their business just won't make it. let me know on instagram, twitter or send us an e—mail. also this hour, dr alex george — former love island contestant, and now a government ambassador for youth mental health. we'll be talking about the importance of taking care of our mental health, especially in lockdown. airlines and holiday companies say they've seen a surge in bookings in the past 2a hours, despite the prime minister insisting a foreign travel ban will remain in place until at least mid—may. the rate of unemployment in the uk rises to its highest level in almost five years; we'll be hearing this morning about the struggles for some to find work in the hard—hit area of blackpool. facebook is to restore news feeds in australia after the government agreed to amend legislation forcing social media companies to pay for news content. and new views of the martian landscape — nasa releases videos of its perserverance rover landing on the surface of mars. the prime minister has defended what he says is a cautious plan for easing lockdown in england, after facing criticism from some of his own mps and businesses leaders that the pace of change will be too slow. the outcome of a review on international travel is set to be announced by a special global travel task—force on the 12th of april. but there's already been a surge in bookings forforeign holidays — with easyjet reporting a 630% increase in enquiries. self—catered holiday accommodation, along with shops, hairdressers, gyms and outdoor hospitality could reopen on the 12th of april. official figures released today show the rate of unemployment in the uk rose to 5.1%, in the three months to december — and unions and hospitality organisations want the furlough scheme to be extended beyond april to support businesses which can't open until may. schools are also preparing to re—open to all pupils in england from the 8th of march, along with after school sports and activities. parents will be expected to carry out some home covid testing for secondary pupils, who'll have to wear facemasks in some classrooms if they can't be socially distanced. this afternoon, scotland's first minister nicola sturgeon will announce her own plans for easing lockdown when she makes a statement to msps at holyrood. borisjohnson has insisted that his approach for england offers the best chance to avoid another lockdown — and by the 21st ofjune people in england could see covid restrictions fully eased if conditions are met. our political correspondent iain watson reports. it's been a long, hard winter, with some of the things we used to take for granted now beyond reach. but the prime minister says, with a successful vaccination programme, the end is in sight. this unparalleled national effort has decisively shifted the odds in our favour. but, with every day that goes by, this programme of vaccination is creating a shield around the entire population. which means that we are now travelling on a one—way road to freedom. and what are the milestones on that road? on march the 8th, all children in england will go back to school. two people from different households will be allowed to socialise together outdoors. care home residents will be allowed one regular visitor. from march 29th, six people or two households can meet outdoors, and outdoor sport facilities will open. from april 12th, at the earliest, nonessential retail and personal care such as hairdressers will reopen. gyms will be open too, for individual use. outdoor hospitality such as beer gardens can open up. and from may 17, at the earliest, most restrictions on meeting outdoors will be lifted. six people or two households will be able to meet indoors and indoor hospitality, yes, pubs and cafes, and hotels will reopen. from june 21st at the earliest, all remaining restrictions would end. some of borisjohnson�*s mps think the pace of change is too slow. he says a cautious approach is more likely to mean that any easing of restrictions won't be reversed. but this can't be absolutely guaranteed. the intention is that it should be irreversible, and that's why we are going in the way that we are, that's why we are taking the steps that we are. and even when existing restrictions end, some familiar paraphernalia of the pandemic might remain. masks may still be advisable next winter according to the government's chief scientific advisor, and there will be a review into the use of what the government calls covid status certificates. this has raised the prospect of people having to provide proof that they have been vaccinated or have had a recent negative test to access some venues and possibly some workplaces beyond june. so, if a vaccine—busting variant doesn't disrupt things, life is likely to feel a lot more normal by the summer but perhaps not quite as we knew it before covid struck. iain watson, bbc news. well, airlines and holiday companies say they've seen a surge in bookings in the past 2a hours. boris johnson siad yesterday that a ban on foreign travel will remain in place until at least mid—may. self catering breaks in england will resume on the 12th of april at the earliest. let's talk to the chief executive officer of the easyjet — johan lundgren. thank you for talking to us. how busy has eg jet been since yesterday afternoon? busy has eg 'et been since yesterday afternoon? . , , , _ afternoon? incredibly busy, the res - onse afternoon? incredibly busy, the response from _ afternoon? incredibly busy, the response from the _ afternoon? incredibly busy, the response from the customers i afternoon? incredibly busy, the i response from the customers was fantastic to see. == response from the customers was fantastic to see.— fantastic to see. -- how busy has eas jet fantastic to see. -- how busy has easyjet been? — fantastic to see. -- how busy has easyjet been? 630% _ fantastic to see. -- how busy has easyjet been? 630% increase - fantastic to see. -- how busy has easyjet been? 63096 increase in i easyjet been? 63096 increase in bookin . s easyjet been? 63096 increase in bookings at _ easyjet been? 63096 increase in bookings at easyjet _ easyjet been? 63096 increase in bookings at easyjet holidays, i bookings at easyjet holidays, continuing through the morning. there is an enormous increased pent—up demand for people to make summer travel arrangements, we are very pleased. d0 summer travel arrangements, we are very pleased-— very pleased. do you expect we will be able to start _ very pleased. do you expect we will be able to start flying _ very pleased. do you expect we will be able to start flying from - very pleased. do you expect we will be able to start flying from may - very pleased. do you expect we will be able to start flying from may the j be able to start flying from may the 17th? , ,., , ., 17th? yes, the government stated that is the intention. _ 17th? yes, the government stated that is the intention. we - 17th? yes, the government stated that is the intention. we will- 17th? yes, the government stated that is the intention. we will have | that is the intention. we will have to wait to see what the global travel task. south—west in the recommendations to the prime minister on the 12th of april but what we wanted is what we got, a road map with dates on how we can plan in relation to the safe restart of international travel —— so we will see the recommendations to the prime minister on the 12th of april. which countries will want british tourists? fin which countries will want british tourists? ., , ., , ., tourists? on the top of the list of what peeple _ tourists? on the top of the list of what people have _ tourists? on the top of the list of what people have chosen - tourists? on the top of the list of what people have chosen to - tourists? on the top of the list of what people have chosen to book yesterday, flights to majorca is extremely popular, alicante, crete in greece, the dollar man in turkey and portugal, so the traditional summer leisure holiday destinations that people are really asking for. will you require documentation before people get on your planes, a covid certificate, for example? we will want covid certificate, for example? - will want to wait and see what the travel task. virtuous intensive recommendations and we will adhere to those policies and work with the government to make sure that travel can restart safely. the most important thing is to recognise there is a number of methods that there is a number of methods that the government can use that not only in the uk but elsewhere in europe when it comes to the possibility of testing and quarantine but the key thing is really the successful roll—out of the vaccination programme, so i think the data it is now available where countries and jurisdictions have clear evidence about infection spreads and the different mutations in variance, there is a whole set of measures to make sure we avoid general lockdown and more targeted measures are put in place, so we will wait for the recommendations from the 12th of april. recommendations from