Kaiser hospital officials announced on Saturday that 43 members of the Kaiser Permanente emergency team in San Jose tested positive for COVID-19 between December 27 and January 1.
“Using our proven infection protocols, we are investigating the outbreak and using contact tracking to personally notify and test any staff or patients who have been exposed during this time based on the CDC and public health guidelines,” said a spokesman. voice in a statement.
The hospital is investigating whether an incident in which a staff member briefly appeared in the emergency department on Christmas Day wearing an air-powered costume with a fan may have caused air droplets to spread through the hospital.
The hospital says it will no longer allow air-powered fantasies in any facilities.
The hospital is working to quickly test all emergency department and medical personnel for the virus, and anyone who has a positive result or symptoms will be quarantined according to CDC guidelines, hospital officials said.
The emergency room is undergoing a thorough cleaning and authorities said the hospital is open and safe for patients to receive care.
“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, washing hands, avoiding meetings and social distance, ”said the statement.