Georgia Santa Claus And Mrs. Claus Test Positive For COVID: 50 Kids Unknowingly Exposed To Virus

A Santa and Mrs. Claus in Georgia potentially infected as many as 50 children with COVID-19 at a picture-taking event.

The Santa and Mrs. Claus had no symptoms of the virus at the time of the event, which was held in Ludowici, Georgia, according to a notice posted on the Long County Chamber of Commerce.

The event - an annual Christmas parade held Dec. 10 - included a tree lighting and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event was “well-attended” by the community and had about 50 children in attendance.

A statement from Long County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robert D. Parker said, “It has now been brought to the attention of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as my office, that after the event both 'Santa' and 'Mrs. Claus' were tested for the COVID 19 virus and both received positive test results. They were not displaying any symptoms at the time of the event.”

Parker downplayed the severity of the exposure by saying, “Proper CDC exposure guidelines should be followed if your child was exposed, however I do not feel this incident is cause for panic.

No blame was placed on Santa or Mrs. Claus for the COVID exposure as Parker explained in the statement, “I have personally known both 'Santa' and 'Mrs. Claus' my entire life and I can assure everyone that they would have never knowingly done anything to place any children in danger. They have both filled these roles for many years, and bringing joy to children during the holidays is one of the most important parts of their lives.

“Without them filling these roles locally, I know there are countless underprivileged children who would never have experienced the joy of meeting Santa Claus. My family and the community are praying for a speedy recovery for the 'Clauses', and are looking forward to many more years of the joy they bring to our county.”

The chamber said that it is important to continue these holiday traditions to instill a “sense of normalcy” during these trying times.

Long County Schools have advised students who were at the shoot to stay home through the holidays. Parents of all students have been given the opportunity to switch to virtual learning, local ABC affiliate WJCL reports.