birminghammail--2020-04-01--Ministry of Defence calls up 3,000 reservists for coronavirus crisis

Up to 3,000 military reservists are being called up by the Ministry of Defence .
The British Armed Forces headquarters has contacted employers across the UK to tell them they are calling up reservists to fight the COVID-19 crisis , according to a Sky News report .
The group are those with the specialist skills required to help the effort by providing medical and logistical support for the NHS .
They will be expected to serve for six months as part of the coronavirus support force .
This will not include anyone already working for the NHS or front line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly remarkable group of people , each with their own skills and experience from their civilian careers beyond the armed forces , '' said James Heappey , Minister for the Armed Forces .
`` At times like these , to be able to draw on that pool of talent and expertise is invaluable .
`` I know that our reservists will answer the nation 's call with real enthusiasm and will play a key part in our response to COVID-19 . ''
Another 563 people have died in the UK overnight after testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been 2,352 deaths in England .
There are currently 10,000 coronavirus tests happening every day in the UK - and the government has plans to increase this to 25,000 soon .
Yvonne Doyle , Medical Director and Director of Health Protection for Public Health England said in the government daily briefing that this will mean more patients getting the tests they need .
It will also increase the capacity for testing health care workers .
Hospital admissions are up both in London and the Midlands , which she said was 'of concern ' @

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Up to 3,000 military reservists are being called up by the Ministry of Defence.
The British Armed Forces headquarters has contacted employers across the UK to tell them they are calling up reservists to fight the COVID-19 crisis, according to a Sky News report.
The group are those with the specialist skills required to help the effort by providing medical and logistical support for the NHS.
(Image: Getty Images)
They will be expected to serve for six months as part of the coronavirus support force. This will not include anyone already working for the NHS or front line services.
"Our reservists are a truly remarkable group of people, each with their own skills and experience from their civilian careers beyond the armed forces," said James Heappey, Minister for the Armed Forces.
"At times like these, to be able to draw on that pool of talent and expertise is invaluable.
"I know that our reservists will answer the nation's call with real enthusiasm and will play a key part in our response to COVID-19."
Another 563 people have died in the UK overnight after testing positive for Covid-19.
There have now been 2,352 deaths in England.
There are currently 10,000 coronavirus tests happening every day in the UK - and the government has plans to increase this to 25,000 soon.
Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director and Director of Health Protection for Public Health England said in the government daily briefing that this will mean more patients getting the tests they need. It will also increase the capacity for testing health care workers.
Hospital admissions are up both in London and the Midlands, which she said was 'of concern'.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Café and car dealership team up delivering food to  NHS staff

A car dealership and café have teamed up to make sure NHS staff on the frontline and the vulnerable do n't go hungry during the coronavirus crisis .
Emerald House of Cars is now helping TJ 's Café and Diner deliver mercy meals to those who need them most .
The two Wednesbury businesses joined forces after the boss of the car dealership saw how much his mother was struggling during the lockdown .
Now a fundraiser has been launched to help keep the joint service going for as long as possible .
PJ Quinn , CEO at Emerald House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to do something to help .
`` I realised what an awful situation some people were in after I went to my mother 's house on Mother 's Day to drop a card , some flowers and some shopping off .
`` My mother is 65 , in poor health and I understand how vulnerable she is right now .
If she caught this virus , it would almost certainly wipe her out .
`` So instead of hugging her and telling her I loved her , I had a conversation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glass because I was petrified of passing anything onto her .
`` She was so sad as she had been on her own in there for nearly two weeks . ''
Show your support for our NHS Heroes Please pledge your support for all the amazing NHS staff who are battling the coronavirus crisis on the frontline .
At BirminghamLive , we ’ re proud to be part of the Reach nationwide NHS Heroes campaign , launched to make sure all these incredible people know exactly how much they mean to the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show them love by helping us create a living map of gratitude from every corner of Britain .
By dropping a heart on our online map , you ’ re saying you appreciate the efforts undertaken daily in the NHS .
To pledge your support , just go to Thanks A Million NHS .
Add your postcode to put a heart on the map and show your support for the heroes of the NHS .
And please do share the page to encourage others to show their support too .
We also want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too - it could be something as simple as bringing cakes in for the team or making endless cups of tea to looking after each other 's children when no childcare is available and being available to swap shifts even when caring for people at home .
Please email details of your hero to zoe.chamberlain @ reachplc.com - we 'd love to feature them .
You can also read heartwarming stories on in our # BrumKIND campaign The 37-year-old came up with the idea after his mother faced weeks of waiting to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` She has struggled to get a delivery online as the dates were mid-April and she felt unsafe going to the supermarkets on her own .
`` That 's when we realised there was a problem we could help with .
Our showroom has been forced to close , although we are still operating online - only delivering vehicles at cost price to key workers .
`` We teamed up with TJ 's Cafe and Diner .
Our staff volunteered and our fleet of courtesy cars are out delivering the meals to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , we have delivered over 350 meals in the last four days to the elderly , vulnerable , NHS workers at local hospitals and the homeless .
`` Supplies have been kept up through food donations from Morrisons and the initial £1000 pledge from Emerald and TJ 's Cafe .
`` Funds are starting to run out but it would be great to keep this service running for as long as we can .
`` Emerald is also giving a car away to someone in need and are currently searching on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Wayne Fletcher , 36 , owner of TJ 's Café and Diner , added : `` At times like this I think we all just need to stick together and where possible just look after each other .
`` It ’ s a community thing , we are just helping the people who look after our business by keeping us going .
At times like this small business like TJ 's can help the community . ''

