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

Melbourne mum Debbie Voulgaris sentenced for drug smuggling in Taiwan

Australian mother-of-five Debbie Voulgaris has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for smuggling 7kg of cocaine and heroin into Taiwan.

Sydney’s Greek community unites for the inaugural ELPIS Foundation fundraiser

ELPIS Foundation's inaugural fundraiser, held on Sunday, February 16, successfully raised funds to support individuals affected by addiction.

Victoria’s Opposition leader Brad Battin pledges to engage with Greeks on key policies

In an interview with Victoria's Opposition leader Brad Battin, he has pledged to engage with Greek Australians on key policies.

Prospect Greek Festival in South Australia revived after more than two decades

Prospect Greek Festival in South Australia revived after more than two decades. Full story and details here.

Experts share how travel to Greek islands will be impacted by seismic activity

As a swarm of earthquakes continues to rattle the Aegean Sea, the Greek government has declared a state of emergency on four islands.

You May Also Like

Charges of electoral fraud levelled against eleven far-right MPs in Greece

Georgia Adeilini, has imposed charges of electoral fraud against eleven lawmakers of the far-right Spartiates (Spartans) party.

Mike Lazaridis: Father of the smartphone and science philanthropist

Mike Lazaridis is well-known as the father of the smartphone and science philanthropist. This is his story.

Archbishop Makarios: Our Young people are our hope for the future

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios has released a special letter emphasising his prioritisation on the next generation of Greek Australians.