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BEMIDJI — Due to a recent rise in respiratory illnesses within the Bemidji area, Sanford Bemidji Medical Center and Sanford Bagley Medical Center implemented updated visitor restrictions starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27.

Sanford Health is enacting these guidelines in order to protect patients and employees from potentially catching and spreading illness. Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Sanford Bemidji and Sanford Bagley hospitals will put in place the following restrictions for all visitors, including staff members and their families:

• Four visitors are allowed to visit a patient per day, with a maximum of two visitors in a patient’s room at one time. All minor visitors must be accompanied by an adult. One visitor may spend the night as emotional support.
• People who are ill or showing symptoms should not visit. 
• Visitors recently exposed to a respiratory illness or visiting a patient with a respiratory illness must wear a mask at all times. Patients are encouraged to bring their own face mask, a mask will be provided if visitors don’t have one. 
• All Sanford Health locations encourage patients to wear a mask if they are showing signs of respiratory illness or have COVID-19.

Special Care Nursery Visitors:

• No more than two people may visit at one time. One of the two people must be a parent/caregiver who is wearing an infant identification band.
• All visitors must be 6 years old or older and wear a mask at all times in the nursery.
• Visiting time will be limited to 15 minutes.

Visiting COVID-19 patients in isolation:

• Visitors must wear a mask at all times.
• Visitors should only visit the patient’s room and minimize their time spent in other locations.
• Unvaccinated visitors should quarantine for five days after their visit, followed by strict mask use for another five days.
• Fully vaccinated visitors should wear a mask for 10 days after their visit.

Specific visitation requests may be accommodated at the discretion of the department director.