• Home
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • LAD Originals

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Not now
OK
Advert
Advert
Advert

Man Dressed As Santa Claus Infects Dozens Of People At Aged Care Home

Stewart Perrie

Published 

Man Dressed As Santa Claus Infects Dozens Of People At Aged Care Home

A man who dressed up as Santa Claus has been labelled a super spreader.

The unnamed bloke in Belgium was just trying to spread some Christmas joy when he visited an aged care home, however spread much more than that.

The Saint Nick impersonator rocked up to the Hemelrijck aged care home in the Belgian town of Mol and didn't realise he was positive for the coronavirus.

He ended up infecting 14 staff members and 61 residents, which is 75 people in total.

Advert

It comes as Belgium is enduring a worrying second wave of Covid-19 infections, with more than half a million active cases at the moment.

Mol's mayor, Wim Caeyers, told Belgian news organisation VRT News it was a 'very dark day for the care home', adding that it 'will be all hands on deck during the coming week'.

The aged care home made it mandatory for residents and staff to wear face masks, however, at one point, the rules weren't followed.

"It was made with the best intent, but it went wrong. It has been a very dark day for the care home. It is a very great mental strain to bear for the man that played Saint Nicholas, as well as for the organisers and the staff," Mayor Caeyers said.

Advert

"Initially they said that the rules had been followed, but then straight away you receive photos from the families of residents where you can see that this wasn't the case."

The people who are infected are only suffering mild to moderate symptoms.

Authorities are trying to bring the situation under control quickly and have allowed all the council workers to go home while the Red Cross provides support.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News

Stewart Perrie
More like this
Advert
Advert
Advert

Chosen for YouChosen for You

News

Pool player hits a 'one in 10 million' shot which may be the unluckiest of all time

11 hours ago

Most Read StoriesMost Read

Fish and a Rice Cake guy has recreated his viral meme 17 years later

16 hours ago