Covid 19 coronavirus: Russian Santas advertise antibodies status

In Christmases gone by, professional Santas around the world generally offered nothing more than festive greetings and a sackful of presents.

But this year, Santa's Russian equivalent, Father Frost, is peddling an unusual bonus gift: a promise that he has anti-bodies to Covid-19.

With the festive season approaching, Russians who earn a living playing the part of Father Frost are facing lean prospects because of Covid restrictions.

Some are now advertising their services as "Father Frost with antibodies", in the hope that Russian families will hire them for a home visit.

One is student Ruslan Bekirov, 21, who claims to have tested positive earlier this year after his whole family caught coronavirus. He has now taken an antibody test, the results of which he is happy to show any prospective customers.

"My phone is ringing constantly," he said. "Parents are ready to hire me but do not want to take unnecessary risks, asking if I can confirm I have antibodies, and if Father Frost will wear a mask." He would not lift up children on his knees this year, he added.

Bekirov said his idea to tout his anti-body test was partly a marketing ploy. However, while such a test can a past infection with the virus, it does not necessarily confer immunity.

Many professional Father Frosts are advertising home-visit services this year because more regular clients, such as malls and corporations, are not hiring because of the virus.

Bekirov, who says he normally charges up to $1800 during the festive season, advertises his services as "an opportunity to entertain children with magic tricks at a distance and play songs."

Russia confirmed 28,080 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours on Sunday, pushing the national tally to 2,653,928 since the pandemic began.