Bel Air VFC Cancels Santa Runs As Coronavirus Spreads

BEL AIR, MD — Santa will not be riding around Bel Air on the fire truck this year, his handlers announced. The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company over the weekend said that it had decided in the interest of public health to put the tradition on hold for 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Due to the fast changing public health environment we have decided to CANCEL our Santa runs for 2020," the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company said in a statement. "We hope that in 2021 we will be able to pick things back up again. Thank you for your understanding and most importantly stay safe and well."

News of Santa's change in plans came days after new restrictions took effect in Harford County, such as the closure of county government buildings to the public and suspension of organized activities at county parks.

Last week the Harford County health officer reported an "alarming" increase in coronavirus cases.

Harford County had 4,616 cases of the coronavirus as of Sunday, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

The positivity rate in Harford County is 8.29 percent, higher than the state average of 6.57 percent, state health data shows.

The case rate is also higher in Harford County, which has a case rate of 29.81 per 100,000 people, versus the state's rate of 26.41.

When an area exceeds 25 new cases per 100,000, community spread is out of control, according to the Harvard Global Health Institute, which states measures may be required to curb the infection.

See Also:

• 'COVID-19 Cases On The Rise In Harford': Exec On New Restrictions
• Harford County Coronavirus Spread Is 'Alarming': Health Officer
• Public Schools Go Back Online After Virus Spike In Harford County