Kaiser hospital officials announced Saturday that 43 emergency responders from Kaiser Permanente in San Jose tested positive for COVID-19 between December 27 and January 1.
“Using our infection-proven protocols, we investigate the outbreak and use contact tracking to personally notify and test personnel or patients exposed during this time based on CDC and public health guidelines,” said a spokesman in a statement.
The hospital is investigating whether an incident in which a staff member briefly appeared at the emergency room on Christmas Day wearing an air-powered costume with a ventilator may have resulted in air droplets spreading throughout the hospital.
The hospital says it will no longer allow air-powered suits at any facilities.
The hospital is working to quickly test all emergency department staff and doctors for the virus, and anyone who tests positive or has symptoms will be quarantined according to CDC guidelines, hospital officials said.
The emergency department is undergoing a thorough cleaning, and officials said the hospital is open and safe for patients to receive care.
“Even as the vaccine begins to be distributed in our communities, given the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, we are still vulnerable and it remains critical that everyone continues to use the methods to protect ourselves and others – especially masks, wash hands, avoid meetings and socialize, ”the statement read.