The World Health Organization has urged the world to scale down festive celebrations to avoid fanning the spread of COVID-19.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom urged those planning to hold celebrations not to organize or attend large parties, as that would put them at risk of contracting the virus.

“Being with family and friends is not worth putting them or yourself at risk,” said Tedros. “We all need to consider whose life we might be gambling with in the decisions we make.”

The call comes as the Christmas and other end year festivities are fast approaching.

As of Monday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 infections globally surpassed the 62.95 million mark, with a death toll exceeding 1.46 million.

Often, millions of people around the world travel far distances in December to join their families and friends in planned festivities.

“The first question to ask yourself is, do you need to travel? Do you really need to travel?” said Tedros.

“For many people, this is a season for staying home and staying safe.”

He urged those who will travel, join or host celebrations to do so I adherence to the various COVID-19 protocols in order to avoid spreading the virus.