Kaiser Hospital officials announced on Saturday that 43 emergency personnel at Kaiser Permanente in San Jose tested positive for COVID-19 between December 27 and January 1.
“Using our proven infection protocols, we investigate the outbreak and use contact tracking to personally notify and test staff or patients who have been exposed during this time based on the CDC and public health guidelines,” a spokesman said. in a statement.
The hospital is investigating whether an incident in which a staff member briefly appeared in the emergency department on Christmas day, wearing an air-powered suit with a fan, could have led to the spread of air droplets around the hospital.
The hospital says it will no longer allow air-conditioned suits to any facility.
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 delivered in our communities, given the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community, we are all vulnerable and it remains essential that everyone continue to use methods to protect ourselves and others – especially masks, hand washing, avoiding meetings and social distancing, ”the statement said.