Introduction

With the prime minister proposing an end to self-isolation requirements as early as the end of the month, we thought we would check in with all things pandemic-related this week.

We hear from mathematical biologist Dr Kit Yates from the University of Bath and UCL’s Professor Christina Pagel, who, like many scientists, are concerned about the consequences of relaxing protective measures. However, epidemiologist Professor Irene Petersen tells us why she feels it is the right time to loosen restrictions.

A new omicron sub-variant has been making headlines this week. Professor David Male takes us through what we know about omicron BA.2 so far.

And from possible endings to the pandemic’s origin story. Roland Pease spoke to Beijing-based journalist Jane Qiu who’s gained unprecedented access to the Wuhan scientist at the centre of lab leak theories.

Presented by Marnie Chesterton Producer Samara Linton Assistant Producer Emily Bird Made in association with The Open University