Dozens of COVID-19 cases and a death among Kaiser Permanente employees in San Jose were associated with an inflatable suit worn by an employee at Christmas.
Irene Chavez, senior vice president and area manager at the San Jose Medical Center, said on Sunday that 44 emergency department workers had tested positive for the virus since December 27.
As of Tuesday night, that number rose to 51, according to a report by KRON4 in San Francisco.
The Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center is displayed in San Jose, California.
(Bay Area News Group via AP)
The Oakland-based hospital chain is investigating the outbreak and said the source could be an explosion, a holiday suit worn by an employee who “briefly” visited the department on December 25, according to the statement.
Inflatable costumes usually have battery operated fans to suck air into the suits and maintain their shape. COVID-19 spreads through droplets in the air, which is why researchers are examining the fan’s air circulation function.
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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, adding that the costume was not approved in advance by Kaiser.
“Obviously, we will no longer allow air-powered fantasies on our premises. At the same time, we are taking steps to enforce precautions among employees, including physical distance and no meeting in rest rooms, no sharing of food or drink and masks. Times “, she said.
Hilary Costa, a spokeswoman for Kaiser Permanente, said she did not know what kind of costume the person was wearing. NBC affiliate KNTV-TV in San Jose reported on Sunday that the suit was a Christmas tree.
Kaiser declined to identify the employee who died of COVID-19 complications.
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The emergency room is open and undergoing thorough cleaning, Chavez said. Nearly 40,000 Kaiser Permanente health professionals in northern California have already received the COVID-19 vaccines, she said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.