The World Health Organization has urged Europeans to wear masks during family gatherings at Christmas.
The WHO warned that Europe was at high risk of a new wave of coronavirus infections in the early part of 2021.
The warning comes as the transmission of the virus remained high, with countries across Europe recording thousands of daily cases and hundreds of deaths.
Germany is among countries that are tightening restrictions, with schools and non-essential businesses closed.
Meanwhile, the European Commission President URSULA VON DER LEYEN, had said that the first Covid vaccine would be approved for use within a week.