New Jersey health officials have issued some guidance on visits to Santa Claus during the pandemic.

Officials are strongly recommending outdoor or virtual visits as opposed to the traditional trip to the mall to see Santa.

“If malls or other locations still choose to offer in-person visits, these visits should be made via reservation, be socially distant and time-limited. Santa, staff and guests over 2 must wear masks. Children should not be permitted to sit on Santa's lap,” said Dr. Ed Lifshitz with the Communicable Disease Service.

Christmas carolers should be socially distanced as well. The New Jersey Department of Health is also discouraging holiday parades this year.

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But Gov. Phil Murphy still encouraged people to do their Christmas shopping at New Jersey’s small businesses to boost the economy.