The hospital is investigating the outbreak and told KGO-TV in an email that the spread “may” have been connected to an “air-powered fantasy”.
Authorities confirmed that an employee appeared briefly in the emergency department wearing an inflatable costume on Christmas Day.
“Any exposure, had it occurred, would have been completely innocent and quite accidental, since the individual had no symptoms of COVID and just sought to lift the spirits of those around him during a very stressful period,” said Chavez. “At the very least, this should serve as a very real reminder that the virus is widespread, and often without symptoms, and we should all be vigilant.”
The emergency team was the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine less than 10 days ago and the hospital said that “they were not expected to have achieved immunity when this exposure occurred. It is important not only that everyone be vaccinated, but also to receive the two necessary doses of vaccine to be protected. “
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The hospital says the emergency room is still open and safe to receive care and all areas of the department are undergoing thorough cleaning. An ongoing investigation and tracking of contact between staff and patients is ongoing.
“Obviously, we will no longer allow air-powered fantasies at our facilities,” Chavez told KGO. “At the same time, we are taking steps to enforce safety precautions among employees, including physical distance and a ban on meeting in rest rooms, not sharing food or drinks and masks at all times.”
Read the full hospital statement below:
“The health and safety of our patients, staff and doctors is our highest priority. We determined that 43 members of the Kaiser Permanente San Jose Emergency Department team tested positive for COVID-19 between December 27th and January 1st. We will ensure that all affected employees receive the care and support they need.Using our infection prevention protocols, we are investigating the outbreak and using contact tracking to personally notify and test any employee or patient that has been exposed during this reporting period. time based on CDC and public health guidelines. We’re also moving quickly to test all emergency department employees and doctors for COVID-19. Employees with COVID-19 confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19 due to symptoms will not come to work, adhering to the COVID-19 isolation protocols according to the guidelines of Kaiser Permanente and CDC.
The Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center is open and safe to receive care. All areas of the Emergency Department are undergoing deep cleaning, in addition to the already strict cleaning protocols in force. All of our healthcare professionals will receive weekly tests for COVID-19 and rapid tests for anyone with symptoms or exposure to a person with COVID-19. Masks are required in all areas and we are further reconfiguring our common processes and spaces, such as employee rest rooms, to limit employee meetings.
We thank our employees, nurses and doctors for their dedication to providing excellent and compassionate care every day. Nearly 40,000 Kaiser Permanente health professionals in northern California have already received the COVID-19 vaccination, with more vaccinations every day, bringing us closer to controlling the pandemic. Even when the vaccine is starting to be delivered in our communities, given the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, we are all still vulnerable and it remains critical that everyone continues to use the methods to help protect ourselves and others – especially masks, hands washing, avoiding meetings and social distancing. ”
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