WHO urges families to wear masks at Christmas, says gatherings 'should be held outside if possible'

The World Health Organization (WHO) is asking families gathering for Christmas to wear masks and social distance at Christmas dinners, Daily Mail reports.

While the WHO admitted that those attending Christmas dinners wearing masks "may feel awkward," such practices would "contribute significantly" to saving lives.

"Indoor gatherings, even smaller ones, can be especially risky because they bring together groups of people, young and old, from different households, who may not all be adhering to the same infection prevention measures," the WHO said.

They also said that the winter celebration "should be held outside if possible."

The news further calls into question when face masks will no longer be required apparel for citizens of coronavirus-ridden countries even as the vaccine begins to arrive.

Last week, The New York Times published an article stating that people who get the vaccine for COVID-19 would still need to wear masks for the foreseeable future. They suggested that the vaccine "leaves open the possibility that some vaccinated people get infected without developing symptoms, and could then silently transmit the virus — especially if they come in close contact with others or stop wearing masks."

Coronavirus cases have been rapidly rising across the northern hemisphere as the countries begin to enter winter. As a result, lockdown measures have become harsher in many places and mask-mandates have become more commonplace.

Meanwhile, a coronavirus vaccine has begun to roll out in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, bringing a glimpse of hope to countries that have been ravaged and shut down by the virus.