Although many families didn’t gather in large groups this past Thanksgiving holiday, some families did, and now health officials are concerned about a potential increase of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

While Sanford Health in Bemidji is still very prepared, the hospital has seen about 10% of its employees contract the virus at some point, which ultimately creates a staffing problem.

Dr. David Wilcox, Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota Vice-President Medical Officer, states that those who may have been potentially exposed should quarantine for the full 14 days, regardless of a negative test result.

By — Destiny Wiggins