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.
Forty-four staff members of the emergency department at Kaiser Permanent San Jose Medical Center tested positive for COVID-19 between Dec. 27 and Jan. 3, Irene Chávez, senior vice president and managing director, said in a statement. hospital area.
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.
“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 has no symptoms, and that we all need to be vigilant.”
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Hospital emergency personnel were the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine less than ten days ago and the hospital said “they were not expected to have achieved immunity when this exposure occurred. It is important that not only everyone be vaccinated, but to receive the two necessary doses of vaccine to protect them. “
The hospital says the emergency department remains open and safe to receive care and that all areas of the department are undergoing a thorough cleanup. An ongoing investigation and follow-up of contacts between staff and patients are 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 2 hospital statement below:
“The health and safety of our patients, employees and physicians is our top priority. We have determined that 43 staff members in the Emergency Department of the Kaiser Permanent Emergency Department in San Jose have tested positive for COVID-19 among 27 December and January 1. We ensure that all affected staff members receive the care and support they need.Through our infection prevention protocols, we are investigating the outbreak and using contact tracking to notify and personally test staff or patients who were exposed during this time period based on CDC and public health guidelines.We also move quickly to test COVID-19 to all emergency department employees and physicians.Confirmed Employees who have COVID-19 or are suspected of having COVID-19 due to symptoms will not come into operation, following COVID-19 isolation protocols according to the guidance of Kaiser Permanente and CDC.
The Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center is open and safe to receive care. All areas of the emergency service are being thoroughly cleaned, in addition to the cleaning protocols already in place. All of our health care workers will be offered weekly COVID-19 testing and rapid testing for anyone with symptoms or exposure to a person with COVID-19. Masks are needed in all areas and we are further reconfiguring our processes and common spaces, such as staff rest rooms, to limit staff meetings.
We thank our employees, nurses and physicians for their dedication to providing excellent and compassionate care every day. Nearly 40,000 health workers at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California have already received vaccines against COVID-19, with more continuous ones every day, making us one step closer to controlling the pandemic. 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, hand washing, avoiding meetings, and socially distancing oneself. “
Stay tuned to ABC7 News for this developing story.
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