The World Health Organization (WHO) has released advice to protect yourselves and the loved ones around you from COVID-19 during the summer festivities.
It comes after new modelling by New Zealand's Ministry of Health suggests a likely peak of about 1100 people in hospital with COVID-19 on any given day this summer.
That would be more in hospital than both Omircron waves Aotearoa has experienced this year. One-thousand hospitalisations a day were reported in March and 836 in July.
RNZ reports the latest modelling had 22 deaths a day at its peak.
So how can Kiwis stay safe over the Christmas break? H2
The WHO is encouraging people to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, adding others should encourage their pairs to do the same.
It's urging people to "avoid crowded places" to reduce the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.
"Consider wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance," said a post on the WHO's Western Pacific Region Facebook page.
Keeping celebrations outdoors is advised too. The WHO said if gatherings are inside, windows should be open "for a few minutes each hour".
The UN agency is also encouraging people to take advantage of rapid antigen tests. The WHO said if someone at high risk of severe illness is going to be at a gathering, "consider getting tested".
And a habit Kiwis all know too well, the WHO is urging people to stay home if feeling unwell.
"If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms such as a runny nose or sore throat, stay home and connect virtually."