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A car dealership and café have teamed up to make sure NHS staff on the frontline and the vulnerable don't go hungry during the coronavirus crisis.
Emerald House of Cars is now helping TJ's Café and Diner deliver mercy meals to those who need them most.
The two Wednesbury businesses joined forces after the boss of the car dealership saw how much his mother was struggling during the lockdown.
Now a fundraiser has been launched to help keep the joint service going for as long as possible.
(Image: Hand out)
PJ Quinn, CEO at Emerald House of Cars said: "We just want to do something to help.
"I realised what an awful situation some people were in after I went to my mother's house on Mother's Day to drop a card, some flowers and some shopping off.
"My mother is 65, in poor health and I understand how vulnerable she is right now. If she caught this virus, it would almost certainly wipe her out.
"So instead of hugging her and telling her I loved her, I had a conversation with her through a little square pane of glass because I was petrified of passing anything onto her.
"She was so sad as she had been on her own in there for nearly two weeks."
Show your support for our NHS Heroes Please pledge your support for all the amazing NHS staff who are battling the coronavirus crisis on the frontline. At BirminghamLive, we’re proud to be part of the Reach nationwide NHS Heroes campaign, launched to make sure all these incredible people know exactly how much they mean to the nation. We’re asking you to show them love by helping us create a living map of gratitude from every corner of Britain. By dropping a heart on our online map, you’re saying you appreciate the efforts undertaken daily in the NHS. To pledge your support, just go to Thanks A Million NHS. Add your postcode to put a heart on the map and show your support for the heroes of the NHS. And please do share the page to encourage others to show their support too. We also want to hear your stories of NHS Heroes too - it could be something as simple as bringing cakes in for the team or making endless cups of tea to looking after each other's children when no childcare is available and being available to swap shifts even when caring for people at home. Please email details of your hero to zoe.chamberlain@reachplc.com - we'd love to feature them. You can also read heartwarming stories in our #BrumKIND campaign Thank you
The 37-year-old came up with the idea after his mother faced weeks of waiting to get her shopping delivered.
PJ continued: "She has struggled to get a delivery online as the dates were mid-April and she felt unsafe going to the supermarkets on her own.
"That's when we realised there was a problem we could help with. Our showroom has been forced to close, although we are still operating online - only delivering vehicles at cost price to key workers.
"We teamed up with TJ's Cafe and Diner. Our staff volunteered and our fleet of courtesy cars are out delivering the meals to people in the local area.
"So far, we have delivered over 350 meals in the last four days to the elderly, vulnerable, NHS workers at local hospitals and the homeless.
"Supplies have been kept up through food donations from Morrisons and the initial £1000 pledge from Emerald and TJ's Cafe.
"Funds are starting to run out but it would be great to keep this service running for as long as we can.
"Emerald is also giving a car away to someone in need and are currently searching on social media for someone who really needs it."
Wayne Fletcher, 36, owner of TJ's Café and Diner, added: "At times like this I think we all just need to stick together and where possible just look after each other.
"It’s a community thing, we are just helping the people who look after our business by keeping us going. At times like this small business like TJ's can help the community."


