Sanford Bemidji and Bagley Medical Centers Updating Visitor Restrictions

Due to the recent COVID-19 cases in the Bemidji area, Sanford Bemidji and Bagley Medical Centers are implementing updated visitor restrictions.

According to the press release, effective on Monday, Dec. 14 at 8 AM. The following restrictions will be put in place for all visitors, staff members and their families:

• Only one visitor is allowed per patient for their entire hospital stay
• Patients must choose one person who will be allowed to visit the patient as often as needed during their stay
• Visitors must properly wear a surgical mask covering both their nose and mouth at all times, including inside the patient’s room
• Surgical masks will be provided
• Cloth masks are not allowed
• If a visitor refuses to wear a mask, they will not be permitted to visit
• Visitors may only use public restrooms in the hospital, not the one in the patient’s room

According to the release, the exceptions to this policy include:

• Designated COVID-19 units, no visitors
• Pediatric hospital patients will be allowed two parents/guardians per stay
• Special care nursery patients will be allowed two parents/guardians. Both visitors must have newborn ID bracelets
• End-of-life patient visitors are a case-by-case basis
• End-of-life COVID-19 patients will be permitted one pre-determined visitor allowed daily. The visitor must follow protective measures like masking and self-quarantining for 14 days following their visit