Kaiser Permanente will pull the 20 health care workers that were supposed to march on its float in the upcoming Rose Parade, with coronavirus cases surging and hospitals filling up, the health care company announced Thursday afternoon, Dec. 30.
The float will still be in the Rose Parade, spokeswoman Nicole Fait said, but without the seven people on top of the float and 13 people marching around.
“We must prioritize the health and safety of our front-line medical staff,” the company said in a statement, “and ensure we are able to treat patients during this recent surge of COVID-19 cases caused by the omicron variant.”
The move comes as the omicron variant continues surging through Los Angeles County. On Thursday, L.A. County reported 20,000 new cases, while Pasadena, which has its own Health Department, posted 477.
To combat this winter’s COVID-19 surge, Kaiser, along with public health authorities, have recommended residents get vaccinated and for those who are eligible to get their booster shots.
“In addition to recommending vaccinations and boosters, Kaiser Permanente joins state and federal health officials in recommending continued key prevention measures,” the company said, “such as wearing a mask in public indoor settings, frequent handwashing, getting tested at the first sign of symptoms, and staying home when sick.”
Source: Orange County Register
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