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Dozens of COVID-19 cases and one death among Kaiser Permanente employees in San Jose have been linked to an inflatable costume worn by a staff member over Christmas.
Irene Chavez, senior vice president and regional manager of the San Jose Medical Center, said on Sunday that 44 emergency department staff have tested positive for the virus since December 27.
By Tuesday night, that number had risen to 51, according to reports from San Francisco’s KRON4.
Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center is featured 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 explosive holiday suit worn by a staff member who “briefly” visited the department on Dec. 25, according to its statement.
Inflatable costumes typically rely on battery operated fans to suck air into the costumes and keep their shape. COVID-19 spreads through droplets in the air, which is why investigators are looking into the ventilator’s airflow function.
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“Any exposure, if it had occurred, would have been completely innocent and completely accidental, as the individual had no symptoms of COVID and was only seeking to boost the morale of those around him during a very stressful time,” Chavez said, adding that the holiday costume was not pre-approved by Kaiser.
“Obviously, we will no longer allow air-powered suits in our facilities. At the same time, we are taking steps to strengthen staff precautions, including physical distancing and lack of congregation in break rooms, not sharing food or drink and masks at all. times, ”she said.
Hilary Costa, a spokesperson for Kaiser Permanente, said she was not sure what type of costume the person was wearing. NBC subsidiary KNTV-TV in San Jose reported on Sunday that the costume was a Christmas tree.
Kaiser declined to identify the employee who died of complications from COVID-19.
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The emergency department is open and undergoing a thorough cleaning, Chavez said. Nearly 40,000 health workers from Kaiser Permanente in northern California have already received COVID-19 vaccinations, she said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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