the 12th of aril. �* , ., recommendations from the 12th of aril. �* ., , . recommendations from the 12th of aril. ., , . recommendations from the 12th of aril. ., ,. april. but you would expect you as passengers — april. but you would expect you as passengers for _ april. but you would expect you as passengers for proof _ april. but you would expect you as passengers for proof of _ april. but you would expect you as passengers for proof of vaccine - april. but you would expect you as passengers for proof of vaccine or| passengers for proof of vaccine or negative test? —— you would expect to ask passengers? flat negative test? -- you would expect to ask passengers? not necessarily, now there is — to ask passengers? not necessarily, now there is a _ to ask passengers? not necessarily, now there is a recognition _ to ask passengers? not necessarily, now there is a recognition about - now there is a recognition about what the infection rates are in the differentjurisdictions and if it is seen to be manageable and under control in the health care system is not overloaded that there is basic capacity, we would like to see as he restrictions as possible but the key thing is still that it is safe to travel and also a reminder that we have introduced a number of measures on the aircraft in terms of cleaning procedures, wearing masks and so on, so first and foremost the most important thing is we starting safely, that is what i expect to happen. safely, that is what i expect to ha en. ., ~' safely, that is what i expect to hauen. ., ~' ., safely, that is what i expect to hauen. ., ., .,~ safely, that is what i expect to hauen. ., ., w ., , happen. thank you for talking to us, johan happen. thank you for talking to us, johan lundgren. _ happen. thank you for talking to us, johan lundgren, the _ happen. thank you for talking to us, johan lundgren, the ceo _ happen. thank you for talking to us, johan lundgren, the ceo of - happen. thank you for talking to us, johan lundgren, the ceo of easyjet. j the health secretary matt hancock has been speaking this morning — and asked why lockdown measures could not be lifted sooner, he defended the current timetable. well, there's a reason for that, and the way that we've structured this with "not—before" dates, and that's so that we have this five weeks in between, four weeks to look at the impact and then one week to make the decision and give people time to prepare. so that's the reason that we've done it that way, so that we can be cautious and careful and see the data and see the impact of the steps we are taking to make sure we can do that safely, and, as the prime minister says, irreversibly. so this is a one—way route out of lockdown, that is the goal. shadow chancellor anneliese dodds said the government needs to clarify what support is available for areas like the indoor hospitality sector. they actually are facing a situation where they know they won't be able to open for some time after the furlough scheme is set to end, the business rates holiday is set to end. that's causing enormous anxiety and, actually, we've already seen record redundancies in the uk, we saw them previously when the chancellor was deciding what he wanted to do with the furlough scheme, and i'm really concerned that we are going to be seeing yet more redundancies coming through. in fact, that's been confirmed by this morning's statistics. because the government can't make its mind up, it needs to have a longer term plan around this support, rather than always acting at the last minute. schools will fully reopen in england in less than a fortnight, but when secondary pupils arrive for class they'll face a new covid testing programme and other safety measures. let's have a look at how it will work. over the first two weeks of term, schools and college students will be asked to take three covid tests on site and one at home. after that, pupils will have twice—weekly tests. they will be carried out at home by parents, carers or the students themselves. there are no current plans to test primary school children. face coverings will also be required indoors at secondary schools, including in classrooms when social distancing isn't possible. with me is simon kidwell, who is the head teacher of hartford manor primary school in cheshire. also i'm joined by alison ali, who's a mum of two secondary school pupils. we can see them, leona and susie. what preparations do you need to make before all return on march eight, simon kidwell? we make before all return on march eight, simon kidwell?— make before all return on march eight, simon kidwell? we are really lookin: eight, simon kidwell? we are really looking forward _ eight, simon kidwell? we are really looking forward to _ eight, simon kidwell? we are really looking forward to hearing - eight, simon kidwell? we are really looking forward to hearing the - looking forward to hearing the children, we will continue with what we started in september, a stretched opening and finish to the day, increase hygiene, we have closed the staff room, because staff to start spread is one of the key areas we need to reduce and we have asked staff to worth a in communal areas but not the classrooms.— but not the classrooms. allison, leone and _ but not the classrooms. allison, leone and susie, _ but not the classrooms. allison, leone and susie, how— but not the classrooms. allison, leone and susie, how do - but not the classrooms. allison, leone and susie, how do you i but not the classrooms. allison, l leone and susie, how do you feel about going back on march the 8th? as a parent, i would say, have the children_ as a parent, i would say, have the children back tomorrow! but as a concerned — children back tomorrow! but as a concerned citizen for the community, and yet _ concerned citizen for the community, and yet again the government might not he _ and yet again the government might not be listening to scientific advice. _ not be listening to scientific advice, we saw chris whitty casting doubt _ advice, we saw chris whitty casting doubt that— advice, we saw chris whitty casting doubt that i had seen simon's union and eight _ doubt that i had seen simon's union and eight other teaching unions have come _ and eight other teaching unions have come together to raise concerns. none _ come together to raise concerns. none of— come together to raise concerns. none of us — come together to raise concerns. none of us want to be in this situation _ none of us want to be in this situation again further down the line _ situation again further down the line. in— situation again further down the line. , ., , ., , , situation again further down the line. , ., , ., ,, ., line. in terms of the progress of caettin line. in terms of the progress of getting kids _ line. in terms of the progress of getting kids back, _ line. in terms of the progress of getting kids back, you _ line. in terms of the progress of getting kids back, you know- line. in terms of the progress of getting kids back, you know the| getting kids back, you know the government said they want them back as soon as possible and so much damage is being done, which unions acknowledge, from them not being at school? ~ , , _, school? absolutely, we count ourselves _ school? absolutely, we count ourselves as _ school? absolutely, we count ourselves as a _ school? absolutely, we count ourselves as a lot _ school? absolutely, we count ourselves as a lot luckier - school? absolutely, we count| ourselves as a lot luckier than school? absolutely, we count - ourselves as a lot luckier than many in this— ourselves as a lot luckier than many in this country who have had all the other— in this country who have had all the other dreadful effects of covid to content — other dreadful effects of covid to content with, whether that is bereavement all loss of income, there _ bereavement all loss of income, there are — bereavement all loss of income, there are many, many hungry children and i understand how important it is for children — and i understand how important it is for children to be in school, but we also need — for children to be in school, but we also need to— for children to be in school, but we also need to make sure that the community at large is safe. do you feel there is _ community at large is safe. do you feel there is some _ community at large is safe. do you feel there is some question - community at large is safe. do you feel there is some question over. feel there is some question over that? i feel there is some question over that? ., ,., ., ., , that? i feel that so far it has felt as if all the _ that? i feel that so far it has felt as if all the way _ that? i feel that so far it has felt as if all the way along _ that? i feel that so far it has felt as if all the way along teachers i that? i feel that so far it has felt i as if all the way along teachers and head teachers have not been listened to really— head teachers have not been listened to really and i would hope that at this point, — to really and i would hope that at this point, one year on, we know it is always— this point, one year on, we know it is always best if we are working together, — is always best if we are working together, everyone working together together, everyone working together to come _ together, everyone working together to come to _ together, everyone working together to come to the right decisions. leone — to come to the right decisions. leone and _ to come to the right decisions. leone and susie, how do you feel about going back? i leone and susie, how do you feel about going back?