Coronavirus conversations: New York school shutdown

The authorities in New York City have decided to close public schools once again after the city's coronavirus positivity rate rose above a 3% threshold. There's debate over whether it's the right thing to do, so we'll reflect some of the discussion with teachers and parents.

We'll also speak to our expert of the day on the pandemic, Dr Emma Hodcroft, who will answer more of the questions about the virus being sent to us from around the world. The Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine is the latest trial in the news, reportedly showing an "encouraging" immune response in older adults.

And we'll hear how Afghans are responding to the report which found "credible evidence" Australian elite soldiers unlawfully killed at least 39 people during the war in Afghanistan. We'll ask our BBC Afghan reporter how important it is for Afghans to see foreign forces hold their personnel to account.

Picture: School buses at the end of the school day in Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday after the public school shutdown was announced. (EPA / JUSTIN LANE)