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Aston Villa fans destroy Richard Keys over Jack Grealish comments

Aston Villa fans have bitten back at Richard Keys after the former Sky Sports presenter laid into Jack Grealish .
The Villa captain was fined after being caught flouting government lockdown measures put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Pictured near the scene of a car crash at the weekend , he subsequently apologised for his actions , which came just hours after he had urged people to stay at home .
Keys asked why Grealish , who has said no shortage of admirers in recent years , is 'still at Villa ' in an attack on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be a top , to player , do you have to eat , sleep , breathe , study and live the right way ? ''
he said in conversation with former Villa striker Andy Gray .
`` With a hunger that is unquestioned .
`` And is that why Jack Grealish is 24 and still at Aston Villa , because he 's not the right sort ? ''
He added : `` I 've come back to thinking how are you 24 and still at Villa ?
`` How , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is something there missing . ''
Keys ' comments did n't go down well and fans were quick to respond .
One said : `` Richard Keys the latest to kick Grealish while he ’ s down .
Some of these boys need to look closer to home . ''
`` Bit insulting Richard about our club , '' said another .
`` I will give a brief positive as to why staying has been good !
He has played consistently week in/week out .
Which has enabled him to get better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave too early .
They never develop/disappear as don ’ t play . ''
A third asked : `` How ... if you are a top talent are you still working for Bein Sports ? ''
`` I doubt many people under 25 have the faintest clue who this has been is , '' quipped another Twitter user .

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Aston Villa fans have bitten back at Richard Keys after the former Sky Sports presenter laid into Jack Grealish.
The Villa captain was fined after being caught flouting government lockdown measures put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pictured near the scene of a car crash last weekend, he subsequently apologised for his actions, which came just hours after he had urged people to stay at home.
Keys asked why Grealish, who has said no shortage of admirers in recent years, is 'still at Villa' in an attack on the 24-year-old playmaker.
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
"If you're going to be a top, to player, do you have to eat, sleep, breathe, study and live the right way?" he said in conversation with former Villa striker Andy Gray.
"With a hunger that is unquestioned.
"And is that why Jack Grealish is 24 and still at Aston Villa, because he's not the right sort?"
He added: "I've come back to thinking how are you 24 and still at Villa?
"How, if you are a genuine football talent? There is something there missing."
Keys' comments didn't go down well and fans were quick to respond.
One said: "Richard Keys the latest to kick Grealish while he’s down. Some of these boys need to look closer to home."
"Bit insulting Richard about our club," said another. "I will give a brief positive as to why staying has been good! He has played consistently week in/week out. Which has enabled him to get better! Look at other young players who leave too early. They never develop/disappear as don’t play."
A third asked: "How...if you are a top talent are you still working for Bein Sports?"
"I doubt many people under 25 have the faintest clue who this has been is," quipped another Twitter user.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--EFL release fresh statement to Birmingham City fans

The EFL have released a statement updating supporters on the latest news surrounding the future of the 2019-20 season for Birmingham City and their Championship rivals .
Football is currently on a break from action to help halt the spread of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) with a return date set for April 30 .
That date seems somewhat optimistic , with major sporting events stretching into July having already been cancelled .
Today ( April 1 ) , the EFL , Premier League , PFA and LMA met to discuss the challenges they are set to face in the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say no decisions were made in the meeting with talks set to continue in the coming days .
The EFL statement said : “ Senior representatives from the PFA , Premier League , EFL and LMA met today and shared a constructive meeting regarding the challenges facing the game as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ The meeting reiterated that the overriding priority is the health and well-being of the nation – including that of players , coaches , managers , club staff and supporters – and everyone agreed football must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate to do so .
“ No decisions were taken today with discussions set to continue in the next 48 hours with a focus on several high-profile matters , including players wages and the resumption of the 2019/20 season .
”

