Ho, Ho, No!: 50 Georgia kids exposed to COVID-19 after Santa, Mrs. Claus test positive

LUDOWICI, Ga. — An estimated 50 children were exposed to the novel coronavirus Thursday while having their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Ludowici, Georgia.

The Kringles, who posed with children for photos following the Long County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony, were not exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms at the time of the event, but both tested positive Saturday, WSAV reported.

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Long County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robert Parker told the TV station that the events “were well attended” and that his own children posed for a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“While this event was not put on by the City of Ludowici or the Long County Board of Commissioners, it was well attended by our public officials, and I believe I speak for the majority of them in saying that we still stand by the decision of the Chamber to move forward with these holiday traditions and to bring some sense of normalcy to these trying times,” Parker added.

According to WJCL, Long County Schools asked parents to keep home any students who were exposed to Santa and Mrs. Claus or who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 until after the holiday break.

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