An employee working at a California hospital with a COVID-19 outbreak potentially related to an inflatable Christmas tree costume has died from complications of the virus, according to a report.
The women’s registry secretary worked in the emergency department on Christmas Day: the same day an employee wore an “air-powered” costume to spread the joy of the holidays at Kaiser Permanent Medical Center in San Jose, she reported the KNTV station.
He was one of 43 staff members who contracted the virus between Dec. 27 and New Year’s Day, hospital officials said.
The hospital is investigating whether the costume fan spilled air-breathing breath drops expired by a person infected with the virus.
“Any exposure if it had occurred would have been completely innocent and quite accidental, as the individual had no symptoms of COVID and only intended to lift the spirits of those around him during a very stressful time,” said Irene Chávez, vice president. senior and center area manager, he told the San Francisco Chronicle.
The hospital issued a statement on Sunday afternoon to offer its condolences to the victim’s loved ones.
“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.