An attempt to spread holiday cheer at a California hospital may have resulted in a coronavirus outbreak among staff members. On Christmas Day, a staff member at Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center came to the hospital's emergency department dressed in an inflatable Christmas tree costume.
A couple of days later, staff members started testing positive for COVID-19. From December 27 through January 3, 44 people tested positive, and officials believe the costume may have been responsible.
They said they are looking into the possibility that the fan on the "air-powered costume" could have spread droplets that contained the virus. Officials believe the exposure was accidental and said that the employee was not showing any symptoms at the time.
"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," the hospital said in a statement.
Officials are working to conduct contract tracing and plan to notify any patients who may have been exposed. They did not say if any patients or visitors have tested positive as a result of being in contact with the employee dressed as a Christmas tree.
While many staff members at the hospital received a vaccine a few days prior to the visit, they would not have developed full immunity from the virus.
Going forward, the hospital said it will no longer allow people in air-powered costumes to visit patients.
"During this period, even as the vaccine is beginning to be provided in our communities, it is crucial that everyone continue to protect themselves and each other by continuing to use masks, hand washing, avoid gatherings, and practice social distancing," the hospital said.
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