A San Diego Hospital employee just wanted to bring some joy into comrades at an emergency unit wearing an inflatable Santa costume when he actually caused 43 of them to contract the deadly coronavirus.
The hospital workers were all infected between Dec. 27 and Jan. 1 after coming into contact with the nurse in “air-powered costume” on Christmas.
The preliminary investigation showed that the fan used to blow up the costume spread airborne respiratory droplets at the Covid-infected unit and outside it throughout the facility.
“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 Senior Vice President said.
“If anything, this should serve as a very real reminder that the virus is widespread, and often without symptoms, and we must all be vigilant.”
The 43 staffers included doctors, nurses, assistants, and technicians will be in quarantine.
The emergency department will be deep cleaned and contacts traced.
