New coronavirus variant reaches Europe

Belgium has reported Europe's first case of the new coronavirus variant first detected in South Africa - as the World Health Organization holds a special meeting to consider its significance.

Experts in Geneva will decide whether it should be designated a variant of concern.

The WHO says it will issue new guidance after the talks but has warned that it will take weeks to establish how transmissible the variant is and whether vaccines remain effective against it.

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reminded manufacturers that their contracts with the EU mean they must adapt their vaccines immediately to the new variant.

She also said that all air travel to countries with the new variant should be suspended.