Coronavirus conversations: Anti-Asian racism

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic there's been a surge in the number of incidents of anti-Asian abuse. From being spat on and verbally harassed to incidents of physical assault, there have been thousands of reported cases in recent months. We'll bring together three people of Asian heritage to hear their experiences of anti-Asian racism and whether this has increased over the past year.

Also, the US state of Texas will lift its mask requirement and allow businesses to reopen at full capacity next week, Governor Greg Abbott has announced. The announcement in Texas came as similar rules were lifted in other states, but the administration of President Joe Biden has made it clear coronavirus restrictions are still necessary. We'll hear about what's happening in Texas and across the US.

And every day we are joined by a health expert to help us understand the latest news about coronavirus and to answer your questions. Today our guest is Dr Pedro Hallal - an epidemiologist from the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil.

(Photo: More than 200 people gathered on Washington Square Park in New York City to rally in support of the Asian community, against hate crime and white nationalism, 20/02/2021. Credit: Getty Images)