Santa Claus given ‘extra-special’ travel exemption to bring presents this Christmas

·

The global COVID-19 pandemic will not impede Santa or his helpers’ entry into NSW on 24 and 25 December, thanks to an extra-special “essential workers” exemption granted by the NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard.

Mr Hazzard has written to Mr Claus’s North Pole address to say he and his elves and nine reindeers are not required to complete a 14-day isolation in hotel quarantine after their sleigh crosses the NSW border.

This exemption has been shared with NSW Police to ensure Santa is able to travel freely and safely across Australia’s most populous state.

Queensland Health has asked Santa to wash his hands before and after eating milk and cookies.(Reuters: Pawel Kopczynski)

“Mr Claus, I understand you have significant magical powers which allow you to travel the world safely without transmitting COVID-19,” Mr Hazzard writes in the letter.

“I am aware you have safely delivered presents to children in Australia during previous pandemics and as a result I am confident you will take the necessary precautions to keep our community safe.

“Accordingly, this exemption will include the following precautions:

  • All presents will be delivered after bedtime to minimise contact;
  • You and your elves maintain 1.5 metres physical distancing should you encounter others;
  • If you are unwell, you get a COVID-19 test and isolate right away;
  • You and your elves must wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitiser;
  • Wear a mask if you or your elves are ever unable to maintain physical distancing.”

A spokeswoman for Santa Claus confirmed receipt of the special exemption and said Santa and his helpers were only too happy to comply, having secured a jumbo supply of hand and hoof sanitiser to last their journey.

“After a challenging year, Mr Claus wants this Christmas to be the best yet,” she said.

“Santa’s advice to the NSW community is to stay safe and look after each other as you reflect on how blessed NSW has been in keeping COVID-19 at bay.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Historic ties remembered as Greece’s Evzones march in Adelaide’s ANZAC Day parade

During a Dawn Service at West Torrens on Friday, April 25, the Evzones stood guard alongside Australian army battalion in remembrance.

Greek glamour meets Aussie pop: Inside the colourful universe of Stavroula Adameitis

Adelaide-born designer Stavroula Adameitis is a creator of bespoke pieces that she describes as ‘wearable art.’

Melbourne seminar to focus on the odyssey of Michel ‘Pablo’ Raptis

Michel Pablo was a twentieth century revolutionary whose life and ideas remain relevant and inspirational until today.

Lawyer Greg Masselos warns NSW workers’ comp changes could devastate frontline workers

Greg Masselos has warned that proposed changes by the NSW government to raise the threshold for claims could have devastating consequences.

Niki Louca shares how to make Focaccia Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for pita bread with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram.

You May Also Like

Archbishop Makarios of Australia joins Ecumenical Patriarch for services at Phanar

Archbishop Makarios of Australia officiated the Second Service of the Salutations at Saint George in Phanar, Turkey on Friday, March 29.

Gardens in Italy named after Greek poets Dionysios Solomos and George Seferis

Two public gardens in Bologna, Italy will be named after Greek poets George Seferis and Dionysios Solomos.

UTS Hellenic holds talk for the 100 year anniversary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe

UTS Hellenic have held a talk by Associate Professor Nicholas Doumanis to mark the 100 year anniversary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe.