According to Maria Van Kerkhove, in charge of pandemic management at the WHO, the best option this year would be to "not have a family reunion".
The magic of Christmas, yes, but in small groups. This is what Maria Van Kerkhove, in charge of pandemic management at the WHO, advocates for all countries in order to stem the health crisis. “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 ", emphasizes Maria Van Kerkhove, Monday 23 November.
Festivities by videoconference
To see your loved ones this year, it is best to do so remotely, provided you have a strong enough internet connection. "Even though you can't celebrate together this year, you can find ways to celebrate when this is all over.", she confides. "We're doing this in my family and we'll have a hell of a party when it's over", says Maria Van Kerkhove.
Each government will have to decide
Finally, for Michael Ryan, in charge of emergency situations at the UN agency, it is up to the authorities to find common ground between "health risks, and social and economic risks" to make the holidays go smoothly this year. "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 allow the virus to break loose? ", he confides.
On the French side, measures are expected this Tuesday, November 24, concerning the end of the year celebrations, a possible lifting of the confinement and the opening of non-essential businesses.