New coronavirus variant: What do we know?

We'll explain what is known about a new coronavirus variant that is spreading rapidly in the UK. The variant was given as the reason for strict new lockdown rules for millions of people in the UK and for the subsequent decisions by dozens countries to suspend arrivals from Britain. We look at the impact of those travel restrictions and hear from people whose Christmas plans were ruined after the rules were tightened over the weekend. Also, Dr Eleanor Murray from Boston University will help us answer your questions.

Last week, we spoke to Omar, an American father who lives in a motel in Florida with his family after losing his job as a result of the pandemic. He was facing eviction. Listeners have been contacting Omar, wanting to help. We speak to him about the response, as well as the announce of a new stimulus package in the United States. Does he think it will help?

And we explain “the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn”: the planets are set to cross paths today appearing to the naked eye as a “double planet”.

(Photo: Coronavirus Credit: Getty Images)