— leone and susie, how do you feel about going back? i am excited, but then, about going back? i am excited, but then. yeah. — about going back? i am excited, but then. yeah. kind _ about going back? i am excited, but then, yeah, kind of— about going back? i am excited, but then, yeah, kind of excited. - about going back? i am excited, but then, yeah, kind of excited. i i about going back? i am excited, but then, yeah, kind of excited. i did i then, yeah, kind of excited. i did like home—school— then, yeah, kind of excited. i did like home—school but _ then, yeah, kind of excited. i did like home—school but i _ then, yeah, kind of excited. i did like home—school but i also i then, yeah, kind of excited. i did like home—school but i also like i like home—school but i also like school — like home—school but i also like school to — like home—school but i also like school to see _ like home—school but i also like school to see friends, _ like home—school but i also like school to see friends, and i like home—school but i also like school to see friends, and it i like home—school but i also like school to see friends, and it is. school to see friends, and it is easier— school to see friends, and it is easier to— school to see friends, and it is easier to work— school to see friends, and it is easier to work at _ school to see friends, and it is easier to work at school. i school to see friends, and it is easier to work at school. for. school to see friends, and it is easier to work at school. for me, i want to go — easier to work at school. for me, i want to go back — easier to work at school. for me, i want to go back to _ easier to work at school. for me, i want to go back to school- easier to work at school. for me, i want to go back to school because | easier to work at school. for me, i l want to go back to school because a lot of my friends... well, i can see all of my friends and i find it easier with the teacher's support, but then also, in a way, i quite like it... istill but then also, in a way, i quite like it... i still go to school in lockdown but i kind of like it, anyway, because i have met quite a few new people and i don't know, i just kind of like a small. fair enough- _ just kind of like a small. fair enough. alison, _ just kind of like a small. fair enough. alison, how- just kind of like a small. fair enough. alison, how do you feel about giving these tests on your girls, which he will be required to do once they have had three tests the first week they go back? —— which you will be required. iltrui’itli which you will be required. with leone, it will _ which you will be required. with leone, it will be _ which you will be required. with leone, it will be fine, _ which you will be required. with leone, it will be fine, with susie i think— leone, it will be fine, with susie i think it _ leone, it will be fine, with susie i think it will — leone, it will be fine, with susie i think it will be a negotiated process _ think it will be a negotiated process. i understand the requirement to do it, i think it will he — requirement to do it, i think it will he a — requirement to do it, i think it will be a challenge. i requirement to do it, i think it will be a challenge.— requirement to do it, i think it will be a challenge. i had to do a lateral flow _ will be a challenge. i had to do a lateral flow test _ will be a challenge. i had to do a lateral flow test yesterday i will be a challenge. i had to do a lateral flow test yesterday and i will be a challenge. i had to do a i lateral flow test yesterday and you stick a swab up your nose, either that it stick a swab up your nose, either thatitis stick a swab up your nose, either that it is —— after that it is really, really, really straightforward and you get the result in five to eight minutes, although there are some false positives as we know, they are not as accurate as we would want. i think as a parent is my daughter's' emotional— think as a parent is my daughter's' emotional well—being and mental emotional well— being and mental health— emotional well—being and mental health and i want that to be a real priority— health and i want that to be a real priority when the girls go back to school _ priority when the girls go back to school i— priority when the girls go back to school. i understand we need to get a grip— school. i understand we need to get a grip on— school. i understand we need to get a grip on covid, but there is so much — a grip on covid, but there is so much talk— a grip on covid, but there is so much talk about academic catch up and i_ much talk about academic catch up and i am _ much talk about academic catch up and i am sure simon will agree that emotional— and i am sure simon will agree that emotional well—being forms the emotional well— being forms the bedrock— emotional well—being forms the bedrock of good learning and without that there _ bedrock of good learning and without that there will not be any catch up, so i that there will not be any catch up, so i would — that there will not be any catch up, so i would like a focus on that when the girls— so i would like a focus on that when the girls go— so i would like a focus on that when the girls go back. is so i would like a focus on that when the girls go back-— the girls go back. is that a fair oint, the girls go back. is that a fair point. simon _ the girls go back. is that a fair point, simon kidwell? - the girls go back. is that a fair point, simon kidwell? yes, i the girls go back. is that a fair. point, simon kidwell? yes, the thou~ht point, simon kidwell? yes, the thought that — point, simon kidwell? yes, the thought that we _ point, simon kidwell? yes, the thought that we can _ point, simon kidwell? yes, the thought that we can magically i point, simon kidwell? yes, the i thought that we can magically erase the last 12 months in two weeks of catch—up in the summer is not right, it is the physical and emotional side of children's development that we need to go through, we have plugged some of the educational gaps in home learning that school is so much more than that, it is a place where emotional learning is so important. d0 where emotional learning is so important-— important. do you know the arrangements _ important. do you know the arrangements for _ important. do you know the arrangements for letting i important. do you know the i arrangements for letting children catch up, there has been talk of extended school days and going into the summer holidays? tote extended school days and going into the summer holidays?— extended school days and going into the summer holidays? we were given funds in the — the summer holidays? we were given funds in the autumn _ the summer holidays? we were given funds in the autumn term _ the summer holidays? we were given funds in the autumn term and - the summer holidays? we were given funds in the autumn term and we i funds in the autumn term and we targeted the children who needed it and did additional work, it is about making sure we look at the social opportunities and worry about the children's physical development, making sure they have the chance to play sport after school, i think it is getting the best teaching in the school day by giving children the opportunity to do music, drama and the ability to develop their physical well—being which has suffered over the last 12 months. thank you all very much, and good luck. thank you for talking to us. and coming up we'll be answering your questions on what the easing of restrictions in lockdown mean for you, that's at 3.30 this afternoon. get in touch with the hashtag #bbcyourquestions, or email yourquestions@bbc. co. uk. unemployment in the uk has risen to its highest rate in five years — with young people the worst affected. however, the ons said that there were some "tentative early signs" of the labour market stabilising. in the latest three month period, figures from the ons show the uk's unemployment rose to 5.1%. the number of redundancies still remains at record levels despite a fall in the latest three month period. and in those last three months, unemployment for those aged between 16 and 2a rose by over 14%. our business presenter ben thompson is here. how do you read these figures? as how do you read these figures? is always, how do you read these figures? s always, good how do you read these figures? sés always, good morning, how do you read these figures? sis always, good morning, the how do you read these figures? is always, good