Dozens of children who attended a tree lighting event in Georgia were reportedly exposed to COVID-19 after a couple who acted as Santa and Mrs. Claus tested positive for the virus, authorities said.
Local official Robert Parker said about 50 children, including his own, were photographed with the Keys, whose numbers were not immediately revealed. Both tested positive after the December 10 event in Ludowici.
Parker said the couple, who showed no symptoms during the event, have played the Claus gentlemen for “many years” and had good intentions.
I know them both and “I can assure everyone that they would never have knowingly done anything to endanger any child,” Parker said in the statement.
It is unknown how many more people were exposed to the virus.
The county school system has asked parents to keep children at home if they are exposed or show symptoms. However, face-to-face classes will not be canceled.
Parker said the exhibit is a cause for concern, but said “exhibits happen every day.”
“Children are in close contact with other children and adults on a daily basis at school, recreational functions and the church,” Parker said. “Appropriate exposure guidelines should be followed by health authorities if our children were exposed, however, I do not believe this incident is a cause for panic.”
The exhibit will come days after several school systems will opt for quarantine due to COVID-19 infections, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. More than 200 students and several staff members are in quarantine by the end of the year after being exposed to Lowndes County schools and the community.
Lowndes and other counties will continue face-to-face classes next semester.