors per day, 15 years and older.
- Special Care Nursery patients will be allowed their mother and one additional adult visitor, 15 years and older, per patient per day.
- End of life visitors will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
- End of life COVID-19 patient: One pre-determined visitor allowed daily. Visitor must follow protective measures including masking and self-quarantine for 14 days following visit.