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The EFL have released a statement updating supporters on the latest news surrounding the future of the 2019-20 season for Birmingham City and their Championship rivals.
Football is currently on a break from action to help halt the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) with a return date set for April 30.
That date seems somewhat optimistic, with major sporting events stretching into July having already been cancelled.
Today (April 1), the EFL, Premier League, PFA and LMA met to discuss the challenges they are set to face in the coming weeks and months.
But the EFL say no decisions were made in the meeting with talks set to continue in the coming days.
The EFL statement said: “Senior representatives from the PFA, Premier League, EFL and LMA met today and shared a constructive meeting regarding the challenges facing the game as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The meeting reiterated that the overriding priority is the health and well-being of the nation – including that of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters – and everyone agreed football must only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
“No decisions were taken today with discussions set to continue in the next 48 hours with a focus on several high-profile matters, including players wages and the resumption of the 2019/20 season.”


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Retired NHS doctor who worked part-time at hospital dies from coronavirus

A retired NHS doctor who had continued to work part-time at a hospital has died after reportedly contracting coronavirus .
Dr Alfa Saadu , 68 , worked for the health service for several decades , and is said to have contracted Covid-19 before his death earlier this week .
According to his family , Dr Saadu was working part-time at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital in Welwyn , Hertfordshire , before he died .
As soon as you spoke to him about medicine his face would light up His son , Dani Saadu , told the Huffington Post : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who cared about saving people .
“ As soon as you spoke to him about medicine his face would light up .
“ He worked for the NHS for nearly 40 years in different hospitals across London.
” It is reported that Dr Saadu had not been working on the frontline fighting the coronavirus pandemic when he contracted the virus .
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt called the doctor ’ s death “ tragic ” , adding : “ When this is over , we must never forget people like Alfa Saadu.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his retirement also paid tribute to him .
Lance McCarthy , chief executive of the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust , said : “ It is with sadness that we learn of the passing of Dr Alfa Saadu .
“ Alfa was well-known at the trust for his passion for ensuring our patients received high quality care .
“ He was a committed member of the team and is remembered fondly by many .
”

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A retired NHS doctor who had continued to work part-time at a hospital has died after reportedly contracting coronavirus.
Dr Alfa Saadu, 68, worked for the health service for several decades, and is said to have contracted Covid-19 before his death earlier this week.
According to his family, Dr Saadu was working part-time at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, before he died.
As soon as you spoke to him about medicine his face would light up
His son, Dani Saadu, told the Huffington Post: “He was a very passionate man, who cared about saving people.
“As soon as you spoke to him about medicine his face would light up.
“He worked for the NHS for nearly 40 years in different hospitals across London.”
It is reported that Dr Saadu had not been working on the frontline fighting the coronavirus pandemic when he contracted the virus.
Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt called the doctor’s death “tragic”, adding: “When this is over, we must never forget people like Alfa Saadu.”
The trust Dr Saadu worked for before his retirement also paid tribute to him.
Lance McCarthy, chief executive of the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said: “It is with sadness that we learn of the passing of Dr Alfa Saadu.
“Alfa was well-known at the trust for his passion for ensuring our patients received high quality care.
“He was a committed member of the team and is remembered fondly by many.”


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Major UEFA decision clears path for Villa's survival hopes

A UEFA meeting has paved the way for the Premier League season to be completed , giving Aston Villa the chance to fight for survival .
Villa 's bid to remain in the top-flight is on hold until the end of the month at the earliest after fixtures were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
That decision has created significant uncertainty about how to finish the campaign or whether it will be completed at all .
UEFA held a video conference meeting on Wednesday with representatives from the 55 member nations to discuss the latest response to the Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And in a major boost for the Premier League , it was decided that all UEFA competition matches , such as games in the Champions League and Europa League and international clashes , are suspended until further notice .
Deadlines for achieving qualification into those competitions are also postponed .
The decision gives domestic leagues including those in England more room to manoeuvre as they put together their own plans for finishing the season without a fixed deadline in place from European football 's governing body .
19th-placed Villa sit two points from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have a game in hand on their relegation rivals .
Earlier this month UEFA confirmed the European Championships had been postponed for a year , giving priority to completing domestic leagues instead .
It has been suggested Villa could be forced into playing their remaining fixtures behind-closed-doors .

