Ludowici, Georgia – Dozens of children may have been exposed to COVID-19 while taking pictures with “Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus” at the Long County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade. County Commission Chairman Robert Parker told CBS Savannah, a Georgia affiliate of WTOC-TV, that the two people representing the cheerful couple tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday.
Long County said in a statement that about 50 children were involved. Parker said his two were between them.
The Long County school system requires parents to keep children who were there or have symptoms at home until after the new year, although schools will remain open.
WTOC-TV
Parker said in a statement that he does not “feel that this incident is a cause for panic.”
Most local officials, he said, “continue to defend the House’s decision to move forward with these festive traditions and to give some sense of normalcy to these difficult times.
“I have personally known both ‘Santa Claus’ and ‘Mrs. Claus’ all my life and I can assure everyone that they would never have done anything consciously to endanger any child. They have both played these roles for many years the joy of children. during the holidays it is one of the most important parts of your life.
“Without them taking on these roles locally, I know there are countless disadvantaged children who would never have experienced the joy of meeting Santa Claus.”
Parker told WTOC that anyone in close contact with the couple should follow CDC guidelines designed to limit the spread of COVID.