morning, the devil is in the detail. you have run through some of the headline figures telling us the unemployment picture is steadily worsening, no great surprise given the restrictions still in place across many sectors of the economy. what is clear in these figures is that there are 726,000 fewer people in work than before this all began. each of those is an individual story, and individual income and a huge impact on that person's life, there are close to 6 million people still on the government furlough scheme, salary being paid for by taxpayers, and there are huge questions about what happens to the 6 million people if and when the scheme is one term. it is currently due to run out at the end of april and there is mounting pressure on the chancellor to extend right beyond that date because it accounts for about 20% of the workforce currently having their salary paid by the government. we were talking yesterday about the hospitality industry, the third largest employer in the uk, one of the latest to be able to eat restrictions, according to the timetables you had spoken about this morning, so a lot of uncertainty about theirjobs until we get back to something resembling normality. it is also worth saying in these figures that the average earnings is published alongside the unemployment picture, and those, perversely, have crept up again, suggesting we are earning more, but! crept up again, suggesting we are earning more, but i think the reality is that it is low paid jobs that are being lost and therefore that are being lost and therefore that skews the overall average for what we are earning a little higher. you had said younger people account for a higher proportion of the job losses and it seems low paid jobs are pretty significant in these job losses. three fifths of the total number ofjobs lost have been lost by those under the age of 25, it is younger people bearing this burden and they potentially might find it the most difficult to find work if and when this is all over.- and when this is all over. thank ou, and when this is all over. thank you. ben- _ well, seaside towns have been amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic. in blackpool, with entire sectors like tourism and hospitality closed down, young people in the town say they have limited job opportunities. our business correspondent sarah corker reports. blackpool's famous pleasure beach. a fixture on the promenade since 1896. but the seagulls are now louder than the screams from the roller—coasters. locked up and deserted, it's been a turbulent 12 months for those working here. it is very different, even walking down the prom and just seeing no—one. especially when there was a load of hot days and it was just empty. it was very, very strange. jamie is an electrical apprentice, and, like many who work here, has a family connection to the park. grandad worked here for over 30 years, i'd say. then when my mum and my auntie were teenagers, they worked here as well. and what did they all say when they heard you were coming on an apprenticeship here, you have been here four years now? yeah, they were made up with it, yeah. right now, jamie says he feels lucky to still have a job in tourism. there's no—one on the park now at the minute which is a difficult time for us but it has given me, especially, a lot of opportunity to get training. for nine months of the year, this is a place that lives or dies by the tourist trade. the main attractions should have opened three weeks ago. oliver loves cars, and wants to be a mechanic. an apprenticeship, that would just be everything i've always wanted. he has adhd and mild autism. he told me the pandemic has made thejobs market even more competitive for him. sort of quite stressful, to be honest. because i'm looking forjobs, i try to apply forjobs and i don't get anything other than an e—mail saying that you have been unsuccessful. i keep on looking, i keep on looking and there nothing there. but at the end of the day, if you keep on trying, i'm sure something will come up. around 17% of 18 to 2a—year—olds are out of work here in blackpool. that's almost double the national average. we've got large areas of blackpool that suffer from significant deprivation. the town's football club has a community trust. it's helped thousands of young people get back into education and employment. it's probably been the toughest year of my career. so it's just squeezed the opportunities that were there, hasn't it? absolutely, it was the first step on the ladder for them which they can then grow and develop from there. so having that squeezed and those opportunities removed has made it even more difficult for them than it already was. this business has a long history of recruiting and training apprentices, and managers here say there are opportunities in blackpool beyond the promenade. it'sjust been seen as a destination to go for a cheap holiday or a stag do. and there's a lot more behind the scenes and things are changing, things are moving forward. realistically, it's getting people off the promenade and into the industrial estates. it's getting people doing the jobs that nobody knew existed up until recently. the government has set up a £2 billion kickstart scheme to help young workers. keeley is the first kickstart apprentice in blackpool. she hasn't been able to work as a hairdresser because of lockdowns and is now learning new skills in social media marketing. i'm taken on for six months, get trained up, learn pretty much everything there is to know for social media and marketing and all that lot, so, after six months hopefully i can stay on and carry on. i think last year, i did about, it felt like literally three months of work, that was it. december wasn't anywhere near what it's like any other december, and that is our busiest time. and itjust weren't going to go back to normal. no one wanted to get their hair done, no one was going anywhere. those still out of work are trying to ride out the pandemic and hope the jobs they relied on will come back soon. sarah corker, bbc news, in blackpool. facebook will restore news content to its users in australia, less than a week after implementing the ban. the social media giant blocked news to australians last thursday in response to a proposed law to make tech platforms pay news publishers for content. shaimaa khalil is in sydney for us now. what deal has been done? the deal has been between _ what deal has been done? the deal has been between the _ what deal has been done? the deal has been between the australian i has been between the australian government, mainly discussions between facebook and anoxic burgundy australian treasurerjosh frydenberg who today said that facebook has refunded australia, essentially they have made amendments to the news media law which is to force tech giants like facebook and google to pay for content. the amendments are one crucial point is that facebook has always taken issue with, (inaudible) . when the government potentially get involved between the news outlets and facebook it has become a very last resort, it is still on the table but it is a last resort. digital outputs, let's just say facebook, will get a one—month notice to enter negotiations with news outlets and a three—month negotiation and if that fails, a two month mediation before anything comes from the government. another crucial point made byjosh frydenberg, the treasurer, in a statement, is that crucially they walked away from those talks with the government with an assurance that they can choose if news is put on facebook and which output they plan to support. so this is really not clear, it means facebook for example which is, i don't know, the national broadcaster abc, for example, might choose to support it but maybe not the guardian australia, but we choose to support abc local but not national. there are nitty—gritty details that have not been ironed out, but after the trauma of last week, the anger and backlash that facebook has faced, both sides can say they have faced a compromise. both sides can say they have faced a compromise-— now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. good morning. a mild day ahead and also windy we also have rain, the met office has an amber weather warning for parts of scotland for heavy rain from doing today until noon tomorrow. it is notjust scotland see in the rain, we have it across northern ireland, parts of northern england and wales. south of that, the clyde enough for some gentle but brighter skies in the south and east and windy wherever you are with height of up to 1a. this evening and overnight, hanging onto that band of rain, if anything crossing northern england and wales, still quite a windy night but very mild for the time of year, temperatures falling between eight and 12 degrees. tomorrow we will have this band of rain, not quite as potent as today, the winds will not be as strong and either side of the bands of rain we are looking at sunshine and variable clouds, it is where the