According to a report, an employee working at a hospital in California died of a COVID-19 outbreak possibly linked to an inflatable Christmas tree costume.
The female registration clerk worked in the emergency department on Christmas Day – the same day an employee wore an “air-powered” costume to spread holiday cheer at the Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, the news station KNTV reported.
She was one of 43 staff members who contracted the virus between Dec. 27 and New Year’s Day, hospital officials said.
The hospital is investigating whether the costume fan disperses air droplets into the air that are exhaled by a person infected with the virus.
“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,” Irene Chavez , senior vice president and area manager. of downtown, the San Francisco Chronicle said.
The hospital declared late Sunday to express condolences to the victim’s loved ones.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this terrible loss. We offer support to our employees during this difficult time, ”reads the statement, reports the Los Angeles Times.