A hospital in California is facing a coronavirus outbreak among its employees, which may be tied up in inflatable attire worn over Christmas to excite patients.
At least 43 staff members tested positive for the virus during New Year’s Day from Dec. 27, according to a statement from Kaiser Permanent San Jose Medical Center on Saturday. The hospital’s emergency department has been cold-cleaned and all infected staff members are being left alone.
H Hospital Spital is investigating whether a member of staff in the emergency department on Christmas Day was able to spread fan drops on an “air-powered suit” shortly after wearing it.
“Any contagion, if it had happened, would have been completely innocent, and quite accidental, as the person had no covid symptoms and was just trying to stimulate the spirits of those around him during a very stressful time.”
The statement said Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center will no longer allow such costumes at its facility.
Emergency department staff at Caesar Permanent San Jose Medical Center who could get the Covid-19 vaccine were given the first days of inoculation just before Christmas and could not reach the immune system at the time of the incident.
Someone would have shot their second booster by Christmas Day.
“During this period, as vaccinations are being given in our communities, it is also crucial that everyone continue to protect themselves and each other by practicing masks, hand washing, avoiding gatherings and practicing social distance.” .
None of the employees who tested positive will return to work, although the hospital said it has hired additional staff as part of its preparation.
Amid new outbreaks of the virus in California hospitals, the recent week has been flooded with cases that have led to daily deaths and hospitalized record numbers.
Its intensive care units in the Gulf region of the state have only 5.1 per cent availability. Admitted to Southern California Hospital, beds are not available in many of its hospitals, as staff build temporary units in gift shops or pediatric wards.
There have been 2,345,909 confirmed coronavirus cases in California, with more than 26,000 deaths, according to figures released by The state’s public health department on Saturday.
