The hospital told ABC7 News that the broadcast “may” have been related to an employee who briefly appeared in the emergency service with an “air-powered costume” on Christmas Day.
Fifty-one staff members of the emergency service at Kaiser Permanent Medical Center San Jose 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 department on December 25, the hospital confirmed Sunday night with ABC7 News. Out of respect for the family and the patient’s privacy, hospital officials do not release further information.
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“Any exposure, if it 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 at a very stressful time,” Chávez said. “In any case, this should serve to really remind us that the virus is widespread and often shows no symptoms, and that we all need to be vigilant.”
We asked Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an expert in infectious diseases at the UCSF, about how an inflatable suit could contribute to the spread of the virus.
“These random air currents coming from the leak, in conjunction with the random movements, create an unpredictable flow,” Chin-Hong said. “The flow of air in drops can give these drops superpowers, make them smaller and lighter and keep them suspended in the air and potentially blow them up. This is what we call aerosol generation.” .
As for vaccinations, hospital emergency service staff was the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine less than 10 days ago. The hospital says they “were not expected to have achieved immunity when this exposure occurred. It is important not only to vaccinate everyone, but to receive the necessary doses of vaccine to protect them.”
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The hospital adds that the emergency service remains open and safe to receive care. All areas of the department are subjected to a thorough cleaning along with a routine cleaning. . An ongoing investigation and follow-up of contacts between staff and patients is ongoing.
“Viously, obviously, we will stop allowing airy costumes in our facilities,” Chávez told ABC7 News. “At the same time, we are taking steps to strengthen safety precautions among staff, including physical distancing and meeting in rest rooms, without sharing food or drinks and masks at all times.”
The hospital reported for the first time that 43 staff members had tested positive on Saturday. A day later, officials on Sunday afternoon said the number of infected emergency employees had risen to 44.
Read the full January 5 hospital statement below:
The health and safety of our patients, employees and doctors is our top priority. So far, we have determined that 60 staff members present in the emergency department of Kaiser Permanente San Jose on December 25 have tested positive for COVID-19. Working with our infectious disease specialists, we continue to investigate the outbreak to determine possible causes and use contact tracking to personally notify and test anyone exposed, in accordance with CDC and public health guidelines. Given the prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities, it is often difficult to pinpoint the specific exposure leading to COVID-19 infection.
In addition to HEPA filtering of ventilation systems, which is known to be effective against coronavirus, other precautions we have taken include deep cleaning and intensive disinfection of the entire emergency service, including surfaces, equipment, and areas. high tact in common areas and in patient care areas, and we have tested to determine that these areas are sanitized. In addition, we regularly implement rigorous cleaning, masks, symptom detection, and temperature controls at the ED entrance; adequate sorting and isolation of any person suspected of COVID-19; and ensure social distancing with precautions such as plexiglass cubes for patients in the waiting area.
We think of all our valuable staff members who have been affected by this situation and continue to provide the care and support they need.
Our doctors have contacted the 70 patients who were cared for and discharged from the Emergency Department on December 25 and are answering any questions patients may have. COVID-19 tests are being made available to these patients and doctors are helping members secure the test. All Kaiser Permanente members can also schedule an online test at kp.org. Due to patient privacy laws, we do not have more patient information.
Because COVID-19 is still widespread and often asymptomatic, we are all vulnerable and it remains critical that everyone continue to use methods to protect ourselves and others, especially masks, hand washing, meeting avoidance, and social distancing. .
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