A couple who dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus have potentially exposed children in Georgia to the coronavirus.
According to reports, the pair who performed as Santa and Mrs. Claus tested positive for coronavirus.
The two were hired during the tree lighting event in Georgia.
The tree lighting event
In every Christmas event, a Santa and Mrs. Claus is a staple. They sit in a certain area of the event and have children sit on their lap and have a photo taken.
Last December 10, the same thing happened in the tree lighting event in Georgia.
However, this time, the event became the talk of the town since the couple who dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus tested positive for the coronavirus.
Commissioners' Chair Robert Parker told the media that around 50 children were exposed to the virus by the couple. He also mentioned that even his child may have been exposed. That is because the children, during the tree lighting ceremony, had their photo taken with the couple dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The event happened last December 10, and the couple only tested positive after that.
Before the event
According to reports, the couple, who dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, did not show any symptoms of the coronavirus. Also, the two have been portraying as the Clauses in the event for many years.
Parker also said that he knows that the two have good intentions for dressing as Santa and Mrs. Claus. He even mentioned that he knows the couple personally, "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."
The names of the couple who dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus have not been released yet.
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The potential exposure
Although Parker acknowledges that the possible exposure is a cause of concern, he emphasized, "exposures happen every day."
Parker also said that the incident should not cause any panic. He said, "Children are in close contact with both other children and adults daily at school, rec functions, and church." He also added, "Proper CDC exposure guidelines should be followed if your child was exposed."
Measures in place
After the news broke about the couple testing positive, the county school system has already sent advice to parents. The school said parents of children who were potentially exposed should keep their kids at home.
Parents are also notified that they should be strictly observed for symptoms in their children.
Despite the potential exposure, the in-person school is not canceled.
ALSO READ : Santa Visits Will Be Practicing Social Distancing and Could Be Virtual Due to the Pandemic
Other school systems shutting down
Before the exposure of almost 50 children to the couple who dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus and tested positive for the coronavirus, other school systems have closed down and went to quarantine because of COVID-19 infections.
One of the counties that needed to go through quarantine is the school system in Lowndes County. The classes have shifted to online learning.
Due to the closing down of these schools, the in-person classes will continue next semester.
