The World Health Organization encourages the population to celebrate Christmas in small groups or by videoconference. The goal is to avoid large family gatherings at all costs, which could accelerate the spread of the virus.
Christmas, in a small group
While 92% of French people say they want to celebrate these end-of-year holidays according to a survey conducted by Epicery, the WHO believes that celebrating Christmas in a select committee is ” the best option During this pandemic period. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO Pandemic Management Officer, said: “ It’s incredibly difficult because, especially during the holiday season, we really want to be with our family. But in some cases not having a family reunion is the safest option. “.
The American scientist is also thinking of Thanksgiving, which will take place Thursday in the United States, a country already in mourning with more than 260,000 dead. The specialists therefore encourage the population to celebrate these end-of-year holidays at home, in particular by videoconference with the family. ” Even if you can’t celebrate together this year, you can find ways to celebrate when this is all over. We do this in my family and we’ll have a hell of a party when it’s over Insisted Maria Van Kerkhove.
A balance between celebration and security
Michael Ryan, in charge of emergency situations at the WHO, also cited the example of the Canadian Thanksgiving, which took place on November 12. The event led to an increase in contamination and increased the spread of the virus, from 2,300 to 4,000 cases daily.
According to him, the authorities must strike a balance between ” health risks, and social and economic risks “:” The question is: are you in enough control of the disease and can you give people a little more freedom for the Christmas period, which can generate confidence and give joy, which people badly need, without allowing the virus to break loose? ”
