Visitor Restrictions & Appointment Information

Visitor Restrictions

While ensuring patients are cared for in a safe and healthy environment is our highest priority, we also recognize that being alone for hospital stays and some clinic appointments can be difficult. Sanford Health is implementing a new visitor policy in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that is intended to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while also reducing feelings of isolation.

Hospitals

New visitor policy, effective February 22, 2021:

• Hospital visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Each patient is allowed up to two visitors or support persons.
• For end-of-life care, visitors will be allowed at the discretion of the facility and must follow all visitor guidelines.
• Pediatric and neonatal patient visitors can be an adult or minor and can include parents, guardians and other support persons.
• Visitors will be screened to follow current guidelines and must wear a mask (cloth or surgical) at all times.

Clinic Visits and Outpatient Appointments

• Each patient is allowed up to two visitors.
• Pediatric and neonatal patient visitors can be an adult or minor and can include parents, guardians and other support persons.
• Visitors must wear a mask (cloth or surgical) at all times.

Long-Term Care Facilities

• All locations are closed to all visitors until further notice to protect the health of our employees and residents who face the highest risk of illness.
• Friends and family are encouraged to communicate with loved ones remotely through phone calls, social media or video conferencing.

Bemidji Visitor Policy

Our locations in Bemidji have these restrictions in place:

• One visitor is allowed per patient per day.
• Patients must choose one person who will be allowed to visit the patient each day during established visitor hours.
• Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Exceptions to this visitor policy:

• Pediatric hospital patients will be allowed two parents or guardians per day. Special Care Nursery patients will be allowed two parents or guardians per day and both must have newborn identification bracelets.
• End-of-life patient visitors will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• End-of-life COVID-19 patients will be permitted one pre-determined daily visitor. The visitor must follow protective measures including masking and starting a self-quarantine following their visit.
• These policies do not apply to clinic or senior living locations.

Remember:

• All visitors must properly wear a surgical mask (covering nose and mouth) at all times, including while in a patient’s room.
• Surgical masks will be provided and cloth masks are not allowed.
• Visitors may only use public restrooms in the hospitals. They are not allowed to use the restroom in a patient’s room.
• Patients should properly wear a mask when around others in their private room. This includes patients in semi-private rooms with a roommate. Both roommates should wear a mask whenever possible.

Lab Updates

In Bemidji, we’re offering an alternative lab sample collection site for COVID-19 testing. This location is only for patients with an order from their provider for a COVID-19 test. This site is not for drive-thru access to testing and individuals without a provider order will be turned away.

To receive a test, patients must meet all of the CDC requirements for COVID-19 and have an order from a Sanford Health provider.

For more information and questions about testing, call (218) 333-5000.

Preparing For Your Appointment

We’re taking every precaution to keep our patients safe before, during and after their in-person appointments. And, by taking a few simple steps, you can also play an important role in your own safety and the safety of those around you. Together, we can help slow the spread.

For your upcoming appointment, please:

• Contact your doctor’s office if you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms include fever, cough or shortness of breath.
• Wear a face mask to your appointment. We strongly encourage you to bring your own mask. If you don’t have one, we will provide one for you. 
• Honor our visitor restrictions policy. This precaution helps keep you, our community and employees safe. Please review our visitor restrictions (see above) prior to your appointment.

To learn more about COVID-19 and the steps you can take to stay healthy, explore our COVID-19 resources.