KUALA LUMPUR: The escalating number of Covid-19 cases have raised concerns on the risks of gatherings during Christmas celebrations.
Given the rising virus rates, some have expressed concern over the safety implications of taking part in festive gatherings, while others are taking additional precautions to ensure they are protected.
Laraine Juanitha Clifford Ambrose, who works as a podcaster at Krom Studio urged the public to be wary during the upcoming festive season.
"I would request the guests to do Covid-19 test before attending events. Doing a test before an event signifies a dedication to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all visitors.
"This kind of precaution, given the current pandemic, is in line with what is advocated by health experts," said Laraine when speaking to the New Straits Times.
She added that restricting the number of guests for Christmas celebrations can minimise the risk of the virus spreading.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old student, Alexander Christ Jimmy said that following the worsening Covid-19 situation, it is preferable to limit smaller gatherings at home to close relatives only.
However, for larger celebrations at venues like churches, it is recommended that those with symptoms wear face masks or stay isolated at home for safety.
"Also, some people are not aware that if you get the Covid-19 despite being vaccinated, the disease is likely to be milder than if you were unvaccinated," said Alexander.
"We should boost our sense of safety by staying informed with information that can help us stay safe and sharing that information with everyone.
"Focus on actions that are within your control, such as practicing physical distancing and thorough handwashing. Safety should always be our top priority," he said.Housewife Josephine Anthony said Covid-19 testing for guests are unnecessary as long as guests are already informed about the precautions.
"We understand that such a request might be perceived as offensive. "Instead, we are opting for a more considerate approach by placing a note, advising everyone to stay alert and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe environment," she said.
Josephine said that she is still implementing proactive measures, such as urging members with symptoms of Covid-19, the flu, or fever to stay indoors as well as asking family member who are unwell or have recently returned from overseas to refrain from attending gatherings until they are fully recovered.
"Additionally, we plan to implement temperature checks for all attendees as they arrive," she said.
The number of Covid-19 cases in the country nearly doubled to 6,796 in the 48th Epidemiological Week from Nov 26 to Dec 2 from 3,626 recorded in the previous week.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said the rate of Covid-19 patient admission to health facilities, including for suspected cases, was 3.5 per 100,000 population, with 1.0 per 100,000 population having mild symptoms.