Yes, Virginia, Santa’s vaxxed and cleared to go

OTTAWA—Santa has been cleared for travel in Canada’s airspace after showing proof of vaccination and a preflight negative COVID-19 test, the transport minister said Thursday.

“This year, I’m delighted to clear Santa and his crew for travel in Canadian skies,” the minister, Omar Alghabra, said in a statement.

“When I spoke to Santa (in a call to the North Pole), he assured me that he met all the preentry requirements to reenter Canada,” he said.

Santa’s flight crew—including reindeer Rudolph, whose “nose shone red and bright (but)made sure he had no COVID-19 symptoms before taking off”—have also been given the all clear.

Last week, Ottawa advised Canadians against nonessential foreign travel over the Christmas holidays, saying the Omicron variant “makes us fear the worst,” including soaring infections and travel disruptions.

Several provinces, meanwhile, have reimposed public health restrictions, including gathering size limits.

“By doing your part to keep others safe,” urged Alghabra, including getting vaccinated, wearing a mask and staying 6 feet, or “at least a dozen or so candy canes apart, you’ll find yourself atop the Nice List this year.”