43 ER employees test positive for COVID 19 at the Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center

According to a CNN affilate KGO station, 43 employees in the emergency department of the Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, 43 tested positive for COVID 19 between December 27 and January 1, according to a statement provided by Irene Chavez, senior vice president and area manager.

Chavez said in a separate statement that the medical center is investigating whether an "air-powered costume" may have played a role in the spread.

"A staff member did appear briefly in the emergency department on Dec. 25th wearing an air-powered costume. Any exposure, if it occurred, would have been completely innocent, and quite accidental, as the individual had no Covid symptoms and only sought to lift the spirits of those around them during what is a very stressful time," Chavez said.

Chavez said in the statement that air-powered costumes will no longer be allowed at the facility.

NBC Bay Area also reported that 43 emergency staff members at Kaiser Permanente in San Jose tested positive for COVID-19 but had additional information..

The hospital is investigating whether an incident in which a staff member appeared briefly in the emergency department on Christmas Day wearing an air-powered costume with a fan may have led to air droplets being spread around the hospital.

“Using our infection proven protocols, we are investigating the outbreak and using contact tracing to personally notify and test any staff or patients who were exposed during this time period based on CDC and public health guidelines,” said Chavez.

An ER employee who asked not to be identified said there may be another reason for the outbreak.

“They were doing respiratory treatments inside a room that they’re not supposed to,” the employee said. That employee also claimed that the hospital did not clean the ER; just the break room.