WHO says COVID-19 won't go away anytime soon

WHO Advises To Cancel Holiday Celebrations This Year

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises people to cancel holiday celebrations as they can lead to an increase in coronavirus cases. Since the Omicron variant is spreading quicker than the Delta variant, it would be wise to postpone upcoming gatherings for the safety of everyone. “An event canceled is better than a life canceled,” Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyes stated.

WHO Advises To Cancel Holiday Celebrations This Year
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Omicron on the Rise

Last month, Africa reported its lowest number of new cases in 18 months. However, due to the unprecedented rate of the Omicron variant, the region saw its fourth-highest number of cases in a single week since the pandemic began.

“There is now consistent evidence that Omicron is spreading significantly faster than the Delta variant. And it is more likely that people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 could be infected or reinfected,” Tedros said in a press briefing.

Counties like the United States and other UE nations have already implemented new restrictions regarding public gatherings.

“Cancel Now, Celebrate Later”

And while people are undoubtedly getting weary of the pandemic, it’s still advisable to make health and safety a priority this season.

Tedros acknowledged how people can’t wait to finally spend time with friends and family again and get back to normal. “The fastest way to do that is for all of us — leaders and individuals — to make the difficult decision that must be made to protect ourselves and others. It’s better to cancel now and celebrate later than to celebrate now and grieve later,” he added.

Whether or not you should attend a Christmas party is still entirely up to your discretion. But if you still decide to push through, consider the potential risks involved. Ideally, guests should be vaccinated, and the festivities should take place in a well-ventilated venue.

READ: Don’t Feel Guilty for Turning Down Christmas Party Invites from Loved Ones This Quarantine

Art Daniella Sison

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