Hospital worker who died after COVID outbreak may be linked to inflatable

An employee who works at a California hospital victim of a COVID-19 outbreak potentially linked to an inflatable Christmas tree costume has died of complications from the virus, according to a report.

The check-in clerk was working in the emergency room on Christmas Day – the same day, an employee wore an “air” suit to spread holiday cheer at Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, the KNTV news station reported.

She was one of 43 staff members to contract the virus between Dec. 27 and New Year’s Day, hospital officials said.

The hospital is investigating whether the costume fan has spread airborne respiratory droplets exhaled by a person infected with the virus.

“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,” Irene Chavez, senior vice president and regional manager of the center, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The hospital issued a statement Sunday evening to offer condolences to the victim’s relatives.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this terrible loss. We are supporting our employees during this difficult time, ”the statement said, The Los Angeles Times reported.