Kaiser Hospital officials announced Saturday that 43 emergency personnel at Kaiser Permanente in San Jose tested positive for COVID-19 between Dec. 27 and Jan. 1.
“Using our infected protocols, we investigate the outbreak and use contact tracing to personally notify and test staff or patients exposed during this period based on CDC and public health guidelines,” a spokesman in said a statement.
The hospital is investigating whether an incident in which a staff member briefly appeared in the emergency department on Christmas day, with an air-powered costume along with a fan, caused air droplets to disperse into the hospital.
The hospital says it no longer allows air-conditioned costumes at any facilities.
The hospital is rapidly testing all employees and doctors of the emergency department for the virus, and anyone who is positive or has symptoms will be quarantined according to CDC guidelines, hospital officials said.
The emergency department is being thoroughly cleaned and officials said the hospital is open and safe for patients to seek care.
‘Although the vaccine is being launched in our communities, COVID-19 is still sensitive in the community, and it is critical that everyone uses the methods to protect ourselves and others – especially masks, hand washing, avoiding gatherings and social distancing, Reads the statement.