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Dr. Fauci says Santa has 'innate immunity' and won't spread COVID-19

Dr. Anthony Fauci reassured any kids nervous about Santa Claus down the chimney during the pandemic that he is "not going to be spreading any infections."
/ Source: TODAY

Santa Claus will not be bringing COVID-19 down the chimney with him this year.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, says kids don't have to worry that Santa will leave any coronavirus particles behind after he's done with the cookies and milk next month.

Pictures of Real Santa Claus with fingers on lips
Don't worry kids, Santa Claus will still be visiting everyone on Christmas and he won't be leaving infectious disease particles around the tree. inhauscreative / Getty Images

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"Santa is exempt from this because Santa, of all the good qualities, has a lot of good innate immunity," Fauci told USA Today.

Kris Kringle is expected to make his usual rounds to millions of children for Christmas even though coronavirus infections are increasing in all 50 states and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending everyone stay home for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

"Santa is not going to be spreading any infections to anybody," Fauci said.

Kids can also track his journey like they do every year, as the North American Aerospace Defense Command has announced that NORAD will continue to track Santa on Christmas Eve just the same as it has done for the past 65 years.

The only difference is not every child will be able to speak to someone at NORAD's call center who can tell them Santa's location. The number of volunteers answering calls this year has been dramatically cut down.

It also might be trickier for children to tell Santa in person what they want for Christmas.

Malls across the country are instituting restrictions like no children being allowed to sit on Santa's lap, plexiglass barriers between kids and Santa, and social distancing, forcing children to tell Santa how badly they want that PlayStation 5 from at least 6 feet away.

Santa's visiting hours also may be shorter or online reservations may be required, according to The Associated Press. Other kids may also have to tell Santa via Zoom what they want.

While Santa Claus will be making his annual appearance at this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, he won't be appearing at Macy's flagship store in New York, the company announced last month. Macy's said it could not provide a safe environment at the store, where more than 250,000 people show up every year to see Santa Claus.