Illustration mask on the street.
-
Mikhail Tereshchenko / TASS / Sipa U / SIPA
Faced with the "high risk" of a new rebound in the coronavirus epidemic in early 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended, this Tuesday, the wearing of masks during Christmas family reunions and Christmas holidays. end of the year in Europe.
Given the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic in Europe, "there is a high risk of a new resurgence in the first weeks and months of 2021", said the WHO in a statement, which recommends " wear a mask and practice social distancing ”during the holiday season.
“It may seem awkward to wear a mask and practice physical distancing in the presence of friends and family, but it goes a long way in ensuring that everyone stays safe and healthy,” the organization said.
Whenever possible, gatherings should take place outdoors.
If they take place indoors, it is important to limit the number of guests and to ventilate well to limit the risks, she advises.
A worrying situation
The WHO's Europe zone, which includes 53 countries including Russia, has recorded more than 22 million cases and nearly 500,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the organization's surveillance table.
In the past seven days, nearly 1.7 million new cases have been recorded, as well as more than 34,500 deaths.
As the Christmas holidays approach, new sets of restrictions come into force on Wednesday in several European countries to curb a level of Covid-19 contamination deemed worrying, with in particular the closure of non-essential businesses in Germany and of pubs and restaurants in the UK.
Health
Coronavirus: Ursula von der Leyen confirms vaccination campaign will start same day across EU
Health
Coronavirus: Jean-François Delfraissy asks the French to "hold on" for another "three to six months"
Oms
Christmas
Covid 19
Coronavirus
Health
epidemic
Video