大象传媒

We speak to people in Lebanon about the total shutdown ordered for the next 11 days. Schools, restaurants and even supermarkets are closed. The authorities say the action is needed to slow the spread of the coronavirus that has overwhelmed the country's healthcare system.

We ask our regular coronavirus expert, Dr Emma Hodcroft, about today's coronavirus stories, including the new virus variant detected in Brazil, new research into Covid-19 immunity and the visit by the WHO experts in China to investigate the origins of the pandemic.

And we talk about Halima Aden, the first hijab-wearing supermodel, who quit the fashion industry in November saying it clashed with her Muslim faith.

(Photo: A view of empty Beirut"s seaside Corniche, as Lebanon tightened lockdown and introduced a 24-hour curfew to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease January 14, 2021. Credit: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters)