The World Health Organization, WHO, has advised people to maintain COVID-19 guidelines during the Christmas festive period.

According to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the period could turn to sadness if precautions are disregarded.

He said, “The festive season is a time to relax and celebrate but… celebration can very quickly turn to sadness if we fail to take the right precautions,” he told a news conference.

“As you prepare to celebrate over the coming weeks, please, please consider your plans carefully. If you live in an area with high transmission, please take every precaution to keep yourselves and others safe.

“That could be the best gift you could give — the gift of health.”