A Los Angeles-based Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant died last night after testing positive for the coronavirus in California.
Jeff Kurtzman was diagnosed earlier this month with COVID-19, Hawaii President and CEO Peter Ingram wrote in a message to employees.
Kurtzman joined the airline in 1986 and has become known for the past three decades for his “passion for discovering new places, people and cultures; his fantastic sense of humor and ability to converse easily; and his loving heart,” he wrote. “He embodies the values of aloha and malama that we cherish.”
It was part of an outbreak in a workplace training program, where 17 employees contracted the virus until July 10. No new cases have been reported since then, according to a company spokesperson.
According to the state Department of Health, airline staff members were exposed at the training session where “physical distancing was not practiced and masks were optional.” Those employees then exposed eight household members who tested positive. A positive case that attended the training session caused outbreaks at two Oahu gyms with 20 positive cases, the DOH said.
“None of these cases knew they were positive when they unintentionally infected others,” said DOH spokeswoman Janice Okubo. “In the airline training session and in both gyms there was inconsistent or no use of masks and physical distance. That is why we should all wear masks and practice physical distancing as if we were positive. “
The airline said it resumed training required by the FAA last week with stricter rules including the use of face masks, smaller classes and social distancing, frequent cleaning and disinfection of equipment.
“All of our instructors have been screened, and the approximately 60 employees who have received recent training have been asked to self-quarantine and monitor their health,” the company said, adding that the period of self-monitoring associated with the training has ended and All employees have returned to work unless they have had a voluntary leave.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA said it is “heartbroken” over the loss of Kurtzman, a “respected, loved, and very old part of our flying family.”
“We are implementing a support system for any flight attendant affected by this tragic loss, as we rededicate ourselves to fighting for safety in the skies and throughout aviation,” said Joni Kashiwai, president of the union representing the Hawaiian employees. “Tonight, our hearts go out to the family of our beloved flight companion and we offer our deepest condolences.”
Ingram said the company is following employees who are recovering from the virus.
“Every day we are reminded that this virus is serious and highly transmissible,” he said. “We have strengthened the mandates and protocols that govern how we interact with each other at our facilities, and I urge everyone to continue to practice maximum vigilance.”
