Officials at Kaiser Hospital announced Saturday that 43 emergency personnel at the Kaiser Permanent San Jose tested positive for COVID-19 between Dec. 27 and Jan. 1.
“Using our infection-tested protocols, we are investigating the outbreak and using contact tracking to personally notify and test any staff or patients who have been exposed during this time period based on CDC and public health guidelines.” , a spokesman said in a statement.
The hospital is investigating whether an incident in which a staff member briefly appeared at the emergency department on Christmas Day in a fan-powered costume with air can have caused air drops to spread through the hospital.
The hospital says it will no longer allow air disguises in any facility.
The hospital is working to quickly test the virus on all emergency department employees and doctors and anyone who tests positive or has symptoms will be quarantined according to CDC guidelines, hospital officials said.
The emergency department is conducting a thorough cleanup and officials said the hospital is open and safe so patients can receive care.
“Although the vaccine is beginning to be provided in our communities, given the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, we are still vulnerable and it remains critical that everyone continue to use the methods to help protect ourselves and to others, especially masks, to wash their hands, avoid meetings and distance themselves socially, ”the statement said.