43 San Jose Kaiser staff tested positive in COVID outbreak – NBC Bay Area



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Officials at Kaiser Hospital announced on Saturday that 43 emergency personnel at Kaiser Permanente in San Jose tested positive for COVID-19 between December 27 and January 1.

“Using our proven infection protocols, we are investigating the outbreak and using contact tracing to personally notify and test any staff or patients who have been exposed during this time based on CDC and public health guidelines. A spokesperson said in a statement.

The hospital is investigating whether an incident in which a staff member briefly appeared in the emergency department on Christmas Day wearing a pneumatic suit with a ventilator could have resulted in the spread of air droplets throughout the hospital.

The hospital said it would no longer allow air-powered suits at any facility.

The hospital is working to quickly test all emergency department workers and doctors for the virus, and anyone who tests positive or shows symptoms will be quarantined according to CDC guidelines, the officials said. hospital officials.

The emergency department is undergoing a thorough cleaning and officials said the hospital was open and safe for patients to receive care.

“Even as the vaccine begins to be provided in our communities, given the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, we are all still vulnerable and it remains essential for everyone to continue using the methods to protect ourselves and the people. others – especially masks, washing hands, avoiding gatherings and social distancing, ”the statement read.



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