Hancock hails ‘encouraging’ data ahead of first stage of lockdown easing

Todd Spangler NY Digital EditorRussia’s media regulator announced that it was blocking access to the Facebook network in the country, claiming parent company Meta’s restrictions on Kremlin-affiliated media accounts violated a Russian law banning censorship.In the wake of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Meta previously said it was “globally demoting” content from Facebook pages and Instagram accounts from Russian state-controlled media outlets such as the Russian military’s Zvezda TV channel and Sputnik to make them harder to find on its platforms. In addition, the social giant has banned ads from Russian state-controlled media and demonetized their accounts.Meta is among a host of other internet media platforms that have restricted or blocked Russian state-sponsored media since the war commenced, including YouTube, Spotify, TikTok, Snapchat and Reddit.

Megan Barton-Hanson and James Lock appear to be back on, after splitting in December. Love Island babe Megan, 27, was filmed by The Only Way Is Essex star Lock, 35, giving him a kiss the cheek as they celebrated Megan's birthday on Friday. Megan was the first to show her on-off beau James off on her social media after their split.The blonde beauty shared a video on her Instagram story showing off gifts, flowers a card and a raunchy cake in a hotel room.

An Ayrshire MP has joined the campaign to see a ban on ‘barbaric’ trophy hunting imports.

The southern Ukrainian city of Kherson has seen a wave of protests today (March 5) as Russian troops advance into the region.

A charity football match that will see former professionals take on celebrities is taking place next month to mark the fifth anniversary of the Manchester Arena bombing.

Sport's brand Nike have dropped a clanger involving Manchester United's Marcus Rashford at their American headquarters in Oregon.

Bloom Twins, who’ll also be performing on the night.All money raised will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee to support humanitarian and emergency response work in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.On February 24, Russia sent military forces into Ukraine. As reported by The Washington Post, The United Nations has recorded at least 752 civilian casualties so far across Ukraine, with 227 killed and 525 injured, including scores of children.

Taskmaster has launched its own worldwide streaming service, bringing together episodes of the British comedy show alongside international versions.Taskmaster Supermax+ is available now for £5.99 a month. Subscribers will eventually get every episode of Taskmaster ever made, ad free. As of today though (March 5) only the first 3 series of the British version of the show are available, with series 4 joining the service on March 11.“As I’ve been told quite a few times that not everyone everywhere can watch Taskmaster, we wanted to create a channel where fans can watch all episodes ad-free; the complete global home for all things Taskmaster,” reads a welcome message from creator Alex Horne.”Season 9 will premiere soon so people in the US can finally see me dressed up as a mermaid.

Clairo has rescheduled a number of upcoming dates on her US tour due to a sinus infection.The singer is currently on a nationwide tour behind 2021 album ‘Sling’, with support coming from Arlo Parks.Taking to her Instagram Stories, Claire Cottrill wrote: “I’m really sorry to announce that we’ve decided to reschedule the next few shows,” detailing three gigs that will now be moved to July, and two Chicago dates to be shifted to later this month.Of the reasons behind the postponements, she added: “I came down with a sinus infection in the last two days and I haven’t been able to sing at all.“I also just need to take a step back from performing in general (for a little bit),” she wrote. “I hope you understand.”See the post and Clairo’s updated US tour schedule below.MARCH 202216 – Chicago, Riviera Theatre17 – Chicago, Riviera Theatre18 – Minneapolis, The Fillmore20 – Denver, The Fillmore23 – Seattle, Paramount Theatre25 – Portland, Arlene Schnitzer Hall28 – Vancouver, The Orpheum30 – San Francisco, The Masonic31 – Oakland, Fox TheatreAPRIL 20222 – Los Angeles, Greek Theatre3 – Anaheim, House of Blues5 – Tempe, Marquee Theatre7 – Dallas, South Side Ballroom9 – Austin, ACL at Moody Theatre10 – Houston, Bayou Music Center13 – Miami, The Fillmore Miami Beach14 – Orlando, Hard Rock Live16 – Atlanta, TabernacleJULY 202229 – Detroit, The Fillmore30 – Cleveland, Agora Ballroom31 – Indianapolis, Old National CenterFor the tour, Clairo has partnered with SafeTour and Calling All Crows to ensure the safety of attending gig-goers.“Every show will have a person/resource to go to if there’s harassment in the crowd,” she wrote upon the tour’s announcement, adding that a “no bullshit” policy would be in place.

direct to your inboxMatt Hancock confirmed that coronavirus cases, hospital admissions and deaths are continuing to fall as more and more people become vaccinated in the UK. The Health Secretary led the latest Downing Street press conference alongside Public Health England’s Dr Susan Hopkins.

faces criticism for a proposed one per cent pay rise for NHS workers.

Glasgow lighthouse lab, the UK Health Secretary said was confident travel restrictions would be lifted in time for the summer staycations across the UK.Hancock said: “I’m now more optimistic about having a great British summer than I have been at any time, thanks to the speed and the effectiveness of the vaccine rollout.”“By great British summer I absolutely mean people being able to enjoy travel across the whole of the UK.

direct to your inbox Matt Hancock led a press briefing this evening to provide an update on the latest coronavirus developments.

the new Brazilian P1 coronavirus variant, she told the Downing Street briefing, led by health secretary Matt Hancock.

direct to your inboxMatt Hancock will hold a government press briefing on coronavirus this afternoon.The Health Secretary will be speaking from Downing Street at 5pm. It comes after the first cases of a Brazilian 'variant of concern' were identified in the UK.

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coronavirus vaccine roll out today with all adults prioritised for jabs, starting with people over 40.