cloud breaks we are likely to see the highest temperature and along the sunshine with height of 16 or 17. along the sunshine with height of 16 or17. —— along the sunshine with height of 16 or 17. —— and the longest sunshine with highs of 16 or 17. hello, this is bbc news with victoria derbyshire. here are the headlines: borisjohnson insists his four—step plan to ease england's lockdown is a "one—way road to freedom", despite criticism from a number of businesses and some of his own mps. the government's strategy could see all covid restrictions fully lifted by the 21st ofjune, with parts of the economy being reopened along the way. this isn'tjust on us in government, although we will play our part. it is on everyone to act together to keep doing their bit to make sure that we can hit these dates and get out of this as soon as we possibly can. in a few minutes, i'll be speaking to dr alex george — former love island contestant, and now a government ambassador for youth mental health. airlines and holiday companies say they've seen a surge in bookings in the past 26 hours, despite the prime minister insisting a foreign travel ban will remain in place until at least mid—may. we've been up with some, you know, 630%_ we've been up with some, you know, 630% booking easyjet holidays, and this continues throughout the morning. _ this continues throughout the morning, so it shows what we have said all— morning, so it shows what we have said all along. there is enormous demand — said all along. there is enormous demand for— said all along. there is enormous demand for people to make travel arrangements for the summer. the rate of unemployment in the uk rises to its highest level in almost five years — we'll be hearing this morning about the struggles for some to find work in the hard—hit area of blackpool. time for the sport, and for a full round—up from the bbc sport centre, here's sally. good morning, victoria, and good morning, everyone. the united nations say 16 million people in yemen will go hungry this —— we now know the route out of lockdown for sport, when football and golf can resume, when gyms will open, and — this is a big one forfans — when crowds could be allowed back into stadiums. with more details, here's patrick geary. it's been a long, bleak winter when, for most of us, sport has become a simple, solitary experience, done alone or at home. courts, gyms and clubs closed. today, for england at least, we got an idea of the path from here... ..to there. sport at its joyous, communal, normal best. i now call the prime minister to make his statement. i prime minister! the route, the prime minister says, is cautious. it's divided into four steps, each subject to four tests, based on the latest data on the virus. there will be at least five weeks between each, and any of them could be delayed. so what is the plan? well, when the schools return on the 8th of march pupils will be allowed to take part in sport. then, three weeks later on the 29th, still part of step one, tennis courts and outdoor pools can reopen. organised team sport can kick off once more as well. in step two, no earlier than april the 12th, the gyms can reopen their doors, and indoor sports will be allowed again. then on may the 17th, step three could begin, and that might allow the return of fans for the first time this year. up to 1,000 indoors, and up to 4,000 at smaller outdoor venues. while a crowd of up to 10,000 could be allowed into larger stadiums, just in time for the end of the premier league season. the turnstiles of our sports stadia will once again rotate, subject in all cases to capacity limits depending on the size of the venue. and we will pilot larger events using enhanced testing with the ambition of further easing of restrictions in the next step. the government held similar pilots last year, and fans were eventually allowed in — but not for long. local authorities and football clubs. — local authorities and football clubs. the _ local authorities and football clubs, the sports— local authorities and football clubs, the sports authority, i local authorities and football. clubs, the sports authority, they did a _ clubs, the sports authority, they did a great— clubs, the sports authority, they did a great deal— clubs, the sports authority, they did a great deal of— clubs, the sports authority, they did a great deal of work- clubs, the sports authority, they did a great deal of work to - clubs, the sports authority, they did a great deal of work to plani clubs, the sports authority, they. did a great deal of work to plan for fans returning. _ did a great deal of work to plan for fans returning, so— did a great deal of work to plan for fans returning, so i'm _ did a great deal of work to plan for fans returning, so i'm sure - did a great deal of work to plan for fans returning, so i'm sure they. did a great deal of work to plan forl fans returning, so i'm sure they can rise to _ fans returning, so i'm sure they can rise to the — fans returning, so i'm sure they can rise to the challenge _ fans returning, so i'm sure they can rise to the challenge of— fans returning, so i'm sure they can rise to the challenge of making i fans returning, so i'm sure they can rise to the challenge of making this| rise to the challenge of making this work now. — rise to the challenge of making this work now, because _ rise to the challenge of making this work now, because they've - rise to the challenge of making this work now, because they've already| work now, because they've already done _ work now, because they've already done a _ work now, because they've already done a lot — work now, because they've already done a lot of— work now, because they've already done a lot of the _ work now, because they've already done a lot of the homework - work now, because they've already done a lot of the homework on i work now, because they've already done a lot of the homework on it. i the hope is that the vaccine will prop the stadium doors open this time around. byjune the 21st it's possible that all restrictions on crowds may have gone, and the semifinals and final of the euros could be held at a full wembley stadium. it seems a long way off, and some will disagree with the speed and direction, but at least now we can see the path. patrick gearey, bbc news. there was late drama in the premier league last night as crystal palace beat brighton. it had been 1—1 in the 95th minute when a cross went in, and christian benteke got the winner for palace. brighton defenderjoel veltman said the defeat felt like a robbery, and they're in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle. england's women play their first match in almost a year at lunchtime. the pandemic has meant that their last game was a defeat to spain last march. they play northern ireland at st george's park — 12:30 kick off and its live on the bbc sport website and the iplayer. england have a new boss too. it's hege riise's first game as interim manager. scotland's six nations game against with france on sunday is in doubt afterfive more french players tested positive for covid—19. captain charles ollivon is one, taking the total number of cases amongst the players to ten. a decision on whether the game can go ahead will be made tomorrow. scottish rugby say they want the game on as long as it's medically safe, the first game of the hundred this summer will be a women's fixture. the month—long tournament will feature double headers with men's and women's teams playing on the same day at the same venue. meanwhile, england's women have beaten new zealand in christchurch to take a 1—0 lead in the three—match one—day international series. nat sciver scored the winning runs as they won by eight wickets. that's all the sport for now. back to you, victoria. sally, thanks very much. on the week where prime minister borisjohnson announced the country's roadmap out of lockdown, we are hosting a series of leaving lockdown interviews. we'll be speaking to a number of high profile names across a variety of sectors, industries and aspects of society to get their thoughts on what we've learnt over the past year and what their hopes are for the future. today we're hearing from dr alex george about the importance of looking after our mental health. dr alex was recently appointed by borisjohnson as youth mental health ambassador for the government. you will also know him from his time on love island, obviously. he has also worked in a&e throughout the pandemic and knows how difficult it is to grieve for a loved one in lockdown after his 19—year—old brother llyr took his own life in july of last year. we can speak now to dr alex george, the government's youth mental health ambassador. good morning, doctor alex. thanks for havin: good morning, doctor alex. thanks for having me- _ good morning, doctor alex. thanks for having me. i— good morning, doctor alex. thanks for having me. i spoke _ good morning, doctor alex. thanks for having me. i spoke to _ good morning, doctor alex. thanks for having me. i