Essentia Health to return to pre-pandemic patient visitation

Essentia Health is returning to pre-pandemic patient visitation in their hospitals and clinics, effective Tuesday.

A spokesperson for Essentia Health said the decision to relax visitor restrictions was made carefully after evaluating the number of new COVID-19 cases locally and the percent of hospitalized patients.

Visitor restrictions will remain in place for COVID-19 positive patients, as well as, patients suspected to have COVID-19.

Some restrictions will also remain in place at long-term-care facilities. Those interested in finding out more about those restrictions are encouraged to contact the long-term-care facility they are curious about.

Essentia will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state departments of health.

Masks will still be required by everyone and Essentia will continue to screen all patients and visitors for symptoms of COVID-19.

Additionally, no outside food or beverages will be allowed.

More information about Essentia’s visitor policy can be found here.