Sierra Leone, one of the three hardest hit countries from the Ebola virus outbreak, has banned public celebrations of Christmas this year.

The ban will begin on Dec. 20 in order to reduce physical contact and thereby reduce the spread of the virus, which has claimed more than 6,300 lives. More than than 1,900 affected were from Sierra Leone, according to Voice of America.

The only exception will be on Christmas Day, when the government has allowed people to attend church.

Government spokesman Abdulai Bayraytay said the measure would reduce physical contact among people in public, which will help slow the transmission of the virus.

But critics have said the ban would not significantly reduce the transmission of the virus and is infringing on the freedom of religion in the country.

Palo Conteh, the minister of defense who heads the government's Ebola response unit, told the Guardian the ban would extend to New Year's Day.

The ban will be enforced by the military, which will be patrolling the streets on both holidays to stop any public celebrations.

The country's population is predominantly Muslim, but about one quarter is Christian.

Already the markets are filled with decorations, and Christmas trees have been erected in many public places.

But the disruption of the holiday festivities is just another sober reminder of the already restricted lifestyle existing since the outbreak began in the country.

Schools are closed in Sierra Leone, as well as in the two other hardest hit countries, Liberia and Guinea.

In addition, bars and clubs are closed and soccer games are banned. Churches have been allowed to continue holding services, but they are also responsible for separating members of the congregation in order to prevent further contagion.

Travel has already been severely restricted in the country, and night-time curfews are being enforced.

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