spoke to a - good morning, doctor alex. thanks for having me. i spoke to a teacher| for having me. i spoke to a teacher and they said _ for having me. i spoke to a teacher and they said with _ for having me. i spoke to a teacher and they said with all— for having me. i spoke to a teacher and they said with all the _ for having me. i spoke to a teacher and they said with all the children i and they said with all the children going back they wanted there to be a focus on well—being as well as the academic side of things. how important do you think that is? i think it is incredibly important and it reflects the conversations i've been having across the board with both parents, teachers, and of course importantly students as well. children have been at home in a situation no one would have ever expected or experience, having to deal with what they are seeing on the news, the media. these children have their own living situations that are challenging as well of course and all of this has an impact on their mental health. of course, going back to cool, you know, i love education, and it is such an incredible path of growing up and becoming an adult and i want children to go back and enjoy their school, but doing it in a way where the focus in the first instance is around settling back at school, getting them back into the routine, their friendship circles, getting them back into the routine, theirfriendship circles, then kind of bringing attention to the academia, it's very important. a lot of the conversations i'm having and certainly the conversations i've been having with government is around how we can try and support our children in this transition period, because it's not easy. some kids will really relish going back to school and others might find it more challenging. i get to school and others might find it more challenging.— more challenging. i get a lot of messages _ more challenging. i get a lot of messages on — more challenging. i get a lot of messages on instagram i more challenging. i get a lot of messages on instagram from i more challenging. i get a lot of- messages on instagram from young teenagers who feel that because of the pandemic they have missed out, almost as though a year of their life has been taken from them, that they have missed out on various opportunities, and they are resentful, actually, and feel uncertain about what their future now aulds. how can you help young people with that aspect? —— now holds. i people with that aspect? -- now holds. .., , , people with that aspect? -- now holds. , , , ., holds. i completely understand their frustration and _ holds. i completely understand their frustration and i _ holds. i completely understand their frustration and i feel— holds. i completely understand their frustration and i feel very _ holds. i completely understand their frustration and i feel very sorry i frustration and i feel very sorry for the children in many ways. not just students at colleges and schools, but also universities as well, because it's an incredible part of your life, and i think we need to listen and understand, first of all. a lot of children i have spoken to actually just of all. a lot of children i have spoken to actuallyjust want people to say, i understand it's been a hard time, let's fill your story, hear your story, what you are feeling and experiencing. —— let's hear your story. a lot of it is about being there for kids, trying to support them through what they have experience, and i think a big part externally is that we need to make sure we are supporting schools and teachers in a way that they need as well. i know that in the green paper want to met years ago it was announced they would be mental health support teams at schools and one thing i am calling for, we nature we roll that out as quickly as we cancel school can have support externally as well. because teachers have done an absolutely incredible job, and ijust want to make sure we are actually supporting teachers in doing that as well. this has been an incredibly difficult time for them as well. trying to teach kids at home, then trying to work out how to get them back, deciding how we deal with, you know, the kind of educational needs ongoing from now having lost a huge amount of learning, it is a very difficult scenario, so we all need to kind of work together in this and put the child at the centre of everything. you, too, have had a very difficult year because of the loss of your brother. how are you?- year because of the loss of your brother. how are you? thank you for askinu. brother. how are you? thank you for asking- i'm — brother. how are you? thank you for asking- i'm 0k- _ brother. how are you? thank you for asking. i'm ok. there _ brother. how are you? thank you for asking. i'm ok. there are _ brother. how are you? thank you for asking. i'm ok. there are difficult i asking. i'm ok. there are difficult days and times and i think every day... it's hard to is that i wake up day... it's hard to is that i wake up every morning and i remember that i don't have my brother any more, and that's very hard, but that's what drives me, you know, in this role, to try and help. i want to be a voice for young people, want to make sure i beat that drum and make sure we are doing everything we can to support young people, because ultimately my brother didn't reach out for help, he was a young man with incredible opportunity ahead of him and he didn't ask for help, and to me that is a clear indication, it is clearly obvious that stigma around mental health still exists, because otherwise he maybe could have asked for help and i —— i hope he would still be here today. it is notjust he would still be here today. it is not just about making he would still be here today. it is notjust about making changes and getting support, it is about breaking down that stigma as well. i would say to anyone listening, parents and children as well of course, it has been an incredibly tough time. this year has been hard on everyone. i don't know anyone i have spoken to for him this year has been fine. please, if you're finding it tough, reach out, speak to people, your parents, your teachers, yourfriends, because we people, your parents, your teachers, your friends, because we care and we want to help. it is your friends, because we care and we want to help-— want to help. it is interesting you sa that want to help. it is interesting you say that the _ want to help. it is interesting you say that the stigma _ want to help. it is interesting you say that the stigma still - want to help. it is interesting you say that the stigma still there i want to help. it is interesting you j say that the stigma still there are around people discussing their own mental health or discussing their need for support, for whatever reason. because progress has been made in recent years. there are many, many more conversations about mental health, aren't there? absolutely. the fact i am in this role, i think, absolutely. the fact i am in this role, ithink, is absolutely. the fact i am in this role, i think, is testament to the progress we have made, and i think we have to recognise that progress, but also know that we are on a journey where we are not there yet, and it's really positive, and that's why i want to be upbeat and say mental health, it is a space that is very exciting. i think learning about how to care for yourself, build resilience, learning how to... to be able to deal with life thomas —— life's challenges and things you come across in your life, i think it is a really positive thing. i think for too long the conversation on mental health has been far too negative. i think it should be positive. i love practising self—care, because looking after myself allows me to do the things i do and i know it is a big part of who i am. i've met very briefly and finally, alex, you have been working in hospitals. —— and, very briefly and finely. what has that been like? i think becoming and finely. what has that been like? i think becomin— i think becoming slightly more manageable. _ i think becoming slightly more manageable, would _ i think becoming slightly more manageable, would you i i think becoming slightly more manageable, would you say? i i think becoming slightly more i manageable, would you say? yes, i worked there _ manageable, would you say? yes, i worked there throughout _ manageable, would you say? yes, i worked there throughout and i i manageable, would you say? yes, i \ worked there throughout and i think we have been one of the hardest—hit hospitals. it has been really tough and over this christmas i went in to help out on christmas day and stuff like that and it was really bad, really tough. and quite frightening, to be honest. now, i think we are very much back under control. we are heading in the right direction, and i am feeling very optimistic. the vaccine roll—out is going really well and i think we have clear light at the end of the tunnel now and that lifts the mood for a start as well, it really does.