The UN health agency made the appeal via its official Twitter account @WHOAFRO on Sunday, saying, ”Stay home, stay safe”.

“If possible, avoid traveling. This may increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. There are over 2.6 million confirmed COVID-19 cases on the African continent – with more than 2.2 million recoveries and 62,000 deaths cumulatively,’’ it stated.

WHO also urged people to continue to protect themselves and others by practicing hand hygiene, wearing a mask and by observing physical distancing as well as avoiding touching their their faces.

“Not only does your mask help protect those around you from COVID-19 but it also protects you. Even as COVID-19 vaccines begin to become available, we must not let our guard down,’’ the UN health agency said. (NAN)