In-Person Santa Visits Require Precautions
- WebMD
November 23, 2020 -- As the coronavirus continues to surge in most states across the country, visits with Santa will look a little different this year.
In some areas, stores have canceled their in-person photo sessions altogether. In other locations, kids can greet Santa while wearing a face mask, standing behind plexiglass, or following social distancing guidelines, according to USA Today.
“This year has been incredibly difficult for so many kids and families,” Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, said in a statement.
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s still have the Santa Wonderland experience in many retail stores, but with a few changes. Parents are required to make online reservations in advance. Once in the store, all families complete a temperature screening with a non-contact thermometer, wear face coverings, and stand in designated areas to allow for physical distance. A “Magic Santa Shield” -- a clear, glare-free protective barrier -- hangs between Santa and families. Santa’s Sanitation Squad cleans all surfaces and sanitizes the shield between each visit.