Malls and Santas take precautions against H1N1 flu

Malls and Santas take precautions against H1N1 flu

By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Could the holiday spirit literally be contagious this year? There are concerns about spreading the H1N1 flu virus while visiting with Santa Claus in malls.

However, at Knoxville Center Mall, plans to protect you are in place.

A non-profit organization is asking Santa to use more hand sanitizer and dry clean his suit daily to avoid spreading the flu. His visit is a reminder for everyone to stay healthy while they're shopping.

"In the food court, in the play area, near the strollers, where there is a lot of traffic, we are going to be installing if they are not already there," explains Knoxville Center Mall spokeswoman Lauren McNulty.

Crews will install more foam hand sanitizer dispensers. Knoxville Center Mall and West Town Mall have added hundreds of them.

Deborah Stout, of Maryville, came to Knoxville Center Mall with her grandson Thursday.

She feels they're doing enough to prevent the spread of the swine flu. "I'm not too concerned about it. It is a possibility."

Even the mall office staff is making sure to be prepared, with plenty of hand sanitizer.

Mall officials say it's also important for people visiting the mall to take precautions themselves.

"I think as to what their doctors recommend, that they should stay home. That's what they should do," McNulty says.

It's also a good idea, after your child tells Santa what he wants for Christmas, to make a quick stop by the dispenser to kill those holiday germs.

Mall officials also say crews will be cleaning high traffic areas. That includes door handles and escalator rails.