"If There Are Unvaccinated Family Members? How to Handle Unvaccinated Relatives This Christmas"

Restrictions on Private Gatherings and Vaccine Passes Lead to a 'Gloomy Christmas'
Emotional Conflicts May Arise When Meeting Family at Year-End
UK Independent Releases Guide to Surviving This Christmas

Christmas is just four days away, but large-scale events are expected to be difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] "This Christmas, how should I treat family members who haven't been vaccinated?"

As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, Christmas this year is expected to come as usual. However, due to strengthened quarantine guidelines and the vaccine pass system (proof of vaccination or negative test), grand family gatherings seem difficult. There is also a risk of emotional conflicts arising among family members over whether to get vaccinated or not.

Amid this, ahead of the second 'COVID Christmas' this year, the famous British daily newspaper The Independent has attracted attention by releasing a Christmas survival guide for those who are worried.

In the UK, where the Omicron variant is currently spreading, Christmas this year is also expected to be somewhat modest. Earlier, the UK government announced the 'Plan B' policy, which includes several quarantine measures such as mandatory indoor and outdoor mask-wearing and recommendations for working from home.

On the 19th, a notice regarding the strengthened social distancing measures was posted at the entrance of a restaurant in Mapo-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

The domestic situation is not much different. In fact, it seems difficult for families to gather all together this Christmas in Korea. On the 18th, quarantine measures were strengthened, allowing private gatherings of only up to four people nationwide. Family gatherings are included in this limit. There are some exceptions such as cohabiting family members and caregivers, but excluding these, it is impossible for more than four people to gather in one space.

Using multi-use facilities such as restaurants or cafes is even more complicated. Especially if there are unvaccinated people among the group, a negative PCR test certificate is required to attend. If an unvaccinated person has neither vaccination nor a negative test certificate, they can only visit multi-use facilities alone.

Because of this, some citizens are worried that the 'vaccine debate' among families will intensify this Christmas. Particularly, conflicts may easily escalate into emotional disputes between unvaccinated people, who face restrictions on outdoor activities and use of cafes and restaurants, and vaccinated people.

Christmas tree displayed at a store in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 9th / Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding this situation, British expert Holly Roberts advised in an interview with The Independent, "Before Christmas comes, think about how to approach this topic first," adding, "Organizing your thoughts will also make it easier to control your emotions."

When arguing with other family members, she emphasized, "Even if you hear information completely opposite to what you know, it is important to confidently assert your own views first."

It is also important to stop appropriately when the atmosphere becomes hostile. Roberts said, "Recognizing when a conversation is no longer productive and stopping it is very good," and advised, "Set a baseline before the conversation, and if you judge that the other person has crossed that line, do not hesitate to stop."

Maintaining a good atmosphere at family gatherings is important, but thoroughly practicing personal hygiene to prevent the spread of infection is also essential.

George Rutherford, a professor of epidemiology at the University of California, urged people to wear masks when meeting relatives during the holidays. He emphasized, "When meeting family after a long time, especially if there are unvaccinated people among them, it is better for everyone to wear masks."

Frequent ventilation inside the house is also important. Professor Rutherford explained, "Meeting others outdoors rather than indoors can greatly reduce the risk of airborne infection. However, since it is not always possible to hold family gatherings outdoors, continuous ventilation indoors is necessary to allow fresh air to enter."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.