Sanford Health enacts visitor restrictions amid rise in respiratory illness

BEMIDJI — Sanford Health will implement seasonal visitor restrictions at its Bemidji and Bagley medical centers, citing a recent rise in respiratory illnesses in the region.

The restrictions will be effective when visiting hours begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8. Visiting hours end at 8 p.m.

Four visitors will be allowed per day, and only two are recommended to be in the same room at a time. All minor visitors must be accompanied by an adult. One visitor may spend the night as an emotional support person.

People who are ill or showing symptoms should not visit, and visitors recently exposed to a respiratory illness or visiting a patient with a respiratory illness must always wear a mask.

For special care nursery visitors, no more than two people may visit at the same time, one of which must be a parent or caregiver. Visitors must be at least 6 years old and always wear a mask. Visiting time will be limited to 15 minutes.

Sanford also shared a number of recommendations for visiting COVID-19 patients in isolation:

• Visitors should be kept to a minimum
• Visitors should be aware that they can be at risk of COVID exposure while visiting a COVID-positive patient
• Visitors should only visit the patient room and limit their time spent in other locations within the facility
• Visitors must continue to always mask while in the facility, including when visiting areas such as the cafeteria or gift shop
• Visitors should wear a mask when around others for 10 days after their visit and watch for symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath

Specific visitation requests may be allowed by the department director.