Santas prepare for H1N1 flu threat

Cambridge, MN -- Young children have been known to burst out in tears during their first trip onto Santa's lap. But in this season of H1N1 flu, Santa himself may have something to fear.

"It concerns me because I don't want to get it," admits Joe Morin, a natural beard Santa from Cambridge, Minnesota. "A lot of Santas are taking precautions this year."

This week Morin leaves for his seasonal Santa job at a Bass Pro Shops store in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he estimates more than 10,000 children will cross his lap.

When he couldn't get the H1N1 vaccination he desired, he consulted with a nurse at the Centers for Disease Control. On her advice he plans to sanitize his hands after every child and wipe his face with baby wipes several times an hour.

Cambridge, MN -- Morin knows other Santas are shedding their red coats, for fear they will harbor germs. Shirts can be more easily changed and washed if a child sneezes or throws up on Santa.

"I'm going to be meeting tomorrow with the elves and ask them to do some pre-screening," say Morin. "There's some kid coughing, sneezing, I'm going to ask them to say, 'can you come back another day.'"

Several Twin Cities shopping malls contacted by KARE 11, including the Mall of American, plan to offer hand sanitizing stations along the line where kids will be waiting to see Santa.

Other ideas are popping up too. "Santa initially wasn't born at a mall; Santa visits your house," says Julian Reytel, whose six-year-old company , is advertising Santa home visits as a flu avoidance alternative. "We come to the house so there's less exposure," adds Igor Gorivodsky, who dons a Santa suit to visit with children and deliver toys.

Those fearing the flu or already suffering from it can get help from Santa Joe Morin too. Starting November 10th through Christmas he plans to use Skype to offer free online visits with children.

"It would pain me that a kid could not come to see me because they're afraid or their parents are afraid," he says.

Through wars and disasters Santa hasn't missed a Christmas yet. Santa Joe plans to do his part to keep that record intact.

"Kids should not be cheated out of Christmas."

Note:  Santa Joe says he'll visit online with as man kids as he can, giving preference to sick children.  For more information e-mail Santa Joe at    

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