The hospital told ABC7 News that the spread “may” have been connected to an employee who appeared briefly in the emergency department wearing an “air-powered costume” on Christmas Day.
Fifty-one members of the emergency department staff at the Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center tested positive for COVID-19 between December 27 and January 5, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Department of Public Health.
The employee who died died of complications from COVID-19 and was working in the ER on December 25, the hospital confirmed with ABC7 News on Sunday night. Out of respect for the family and the patient’s privacy, hospital staff are not releasing more information.
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“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.”
We asked UCSF infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Chin-Hong about how an inflatable suit could contribute to the spread of the virus.
“These random air currents from the leak, in conjunction with random movements, create an unpredictable flow,” said Chin-Hong. “The flow of air in the droplets can give these droplets super powers, make them smaller and lighter and keep them suspended in the air and potentially spread them out. This is what we call aerosol generation.”
As for vaccines, the hospital’s emergency room team was the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine less than 10 days ago. The hospital says that “they were not expected to achieve immunity when this exposure occurred. It is important not only that everyone be vaccinated, but receive the two necessary doses of the vaccine to be protected”.
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The hospital adds that the emergency room is still open and safe to receive care. All areas of the department are undergoing thorough cleaning along with routine 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 ABC7 News. “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.”
The hospital reported for the first time that 43 employees tested positive on Saturday. A day later, officials said on Sunday afternoon that the number of infected emergency workers had risen to 44.
Read the full January 5 hospital statement below:
The health and safety of our patients, staff and doctors is our highest priority. To date, we have determined that 60 staff members present at the Kaiser Permanente San Jose Emergency Department on December 25 have tested positive for COVID-19. Working with our infectious disease specialists, we continue to investigate the outbreak to determine potential causes and using contact tracking to personally notify and test anyone exposed, based on the CDC and public health guidelines. Given the prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities, it is often difficult to identify the specific exposure that leads to COVID-19 infection.
In addition to HEPA filtration for ventilation systems, which are known to be effective against coronavirus, other precautions we take include thorough cleaning and intensive disinfection of the entire Emergency Department, including surfaces, equipment and areas of high contact in common spaces and areas patient care, and we did tests to determine if these areas are sanitized. In addition, we have implemented regular rigorous cleaning, masks, symptom tracking and temperature checks at the emergency room entrance; proper screening and isolation of anyone suspected of COVID-19; and to ensure social distance with precautions such as acrylic cubes for patients in the waiting room.
Our thoughts are with all of our valued employees who have been affected by this situation, and we are continuing to provide the service and support they need.
Our doctors contacted all 70 patients who were treated and discharged from the Emergency Department on December 25 and are answering any questions that patients may have. COVID-19 tests are being made available to these patients, and doctors are helping members to ensure the test. All Kaiser Permanente members can also self-schedule an online test at kp.org. Due to patient privacy laws, we no longer have patient information to provide.
As COVID-19 continues to be widespread and often symptom free, we are all still vulnerable and it remains critical that everyone continue to use methods to help protect ourselves and others – especially masks, hand washing, avoiding meetings and social distance.
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