Dozens of children may have been exposed to COVID-19 following a Christmas celebration in Georgia. Officials said that the couple who dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus tested positive for the coronavirus two days after the parade and tree lighting ceremony, where they posed for photos with at least 50 kids.
Officials said that the couple, who has not been identified, did not show any symptoms during the event.
"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," Robert Parker, the chairman of the Long County Board of Commissioners, said in a statement. "My children both had their picture made with Santa, and their smiles were bigger than any day when they head off to school, where the same risk of exposure exists. I want to further emphasize that no children were forced to attend the events, and that choice was left solely in the hands of their parents."
The children who may have been exposed were advised to remain at home until after the holiday break. Officials decided not to close the schools and will offer virtual learning opportunities for students at the request of their parents.
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