Santa cleared to enter Victoria this Christmas by Premier Daniel Andrews
Santa Claus has been given a COVID exemption so he and his reindeer can enter Victoria this Christmas.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Good news kids, Santa Claus has been given the all-clear to travel to Victoria this Christmas. Premier Daniel Andrews has declared that after discussions with the “Department of Elf”, the jolly man in the red suit and his nine loyal reindeer have been given special permission to enter the state.
Santa has been given exemptions under the state’s COVID restrictions and will be allowed in on Christmas Eve as an essential worker, and that quarantine rules will not apply.
I'm pleased to announce that after extensive discussion between the Department of Health and the Department of Elf, Santa will be permitted entry to Victoria this Christmas. pic.twitter.com/TI4MnBUWAn
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) December 1, 2020
“Mr Claus and nine reindeer have passed all the necessary tests, and will follow strict instructions to only deliver presents to very good Victorian children,’’ the premier tweeted last night.
But Mr Andrews also said that for the first time, every Victorian child had made it on to Santa’s nice list this year.
Directions from chief health officer Brett Sutton, in accordance with emergency powers, listed Santa clauses that allowed for free access.
“Victoria has been advised that Santa (and all helpers) have been provided with an early Christmas present – a COVID-19 vaccination. This means any visit by Santa is completely safe,’’ the direction said.
Santa and his helpers will not have to wear a face mask.
“This will also allow Santa to drink or eat any beverages or food left out for him. Reindeer will be allowed to eat any food left for them.’’
The announcement follows Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s confirmation last week that the closure of Australian borders would not affect Santa’s movements around Australia.
“Santa gets to move wherever he likes, and certainly at Christmas,’’ he said.
“If there’s one exemption I don’t think there’d be any disagreement about (this is it).’’
In central Melbourne, Santa’s House is being set up at Federation Square, with a 16m Christmas tree and COVID-safe visits with Santa.
Allan govt accused of wasting ‘quick win’ solution for state’s gas supply
The state government has been accused of “dropping the ball” on a “ready to go solution” that could unlock more renewable gas supply ahead of Victoria’s forecast gas shortfalls.
Kickboxer linked to Melbourne’s underworld emerges in Dubai
High-flying fighter and trainer Salim Aschna has become the latest figure with ties to Melbourne’s underworld to relocate to the Middle East, opening an up-market restaurant in the region.