Whitby Council – making sure that Santa can come to Town – has deemed Santa, Mrs. Claus + their elves as essential workers who are exempt from travel restrictions on Christmas Eve.
It reminded residents to not forget to leave out your milk and cookies.
In Ottawa, Minister of Transport Marc Garneau has cleared Santa for take-off in Canadian airspace
While many Canadians are restricting their holiday gatherings to limit the spread of Covid-19, Transport Canada officials have ensured that Santa and his reindeer have taken all necessary precautions so they can safely deliver presents to the boys and girls across the country.
Transport Canada safety experts have also conducted their routine sleigh and reindeer inspections and validated Santa’s pilot license.
Santa has been washing his hands
Santa has been washing his hands, maintaining a distance of two metres from the elves in the workshop, and has been wearing his face covering when unable to physically distance. Santa has also installed the Covid Alert app on his smartphone, said Transport Canada.
Additional measures are also in place to maintain safety during the pandemic, including a health check and temperature screening before the sleigh takes off.
Rest assured, Santa’s rosy cheeks are a sign of good health. As for Rudolph, his nose is shining brighter than ever before and he and the other reindeer are healthy and ready for take-off!
Santa Claus is coming to town
Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, yesterday said with Christmas only hours away, I’m happy to confirm that Santa Claus is coming to town!
In any other year, no one would ever need to worry about Santa’s arrival at the Canadian border.
But this year is different. The spread of COVID-19 has changed everything, even for Santa.
And even though Santa spreads only joy and cheer, and lives far away in the North Pole, the pandemic has made his worldwide travel plans a little more complicated than usual.
Santa also knows the importance of staying safe and being prepared.
While he and his elves have been hard at work in his workshop, he has also taken the time to submit his travel information before his big trip.
Canadian officials have carefully reviewed Santa’s documents and assured me that everything’s in order, clearing the way for him to re-enter Canada aboard his sleigh to do his essential work.
Santa will be accompanied, as always, by Rudolph and his reindeer friends. Santa will be wearing a mask and will have his documents ready upon arrival at the border. He’ll be wearing his mask at all times – except, of course, when he stops for a short break to enjoy the milk and cookies that have been left for him! Santa will also remember to wash or sanitize his hands afterwards, and to be extra careful not to wake anyone.
After celebrating at home on Christmas Eve, you can sleep soundly with your mind at ease. Santa will be making his annual journey to thousands of homes across Canada.
Have a safe and happy holiday, and Merry Christmas!”
Quick Facts
- You can track Santa and his reindeer on the Norad Tracks Santa website and on Twitter following the #NoradTracksSanta hashtag.
- Are you required to travel? Here’s what you need to know before you travel.
- Pointing a laser at Santa or the reindeer is not a bright idea. Laser attacks can temporarily blind, disorient and distract Santa and the reindeer.