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December 20, 2020 – Provincial government update on the COVID-19 pandemic
Here is an update on recent decisions and actions by the Québec government in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Santa Claus: an essential service
Québec Premier François Legault confirmed that Santa Claus is an essential and priority service during the pandemic and that he will be able to distribute presents as usual on Christmas Eve.
Mr. Legault announced the good news alongside Santa Claus, who took an express trip on his sleigh with this reindeer and elves.
The premier explained that health officials have declared that the North Pole, where Santa Claus lives, is a green zone, free of COVID-19.
The premier also congratulated children for their perseverance and courage during this year of pandemic because they have learned to wear a mask and maintain two metres’ distance from others.
Mr. Legault also asked that, over the Holidays, “they try to be nice and calm at home and give their parents hugs.”
Cookies, milk and cake
Children expressly attended Premier François Legault’s videoconference broadcast live on his Facebook page in order to ask him questions. Raphaëlle was able to confirm that Santa Claus likes cookies and milk, and, as Santa Claus added, cake…
Simonne learned from the premier that Santa Claus does not need a bottle of hand sanitizer because, “there’s no virus in the North Pole.” Consequently, the premier called on children to stay in their rooms on Christmas Eve in order to avoid any contact with Santa Clause on this magical night.
A vaccine for everyone!
Edmond was worried that Santa Claus could catch COVID-19 on Christmas Eve while distributing presents to both young and old. Santa Clause reassured him that he has already been vaccinated because of his age and also because he is an essential worker.
In response to a question from Maxime, who is anxious to see his grandparents, Santa Claus told the children that they will be able to see their grandparents again soon.
“Everyone will be vaccinated,” he promised, adding that once that happens, children will be able to see their grandparents again, and they will be able to hug each other.