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Premier Mark McGowan gives Santa permission to dodge 14-day quarantine to deliver gifts to WA

The West Australian
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Premier Mark McGowan says Santa will avoid the quarantine period to do his present run.
Camera IconPremier Mark McGowan says Santa will avoid the quarantine period to do his present run. Credit: Cale Black

West Aussie children can rest easy, safe in the knowledge Santa’s visit to the State won’t be hindered by the virus pandemic.

Premier Mark McGowan has assured children he is working with the big man in red to make sure his present run goes smoothly this year.

Albany parent Tammy Bemben said her children Isabelle and Millie had written to the Premier, concerned over the impact of COVID-19 on the most exciting time of the year.

They also expressed worries Santa may be at risk during his deliveries, due to him falling into the “elderly or vulnerable category”.

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McGowan wrote back to reassure them he would be doing all he could to make sure Santa was still able to drop off the gifts at WA homes.

“It is very important that Santa delivers presents at Christmas time and I would not do anything to stop him. Santa spreads happiness and cheer all over the world, which is something that we all need this year,” he wrote.

“Santa also has magic powers that I’m sure will help him travel the world safely and in good health.”

It comes despite Mr McGowan’s hard border stance and his refusal to commit to opening up WA to the rest of Australia by Christmas.

While arrivals to WA are required to undertake 14 days in hotel quarantine, he admits this would be troublesome for Santa, who needs to deliver presents around the world in a single night.

“It is still a long way to go before Christmas but I think we can safely assume that Santa will not be required to do 14 days quarantine while he travels through WA,” he said.

“I will make sure this message is sent to the North Pole so Santa can plan accordingly.”

Ms Bemben, was thrilled with the response, dubbing the Premier a “bloody legend” for reassuring her children.

“In case anyone else has kids concerned about Christmas 2020,” she wrote on Facebook.

“My girls really appreciate their personal reply and acknowledgement of their letters from Mark.”

It’s not the first time the Premier has exercised his powers to make sure kids aren’t disappointed.

In April, he declared that the Easter Bunny would also be “eggsempt” from border restrictions to deliver eggs to WA kids.

“I am very happy to announce, I’ve just signed a special eggs-emption for the Easter Bunny. This means the Easter Bunny can still come to WA and visit all our family and friends next weekend,” he told children.

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