 Sanford Health in Bemidji and Bagley is implementing visitor restrictions due to the sustained increase in respiratory illnesses and influenza across Minnesota. The visitor restrictions started at noon today and are in effect at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, Sanford Bagley Medical Center, Sanford Health Woods Edge, and Sanford Baker Park. Sanford is placing these guidelines in order to protect patients, residents, and employees from catching and spreading respiratory illnesses including influenza. Now these restrictions are for all visitors including staff members and their families. Only two visitors per patient five years and older. Patient visitors are limited to clergy and immediate family members including spouse or significant other, parent or grandparent, in-laws, sibling, and children five years and older. And all children ages five to 14 must wear a mask while visiting and visitors who are ill may not visit unless granted permission for compassionate reasons such as end-of-life care. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.