Santa Claus Is Immune To Coronavirus, Says World Health Organisation, Asks Children To Follow Physical Distancing

New Delhi: “You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town.” At a time when countries across the world are imposing restrictions and lockdown to avoid gatherings during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations and to break the chain of the transmission of Coronavirus, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has a piece of good news to share. In a media briefing, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead COVID-19 at WHO said that Santa Claus is immune to COVID-19 and he will be able to deliver the presents.

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Dr Kerkhove was replying to a journalist who noted that children are concerned that whether Santa Claus will be able to get home this Christmas because he is very old and overweight. To this, Dr Kerkhove said she understands the concern for Santa but Santa Claus is immune to Novel Coronavirus. She informed about her interaction with Santa Claus and said,

We had a brief chat with him and he is doing very well. Mrs Claus is doing very well and they are very busy right now. But he is immune. And we have heard from a number of leaders across the world who have told us that they have relaxed the quarantine measures for Santa to enter the airspace. So, he will be able to travel in and out of the airspace and be able to deliver presents to children.

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Dr Kerkhove shared the good news with a word of caution and asked children to follow physical distancing. She added,

But I think it is very important that all children of the world understand that physical distancing by Santa Claus and also of the children themselves must be strictly enforced. So, it is really important that the children of the world still listen to their mums and dads and guardians and make sure they go to bed early on Christmas Eve. But Santa will be able to travel around the world to deliver presents.

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Watch Dr Maria Van Kerkhove’s Message

Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, is said to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Christmas celebrations are likely to be low-key. Experts have recommended following the three basic COVID-19 precautionary measures – wearing a face mask, handwashing with soap and maintaining social distance – at all times.

Also Read: COVID-19 New Cases Show A Decline, But Experts Warn Against Complacency As India Gears Up Vaccination In Phases

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.