Omicron variant spreads across Europe

As countries across Europe impose travel restrictions, ban foreign visitors and lockdown ahead of Christmas, the Omicron variant is spreading exponentially, doubling every two to three days. A mathematical epidemiologist shares his thoughts.

Also on the programme, Chileans go to the polls today to vote for a new President. There are two candidates with very different political views – one is a former student protest leader, the other a far-right candidate who has glorified the country’s military dictatorship.

And, the British-Italian architect, Richard Rogers, known for his radical, modernist style that turned the world of architecture on its head has died, at the age of 88.

Joining Julian Worricker to discuss these and other issues are Arminka Helic, a member of the British parliament’s House of Lords, and Jeremy Shapiro, research director of the European Council on Foreign Relations.

(Photo: Shoppers on Oxford Street in London, Britain, 18 December 2021. London Mayor Khan has declared a major incident in London as Omicron cases surge in the capital. The UK government is considering Plan C measures including a "circuit breaker" to curb the Omicron spread. EPA/ANDY RAIN)