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The hospital told ABC7 News that the spread “may” have been linked to an employee who briefly appeared in the emergency room wearing an “air suit” on Christmas Day.
Fifty-one emergency department staff at Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center tested positive for COVID-19 between Dec. 27 and Jan. 5, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Department of Public Health.
The deceased staff member died of complications from COVID-19 and was working in the emergency room on December 25, the hospital confirmed with ABC7 News on Sunday evening. Out of respect for the patient’s family and privacy, hospital officials do not disclose more information.
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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 cheer up those around him for a period of time. very stressful, ”Chavez said. “On the contrary, it should serve as a very real reminder that the virus is widespread, and often without symptoms, and we all need to be vigilant.
We asked UCSF infectious disease expert Dr Peter Chin-Hong how an inflatable costume could help spread the virus.
“These random air currents from the leak, together with the random movements, create an unpredictable flow,” Chin-Hong said. “The flow of air over the droplets can give these droplets superpowers, make them smaller and lighter, and keep them suspended in the air and potentially blow them away. This is what we call Generation D. ‘aerosols. “
As for vaccinations, staff in the hospital emergency department were the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine less than 10 days ago. The hospital says they “shouldn’t have achieved immunity when this exposure occurred. It is important not only that everyone gets vaccinated, but that they receive the two doses of vaccine needed to be. protected”.
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The hospital adds that the emergency department is always open and safe to receive treatment. All areas of the department undergo a deep cleaning as well as a routine cleaning. . An investigation and tracing of contacts between staff and patients is underway.
“Obviously, we will no longer allow air-powered suits in our facilities,” Chavez told ABC7 News. “At the same time, we are taking steps to strengthen safety precautions among staff, including physical distancing and no congregation in break rooms, no sharing of food or drink and masks at all. moment.
The hospital first reported that 43 staff members tested positive on Saturday. A day later, officials said on Sunday afternoon that the number of infected emergency workers rose to 44.
Read the full hospital statement from January 5 below:
The health and safety of our patients, employees and physicians is our top priority. To date, we have determined that 60 staff members of those present in the Kaiser Permanente San Jose emergency department on December 25 have tested positive for COVID-19. Working with our infectious disease specialists, we continue to investigate the outbreak to determine potential causes and use contact tracing to personally notify and test anyone exposed, based on CDC and public health guidelines. . Given the prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities, it is often difficult to determine the specific exposure leading to infection with COVID-19.
In addition to HEPA filtering of the ventilation systems, which is known to be effective against the coronavirus, other precautions we have taken include deep cleaning and intensive disinfection of the entire emergency department, including surfaces, equipment and high contact areas in common areas and patient care areas, and we have tested to determine that these areas are disinfected. In addition, we regularly implement rigorous cleanings, masks, symptom screening and temperature checks at the entrance to emergencies; triage and appropriate isolation of anyone suspected of COVID-19; and ensuring social distancing with precautions such as plexiglass cubes for patients in the waiting room.
Our hearts go out to all of our valued staff members who have been affected by this situation, and we continue to provide them with the care and support they need.
Our doctors contacted the 70 patients being treated and discharged from the emergency department on December 25 and are answering any questions the patients may have. COVID-19 tests are made available to these patients, and doctors are helping members secure the test. All Kaiser Permanente members can also schedule a test themselves online at kp.org. Due to patient privacy laws, we do not have any further patient information to provide.
Because COVID-19 continues to be prevalent and is often symptomless, we are all still vulnerable and it remains essential for everyone to continue to use the methods to protect themselves and others – especially masks, hand washing, avoiding gatherings and social distancing. .
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