The hospital is investigating the outbreak and said in an email to KGO-TV that the spread was “possibly” linked to an “air-powered costume”.
Officials confirmed that an employee briefly appeared in the emergency department on Christmas Day.
“Any exposure, if it had taken place, would have been completely innocent and accidental, as the individual had no COVID symptoms and was only trying to lift the minds of those around them during a very stressful time,” he said. Chavez said. “If it’s anything, it should be a very important reminder that the virus is widespread, and often asymptomatic, and that we should all be vigilant.”
Emergency services personnel were the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine less than 10 days ago, and the hospital said it was “not expected that they would have reached immunity when this exposure occurred. It is not just important that all are vaccinated, but that receive the required two doses of vaccine to be protected. ‘
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The hospital says the emergency department is still open and safe to receive care, and all areas of the department are being thoroughly cleaned. An ongoing investigation and contact tracing among staff and patients is underway.
“It’s clear we are no longer allowing air – powered costumes at our facilities,” Chavez told KGO. “At the same time, we are taking steps to strengthen safety measures among staff, including physical distance and no gathering during breaks, no sharing of food or drink, and masks at all times.”
Read the hospital’s full statement below:
“The health and safety of our patients, staff and physicians is our top priority. We have determined that 43 staff members at the Kaiser Permanent San Jose Emergency Department tested positive for COVID-19 between December 27 and January 1. It will ensure that every staff member involved receive the care and support they need.Using our infection prevention protocols, we investigate the outbreak and use contact tracing to staff or patients exposed during this period based on CDC and public health guidelines.We also moves quickly to test all employees and doctors of the emergency department for COVID-19 Employees who have been confirmed to have COVID-19 or are suspected of having COVID-19 due to symptoms will not return to work not, and adhere to COVID-19 isolation protocols according to Kaiser Permanente and CDC guidance.
The Kaiser Permanent San Jose Medical Center is open and safe to receive care. All areas in the Emergency Department are thoroughly cleaned, in addition to the already strict cleaning protocols that are in place. All of our health professionals will be offered weekly COVID-19 tests and rapid tests for anyone with symptoms or exposure to a person with COVID-19. Masks are required in all areas and we are further developing our processes and common spaces, such as staff break rooms, to limit staff gatherings.
We are grateful to our employees, nurses and physicians for their dedication to providing excellent and compassionate care every day. Nearly 40,000 Kaiser Permanent health workers in Northern California have already received COVID-19 vaccinations, and more are continuing every day, taking us one step closer to controlling the pandemic. Although the vaccine is beginning to be provided in our communities, we are all still vulnerable, given the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, and it remains critical for everyone to continue the methods of protecting ourselves and others – especially masks, hand washing, avoiding gatherings and social distancing. ”
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