The parade gave children the chance to sit on Father Christmas’s knee for a photo opportunity, as it does every year.
But soon after the event, both Clauses tested positive for Covid-19 potentially exposing the fify children who posed for photos — and their families — to the virus that has killed over 304,000 Americans.
In a notice posted on the Long County Board of Commissioners website, board chairman Robert Parker confirmed the positive tests and said neither Santa or Mrs Claus showed any symptoms at the event.
“Proper CDC exposure guidelines should be followed if your child was exposed, however I don’t feel this incident is cause for panic,” he wrote.
Christmas at the White House
He reinforced his opinion that the event should have proceeded, despite the pandemic reaching record levels in the state.
Both of his children took photos with Santa, he added.
"I have personally known both 'Santa' and 'Mrs. Claus' my entire life and I can assure everyone that they would have never knowingly done anything to place any children in danger," Parker said.
"They have both filled these roles for many years, and bringing joy to children during the holidays is one of the most important parts of their lives."
The day the parade was staged, the state hit a record for new cases at 6,126.
The county is advising any children who attended the parade on Thursday to stay home from school as a precaution.
