Covid 19 coronavirus: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern grants an exemption at the Santa Christmas border

The Prime Minister has granted Santa Claus a border waiver so he can visit Aotearoa to deliver presents this Christmas.

In effect, this means that New Zealand’s first travel bubble will be with the North Pole.

Jacinda Ardern confirmed that Santa will not need to isolate himself for 14 days after arrival and can freely enter the country.

“After much consideration, the Health Ministry has determined that the North Pole is Covid-free, as far as we know,” he told the Herald.

New Zealand benefits from being the second country Santa visits due to the international deadline, so there is little chance that he will contract Covid-19 before arriving here.

“You have full clearance. We are all fine,” Ardern said.

Ardern said he had received several letters from children asking if Santa would be allowed to enter New Zealand.

But she asked the children for “a little forgiveness” for Santa this year if he can’t get home because it will be a bit more difficult for him this year.

For any child planning to visit Santa in a grotto before Christmas Eve, the Health Ministry said people should remember that he was in the vulnerable category due to his age group.

The ministry urged “anyone who wants to tell Santa what they want for Christmas” to scan using the Covid Tracer app, use hand sanitizer and, if they’re not feeling well, send him a letter rather than visit him in person.

Earlier this year, while New Zealand was locked up, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy were considered essential workers, so they could continue their work despite Alert Level 4 restrictions.

The Health Ministry had broader advice for bullshit season for anyone heading to a Christmas function, including logging in with the Covid Tracer app or keeping track of their movements.

“While Christmas is the season to give, don’t give Covid-19 to your friends and whānau this Christmas.

“If we can take these precautions, we can all have a merry Christmas after what has been a particularly difficult 2020.”