Families who attended a Christmas event in South Carolina over the weekend have been notified by local officials that a maskless Santa who greeted the children has tested positive for COVID-19.
Charlotte Observer reported that about a dozen families attended the city’s Fountain Inn event, called Sensory Santa, which was designed for children with special needs.
According to reports, the man playing Santa Claus tested positive after the event, prompting officials to alert the attending families.
“We sincerely regret this situation and apologize for the inconvenience. If you know anyone who participated in the Sensory Santa event, make sure they are aware of it,” the Fountain Inn City website says in a notice.
City Administrator Shawn Bell told Charlotte Observer that the event included between 10 and 15 families.
“Santa didn’t wear a mask,” Bell told the dam. “At that time I did not experience any symptoms. It was not until later that night that he learned that he had limited contact with a relative who had tested positive.
The city encourages families to talk to their doctor and get tested for COVID-19.
Fountain Inn has no face mask requirements, but officials recently passed a resolution encouraging residents to wear a face mask.
“In retrospect, we wish Santa had worn a mask,” Bell said.
The report comes after another Santa at a Georgia parade tested positive for COVID-19.
According to local reports, up to 50 children may have been exposed to the virus at that event, where Santa and Mrs. Keys tested positive for coronavirus.
Across the country, Americans have been trying to figure out how to safely celebrate the holidays during the pandemic.
Some states have issued new limited and remaining orders at home, such as California, while others are encouraging limited meetings and other precautions to prevent an increase in cases.
New COVID-19 infections have increased nationwide in recent weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday, when families gathered indoors to celebrate.