Auckland Santa gets rid of the virus

Santa will travel the streets of Auckland as usual on Sunday, putting coronavirus fears aside.

The city’s annual Santa Parade will have just one QR code to cover all sections of the parade, which is expected to draw more than 100,000 people.

Spectators will have to wear masks if they come to town by public transport, but they can remove the masks if they wish while watching the parade.

Veteran parade organizer Pam Glaser, who is holding her 32nd fashion show, says this year’s event has attracted media interest from as far away as China and Germany because it will be “one of the few parades Christmas that will be held internationally this year. “

“They are delighted that there is some Christmas cheer,” he said.

He said QR codes would get stuck on lamp posts along the route, which begins at the corner of Vincent St and Mayoral Drive behind the Aotea Center at 1 p.m., runs down Queen St, and ends at Customs St East around from 2.30 pm

“We took the advice of the Ministry of Health and they said we need a QR code because, for example, if someone sees the parade on Mayoral Drive but walks down Queen St to catch a bus, their footprint is on the entire parade route.” she said.

University of Auckland microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles advised adults and teens to keep their masks on throughout the event, although it is not necessary.

“The masks will help reduce the chances of transmission in case someone is in the parade and they are contagious,” he said.

“The chances of that happening are very low, but this is how we can all minimize the chances of an outbreak in the community.”

The World Health Organization cautions that children under the age of 5 should not have to wear masks, and that the decision to use masks for children ages 6 to 11 depends on factors such as the child’s ability to use the mask safely. and if there is generalized Covid-19. Transmission in the area.

The Health Ministry currently lists only three active cases in the New Zealand community, all of which are now in quarantine.

Glaser said Covid had produced an unexpected bonus for the Auckland parade: a giant helium-filled Peppa Pig from Canada, which had never been available before.

“We have been unable to secure her for the parade before because she has been to all the Thanksgiving parades. Now that they are not taking place, she is free to come to us for the first time,” he said.

TVNZ Seven Sharp host Hilary Barry, newly voted as the nation’s favorite television personality, will headline the parade, assuming the role of Grand Marshal for the first time.

All roads in the city center will be closed between 11 a.m. M. And 5 p.m. M.

Free parking will be available at the Downtown and Victoria Street parking buildings for vehicles parked before 11 a.m. and leaving between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Public transportation is free on weekends for children ages 5 to 15 with registered AT Hop cards.