A SANTA has been blamed for infecting 75 people with COVID-19 at a care home in Belgium.

Pictures show the Santa — who was not aware that he was infected — standing right next to the residents in the home.

The man later fell ill, which led to the residents being tested.

It was initially reported 45 residents at the Hemelrijck residential home in Mol, Antwerp tested positive.

Later Flemish broadcaster VRT said the number has now hit 75, including 14 staff.

Care home staff hoped the visit would boost morale among residents and the Santa reportedly did not feel unwell before the visit.

He has dressed as Sinterklass — as Santa is known as in the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium — and was accompanied by helpers in black face known as Zwarte Piet – or Black Pete.

Black Pete has sparked controversy in recent years with anti-racism campaigners seeking to ban the traditional Christmas character.

Pictures show them standing next to residents, smiling and giving the thumbs up.

The authorities in Mol said the Santa had “visited various communal areas such as the sitting room.”

“He kept his distance from the residents and wore a face covering. The residents also wore face coverings,” the statement added.

But photos obtained by VRT showed residents without masks.

The mayor of Mol Wim Caeyers said the visit was “made with the best intent, but it went wrong.”

“It has been a very black day for the care home,” he said.

Caeyers said at first it was thought that the man had followed social distancing rules.

“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,” he said.

Jannes Verheyen, a spokesperson for Armonea, the firm which runs the home, said: “The team is very shocked by what happened, but that also makes them very motivated to get the virus out again.”

But one of Belgium’s top virologists Marc Van Ranst, of KU Leuven University, has said he doubts the Santa could have caused so many infections.

Poor ventilation is much more likely the cause despite the visit being a “stupid idea.”

“Even for a super-spreader, these are too many infections at once,” he said.

Belgium was hit by a coronavirus second wave in October that saw its health system pushed to breaking point.

In response, the country introduced partial lockdown measures including the closure of nonessential shops, bars and restaurants.

(SD-Agencies)