WHO urges people to wear face masks during Christmas gatherings

The WHO has warned that virus transmission remains widespread and intense across Europe. According to the WHO, indoor gatherings are particularly risky as households may not be following the same prevention measures.

Gatherings should be held outside if possible, and participants should wear masks and maintain physical distancing.

If held indoors, group size should be limited and good ventilation must be ensured to reduce exposure. The WHO has also advised that religious celebrations or holiday markets take place outdoors, be limited in size and duration, and with social distancing, ventilation, and mask measures in place.

European countries have recorded a total of more than 22 million cases and nearly 500,000 deaths.