“In order to reduce transmission risks in the period following the festive season”, the Commission suggests “extending school holidays or introducing a period of online learning”. This is one of the recommendations contained in the document presented in Brussels today. The goal is to create a sort of “buffer period” and avoid infections being “brought into schools”. In case of religious ceremonies, the Commission also suggests “avoiding large services” or “using online, TV or radio broadcasts”, allocating “specific spots for close families” (“household bubbles”) to sit together; another suggestion is to ban “communal singing”. Finally, “the use of masks is particularly relevant during these types of gatherings”.