hello, this is bbc news. the headlines: more than 70 cases of the south african variant of covid are identified in the uk amid concerns the vaccine may be less effective against it. ministers say numbers are being closely monitored. we have an enhanced contact tracing to do everything we possibly can to stop them from spreading. the number of covid 19 cases in the united states passes 25 million with the death toll soaring to nearly 418,000. israel announces it will ban incoming flights from monday evening until the end ofjanuary in order to try and contain the spread of coronavirus. celebrations in china as 11 gold miners who d been trapped underground for two weeks are rescued. some enjoy the wintry conditions as snow and ice sweep across the uk but severe weather warnings are in place for many areas. now on bbc news it s time for sportsday. hello and welcome to sportsday i m gavin ramjaun. here s what s coming up on this evening s show. it s proving to be a thr
eighth world title and nobody has ever done that in formula history, seven world title, so it s a no brainer to me. obviously, there are some sticking points. whatever these curveballs are, something isn t slowing the process down. in this current climate, it s not like the two of them can sit in a room together. they re trying to negotiate a massive deal over zoom or whatever the media they use. it s a very tough time. the manager of livingston football club has been passed as fit and proper by the scottish fa following a hearing to discuss his suitability. david martindale, who has been in charge of the west lothian side since december, spent time in prison for organised crime offences more than a decade ago. here s our sports news correspondent, chris mclaughlin. 11 games without defeat, he s been the proper fit for livingston. now after discussing his check of pass, he s fit and proper for the sfe. i didn t think it was in my favour, but i think the decision i honestly th