— that lifts the mood for a start as well, it really does. thank you so much for talking _ well, it really does. thank you so much for talking to _ well, it really does. thank you so much for talking to us _ well, it really does. thank you so much for talking to us this - well, it really does. thank you so i much for talking to us this morning. good luck in your rule. dr alex george. —— good luck in your role. we were reporting earlier that airlines and holiday companies say they've seen a surge in bookings in the past 2a hours — that's despite borisjohnson�*s confirmation that a ban on foreign travel will remain in place until at least mid may. if you want to go away in england then the earliest you can do that in self—catering accomodation is april 12th. let's talk to phil brierley who is the director of the british holiday and home parks associaton. he also runs three holidays parks in north yorkshire. hello, mr what do you think of the state of mid—april? —— hello, mr brierley. state of mid-april? -- hello, mr brierle . , , ., �* ., ., brierley. firstly, i don't want to take too much _ brierley. firstly, i don't want to take too much credit, _ brierley. firstly, i don't want to take too much credit, i'm - brierley. firstly, i don't want to take too much credit, i'm not. take too much credit, i'm not director of the whole operation... only a matter of time before you're promoted. i apologise for that. mid—april, is that too soon for you? it is bittersweet. it is great on the one hand we have a programme in place. but, for us, back on the 24th of march last year, the phrase, winter is coming, from a well—known programme, and winter did, and it stayed, and it has continued into this year. we missed easter last year and we are missing it again. foran year and we are missing it again. for an industry such as ours, easter is such an important time of year. so we are delighted there is a road map there, but really disappointed to see it is not including easter. just if i can give one quite big statistic that came out from visit britain, that businesses like errors in the tourism industry lost £75 billion last year.— billion last year. billion? -- businesses _ billion last year. billion? -- businesses like _ billion last year. billion? -- businesses like ours. - billion last year. billion? -- businesses like ours. yes, i billion last year. billion? -- - businesses like ours. yes, billion, hue. businesses like ours. yes, billion, huge- listening — businesses like ours. yes, billion, huge. listening to _ businesses like ours. yes, billion, huge. listening to a _ businesses like ours. yes, billion, huge. listening to a sage - businesses like ours. yes, billion, | huge. listening to a sage member businesses like ours. yes, billion, . huge. listening to a sage member of the radio this — huge. listening to a sage member of the radio this morning _ huge. listening to a sage member of the radio this morning he _ huge. listening to a sage member of the radio this morning he said - huge. listening to a sage member of the radio this morning he said if - the radio this morning he said if things had opened up for easter we would see thousands if not tens of thousands more deaths and that is the reason. i thousands more deaths and that is the reason-— the reason. i know, and it is a balancing _ the reason. i know, and it is a balancing act _ the reason. i know, and it is a balancing act and _ the reason. i know, and it is a balancing act and you - the reason. i know, and it is a balancing act and you only - the reason. i know, and it is a i balancing act and you only have the reason. i know, and it is a - balancing act and you only have to look at christmas to see what happened at christmas when things were relaxed and we ended up where were relaxed and we ended up where we are now, so i absolutely understand that. i think where we need to be slightly more careful with this is that an awful lot of work has gone into our industry in terms of what we planned for. we have had a year now of this. when you look at the actual lockdown statistics, i think it will be about seven months of physical lockdown, so it is not as if it is new to us. we have time to put things in place. we have time to put things in place. we have time to put things in place. we have time to look through and thoroughly research our health and safety and risk assessment, and within that when you talk about returning to self catering on the 12th of april, the government has made it very clear, and understandably so, that that is not for any communal facility. understandably so, that that is not for any communalfacility. it understandably so, that that is not for any communal facility. it is only for self containing accommodation. if you take our holiday parks, for example, legally, they have to be at least five metres apart anyway, in terms of the units. you have families who are going to be coming to those, driving in their cars, they have a fob, the barrier opens up and on the go. they actually don't need to have any physical contact with anybody else. have you seen a surge in demand since yesterday afternoon's announcement, like the airlines have? ~ ., announcement, like the airlines have? ~ . , ., ., have? we have, yeah. i have fortunately — have? we have, yeah. i have fortunately managed - have? we have, yeah. i have fortunately managed to - have? we have, yeah. i have. fortunately managed to what's have? we have, yeah. i have - fortunately managed to what's up some other members on the group and anecdotally we are looking at some people saying that bookings have already tripled just during the day —— | already tripled just during the day —— i managed to what'sapp some other members. interestingly, another thing, a lot of the older people the king, who have perhaps had one or maybe two vaccinations, another interesting point —— a lot of older people booking. again, unfortunately, as a cautionary note, a lot of these people booking our people we had to defer from last year. so it is great and really, really positive, but it's not something to get too carried away with. we have a long, long way to go to get ourselves through this. the government has been absolutely fantastic in the support they have given to us as an industry, but i'm really, really hanging on the budget and i'm hoping to see if they will continue the 5% vat reduction, with the business rate relief, and also for those industries that still need it, where social distancing will have a negative impact and continue to have such in retaining the furlough scheme for those businesses. while they make a good start, great to have a road map, good to have some clarity, but some big notes of caution —— so it is a good start. certainly very disappointed about easter. thank you ve much disappointed about easter. thank you very much for— disappointed about easter. thank you very much for talking _ disappointed about easter. thank you very much for talking to _ disappointed about easter. thank you very much for talking to us, _ disappointed about easter. thank you very much for talking to us, and - very much for talking to us, and thanks for giving your reaction. thank you, and good luck. thank you very much- — the united states has become the first country in the world to record more than half a million coronavirus deaths. president biden has described the milestone as "heartbreaking" and he held a candle—lit ceremony at the white house to honour those lost to covid—i9. david willis has more. bell tolls in the nation's capital, washington, dc, the cathedral bell has rung with growing frequency of late, marking each new coronavirus milestone. and, in an address to the nation, a president whose own life has been marked with the loss of loved ones spoke directly to the relatives and friends of the half a million americans who have lost their lives to covid—i9. for the loved ones left behind, i know all too well. i know what it's like to not be there when it happens. i know what it's like when you are there, holding their hand. there is a look in your eye, and they slip away. an erratic response to the pandemic under president biden's predecessor donald trump has been replaced by a ramped up vaccination programme, a significant fall in the average daily death toll, and talk of getting the country fully vaccinated by the end ofjuly. this country has lost more lives to the coronavirus than any other nation on earth, more than in the first, second and vietnam wars combined and, at the white house, where candles were [it in memory of the dead, the president and vice president emerged to observe a moment of silence. flags will remain at half staff here and in public buildings across the country until the end of the week. the chair asks all members in the chamber as well as members and staff throughout the capitol to rise for a moment of silence... the house of representatives also paid tribute to those who have died, democrats and republicans united in solemn reflection. later this week the house is expected to vote