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The UK has become the first country to approve the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine and is due to start a mass immunisation programme next week. Meanwhile, Russia is due to begin a vaccination programme with its Sputnik V vaccine this weekend. And China is promising countries millions of vaccines. A pathway to an end to the pandemic and a return to normality could be in sight.

Host Nuala McGovern talks to Kerry. She has muscular dystrophy and has been shielding, or isolating, at home in England since March. We also hear from Dr Joseph Varon, Chief of Critical Care at the United Memorial Medical Center in Houston, Texas. He has been working without a break for 258 days. A photo of him cradling an elderly man on a Covid ward went viral this week. He explains the picture and shares his experiences of working non-stop due to the virus.

Joe Biden has this week called on Americans to wear masks for his first 100 days as US president. Nuala also talks to two campaigners in the US who are sceptical of face coverings and other coronavirus restrictions. We hear them in conversation with a doctor in Toronto, who treats Covid patients.

Picture: Kerry Thompson (Credit: Kerry Thompson)