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.”

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

GOCNSW holds fruitful first meeting with new Consul General George Skemperis

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW hosted the new Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Georgios Skemperis, in a productive meeting.

Silent heroes and bright futures: Supporting Greek language education in Victoria

Over the past month or so a few articles have appeared discussing the current and future state of the Greek language in Victoria.

Archbishop Makarios pays tribute to Elder Vasilios Gontikakis, influential Athonite theologian

Elder Vasilios Gontikakis, former Prior of the Iviron Monastery (1990–2005) and the Stavronikita Monastery (1968–1990) on Mount Athos, died.

Greek basketball stars bring Panathinaikos spirit to Melbourne’s Stalactites

Melbourne’s iconic Greek restaurant Stalactites hosted Panathinaikos stars Nikos Rogkavopoulos and Jerian Grant on Wednesday, September 17.

Australian Championship secures landmark multi-platform broadcast deal with SBS

Football Australia and SBS today announced a landmark multi-year, multi-platform agreement to broadcast the Australian Championship.

You May Also Like

Team Greece claim final four spot at Australia’s United Cup

Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas beat the Croatian team mixed doubles team winning a spot for Team Greece at the United Cup Finals.

‘Bad habits’ turned good: Greece’s massive Op Shop and its charismatic founder

'Paliosinitheies' (Bad Habits in English) is Greece's largest ‘Opportunity’ or ‘Op Shop’ - as we Aussies call it.

Terrorism threat level raised to ‘probable’ in Australia

Australia's official terror alert level has been raised to "probable" amid heightened community tensions over the war in Gaza.