on one of president biden's biggest legislative priorities, a nearly $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill. david willis, bbc news, los angeles. let's bring you this breaking news from the office for national statistics. these are the latest figures from the ons of those who have died with covid registered on their death certificate. they are a couple of weeks out of date, but they always are. in the week up to they always are. in the week up to the 12th of february there were just over 17,000 deaths registered in the uk. that is down on the previous week, but still 26% above usual levels. let's talk to our head of statistics, robert cuffe. talk us through the significance of these figures. through the significance of these fiaures. ~ ., , through the significance of these fiaures. ~ . , , figures. well, we are still seeing coronavirus _ figures. well, we are still seeing coronavirus push _ figures. well, we are still seeing coronavirus push the _ figures. well, we are still seeing coronavirus push the number- figures. well, we are still seeing coronavirus push the number ofl coronavirus push the number of deaths we would see in a week above what we would expect. normally at this time of year you would see 13,500 deaths, so when you are seeing 17,000 it is a sign something is driving it and it is not flu, not the normal winter problems we have. if we take away the covid debts, we would be seeing fewer than average deaths every year. in the last week about 6000 deaths regarding covid registered in the uk —— if we take away the covid deaths. it is moving in the right direction but still showing we are a long way away. what showing we are a long way away. what about what is — showing we are a long way away. what about what is happening in care homes? , , ., , about what is happening in care homes? , , , ., homes? there is probably more ositive homes? there is probably more positive news — homes? there is probably more positive news i _ homes? there is probably more positive news i think _ homes? there is probably more positive news i think in - homes? there is probably more positive news i think in care - homes? there is probably more i positive news i think in care homes because deaths are falling faster there than elsewhere. with data for england and wales and what we have seen their is covid deaths in care homes have fallen by about a third in the last week. sorry, in the week until the second week of february. as you said, these figures are a little out of date. down to about 1500 people. a fall by a third in a week is pretty big, bigger than we have seen elsewhere. if we take care homes out of the picture for england and wales, covid deaths have fallen by i think closer to about 17—18%. so a big difference. the hope is this is the vaccine effect we were hearing so much about yesterday, deaths falling faster in older people, and now we are starting to see deaths falling faster in care homes as well. all coming together to give that pretty positive picture in terms of the effects of the vaccination roll—out. in terms of the effects of the vaccination roll-out.- in terms of the effects of the vaccination roll-out. thank you very much, vaccination roll-out. thank you very much. robert- _ nasa has released stunning new pictures captured by the perseverance rover after its dramatic touchdown on mars. the footage shows the final minutes of last week's tense descent to the red planet, as our global science correspondent rebecca morelle reports. the parachute has deployed... from the release of a supersonic parachute, to the shedding of a heat shield... first look at the surface. an out of this world view — mars, as never seen before. as the rover nears the surface, the dust is kicked up. then a change of camera, as perseverance is lowered on ropes, before touchdown. touchdown confirmed! perseverance safely on the surface of mars! and the landing system is jettisoned away. we can't test it on the earth. so this is the first time we've had a chance, as engineers, to actually see what we designed. and ijust can't, it's hard for me to express how emotional it was and how exciting it was. there are new still images too. a selfie of the rover. and a vista of the alien world it now sits in. providing a glimpse of the terrain it is about to explore. we now have radar lock on the ground. this footage is already providing crucial information to scientists, and they will continue to study it as perseverance gets to work. it's just a taste of what's to come. rebecca morelle, bbc news. the route out of lockdown for sport was outlined by the prime minister yesterday. this is the plan — and it's all subject to the same caveats as everything else. when schools return on the 8th of march, pupils will be allowed to take part in sport — that includes wrap—around ca re. then, three weeks later, on the 29th of march, football and other organised team sport can start again — golf courses and tennis courts will also reopen. gyms and other indoor leisure facilities can open again no earlier than april the 12th. indoor childsren's parties and sporting activies are included in that. and may the 17th is the earliest fans will be back in stadiums. up to 1,000 indoors, and 4,000 at smaller outdoor venues. crowds of up to 10,000 could be allowed into larger stadiums. sally nugent reports. at this community club near oldham, they're repainting the lines to get ready to welcome back players and their families. chadderton park sports club boasts football alongside dozens of sports for all ages, ranging from rounders, netball, even walking. ian has been a coach for over a decade. this is where they get together, this is where they exercise. this is what gets them talking. this isn'tjust about children playing football as well, it's about the families getting together on the sidelines and having their weekly catch up. so in terms of the impact, i think it's huge. grassroots is extremely important from a mental health perspective, from children, as i say, playing, talking, sharing ideas when they're together in the team. i just think it's fantastic and grassroots is extremely important for that to happen. ian has been missing the weekends here so he is catching up with some of his players. 14—year—old frank and 15—year—old isabella. both play on the same team, and both are looking forward to getting back on the pitch. hi, izzy, hi, frank. i hope you're both keeping well. ijust wanted to have a catch up to see how you're feeling. we have not been able to socialise with our friends, play football, work as a team together. and missing that has been a big impact in our development. what about you, frankie, how does it make you feel, the thought that we can get back together soon and do some training and stuff? it's what most boys and girls look forward to on the weekend. - mum and dad love it, like, i they're there every weekend on the sidelines cheering me on and stuff so it's _ brilliant for me and them. excellent work! with lockdown grinding sport to a halt, some have been thinking of other ways to keep the games they love going. john cavill, who is a tennis coach in milton keynes, has been running online lessons for children in the hope of inspiring youngsters to take up the game. you don't need a court, you don't need a racket, you can use frying pans, you can use a wooden spoon. socks scrunched up into a ball for a ball. so lots of different stuff that you can use around the house. but while outdoor pools and tennis courts can look forward to reopening from the end of next month, others, like indoor swimming centres and gyms, will have to wait a few weeks longer. at least we have a date, right, so at least we know when we should be opening and we can plan for it and get ready. but it's still two months away, you know. it's still a long old wait. this whole year, we've been closed nine and a half months, and it will be a total of 11, over 11 months by the time we can reopen. it's been a long, bleak winter when for most of us sport has become a solitary experience. it seems a return to how things used to be is still a long way off but at least now, we can see the path. this is bbc news, i'm victoria derbyshire. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. borisjohnson insists his four—step plan to ease england's lockdown is a one—way road to freedom, despite criticism from a number of businesses and some of his own mps. the uk government's strategy could see all covid restrictions fully lifted by the 21st ofjune, with parts of the economy being reopened along the way. it isn'tjust on us in government, although we will play our part, it is on everyone to act together to keep doing their bit, to make sure that we can hit these dates and get out of this as soon as we possibly can. president biden leads a vigil to honour the half a million american lives lost to covid—19. facebook is to restore news feeds in australia after the government agreed to amend legislation forcing social media companies to pay for news content.