Deputh Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne appealed to the public to follow directives issued by the health authorities and to take care of one another during the festive season.

“If not, we will all suffer the consequences afterwards,” Fearne said.

This newsroom recently reported on an increase in the demand for rented property for the Christmas period, which raised concerns that private parties are being planned, with the risk that Covid-19 cases could rise exponentially as a result of social gatherings.

People seem to be looking for other ways to entertain themselves during the Christmas and New Year season, and one way of doing that is by renting out private property, where it is envisaged that parties will be held.

During a press conference on Monday, Health Minister Fearne was asked whether people should be congregating and organising Christmas lunches during this period because of the pandemic.

In reply, Fearne said that it is of utmost importance to remain vigilant, especially because of the elderly people who are most at risk to this virus.

He added that such gatherings should only be organised between people who live within the same household and one should not invite other people.

“Although this period is usually a time to socialise and get together with family and friends, this year we all need to make a sacrifice in order to keep everyone safe and remain in good health,” Fearne said.

The best gift we can give to one another during this period is take care of each other in the best possible, even if that means avoiding the usual large gatherings, he said.