The Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center is investigating a coronavirus outbreak in its emergency department that has infected at least 43 team members.
Hospital officials are investigating whether the outbreak was affected by a team member who appeared briefly in the emergency department on Christmas Day wearing an air-powered Christmas costume. The 43 team members tested positive for the virus between December 27 and January 1.
“Any exposure, if 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 time,” Irene Chavez, senior vice president and manager of the Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, said in a statement.
“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,” said Chávez.
“Obviously, we will no longer allow air-powered fantasies at our facilities,” said Chávez. “At the same time, we are taking steps to enforce safety precautions among employees, including physical distance and no meeting in rest rooms, no sharing of food or drinks and masks at all times.”
Chavez said the hospital is notifying and testing all employees or patients who have been exposed and is preparing to test all workers in the emergency department and doctors. Workers confirmed or suspected of having contracted the virus will be invited to stay at home.
The emergency department is undergoing a thorough cleaning.
“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,” said Chávez.