COVID-19 Cases Rise in Beltrami County, Resulting in Fewer Hospital Beds

Though for some people it has seemed like things were just starting to calm down with COVID-19, it has been the opposite. At the Bemidji City Council meeting on October 4, Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota and Beltrami County Public Health officials notified local leaders about the rise in coronavirus numbers and encouraged residents to get vaccinated.

Fortunately, Dr. David Wilcox of Sanford Health in Bemidji says that they’re seeing fewer hospitalizations because of vaccinations for the highest risk patients. But the hospitalization rate for COVID-19 has taken all of the excess capacity out of Sanford’s health care system. Many other patients that are experiencing health concerns and issues that need emergency medical attention are not able to receive the care they require.

Sanford Health has COVID-19 vaccinations available by appointment. Appointments can be made by going to My Sanford Chart or by calling 877-701-0779.