Millions of people around the world are celebrating Christmas under coronavirus restrictions impacting a holiday typically marked by travel and large gatherings.
The battle to halt the pandemic is far from over despite the launching of mass vaccine campaigns that offer the promise of an eventual return to normalcy.
In a Christmas message, the head of the World Health Organization said the sacrifices made to protect people during the coronavirus pandemic must not be squandered over the festive period.
Millions were making "heart-wrenching sacrifices" by staying away from loved ones on Christmas Day, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a video clip posted to Twitter, while others will have a missing face at the family table.