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A UEFA meeting has paved the way for the Premier League season to be completed, giving Aston Villa the chance to fight for survival.
Villa's bid to remain in the top-flight is on hold until the end of the month at the earliest after fixtures were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
That decision has created significant uncertainty about how to finish the campaign or whether it will be completed at all.
UEFA held a video conference meeting on Wednesday with representatives from the 55 member nations to discuss the latest response to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Liverpool Echo reports.
And in a major boost for the Premier League, it was decided that all UEFA competition matches, such as games in the Champions League and Europa League and international clashes, are suspended until further notice. Deadlines for achieving qualification into those competitions are also postponed.
The decision gives domestic leagues including those in England more room to manoeuvre as they put together their own plans for finishing the season without a fixed deadline in place from European football's governing body.
19th-placed Villa sit two points from safety with 10 matches left to play and have a game in hand on their relegation rivals.
Earlier this month UEFA confirmed the European Championships had been postponed for a year, giving priority to completing domestic leagues instead.
It has been suggested Villa could be forced into playing their remaining fixtures behind-closed-doors.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Fears for missing teenager who could be walking 280 miles to girlfriend

A teenager who has gone missing could be walking the 280 miles to see his girlfriend amid the coronavirus lockdown .
An appeal has gone out from police and family members to find Owen Harding who was last seen at his home on Thursday , March 26 .
His girlfriend Meg Rhodes believes he might have set off on foot to go to her address .
Meg , 16 , from Pocklington , near York , has been in a long distance relationship for two years with Owen , who 's also 16 and lives in Saltdean , East Sussex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions imposed in the coronavirus outbreak , he has n't been able to take the train to see her and may have attempted to walk the distance .
He was last seen leaving his home between 6pm and 7pm last Thursday , the Mirror reports Meg said : `` Owen and I have known each other since we were 11 , and , in the last two years it developed from a friendship to a relationship .
`` We 've maintained it over the distance , but he has taken the travel restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Living in different cities , it was going to be tough for us to see each other for a while and he was n't going to be able to take a train to see me .
`` He left home on Thursday night and we think there is a possibility he is trying to walk to York . ''
His worried mum Stella said his disappearance was out of character and fears he may have come to harm .
Mrs Harding said : `` It is very unlike Owen to go missing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , family or his girlfriend .
`` Clearly , it is a really difficult time at the moment and we 're all desperately worried , especially since this is so out of character .
`` We need to be open to investigating all avenues at this critical time , when the clock is ticking and Owen still has n't been found .
`` We want to ask anyone who lives in the Yorkshire area to keep an eye out for him and report any information they have to the police . ''
Sussex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his home address at about 7pm , and has not been in touch with any friends or family since then .
Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Alasdair Henry , of Sussex Police , said : `` We have been conducting a number of enquiries into the disappearance of Owen which have included extensive local searches and house to house enquiries .
`` We also investigated a potential line of enquiry in regards to information that Owen 's phone was in the Bromley area of London , however further enquiries have ruled this out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside Owen 's friends and family , are keen for information to assist our investigation which can assist us in locating Owen .
`` In particular , we would like to hear from anyone who was driving in the Saltdean and Telscombe Cliffs area the evening of Owen 's disappearance to check their dashcam footage . ''
Owen is described as white , 6ft , of athletic build , and with short brown hair .
He was wearing a black or dark hooded top , grey tracksuit trousers and white trainers .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , report it to Sussex Police immediately either online or call 101 , quoting Operation Chartwell .
If you see Owen dial 999 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Joe Pagnelli, David Bentley)

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A teenager who has gone missing could be walking the 280 miles to see his girlfriend amid the coronavirus lockdown.
An appeal has gone out from police and family members to find Owen Harding who was last seen at his home on Thursday, March 26.
His girlfriend Meg Rhodes believes he might have set off on foot to go to her address.
Meg, 16, from Pocklington, near York, has been in a long distance relationship for two years with Owen, who's also 16 and lives in Saltdean, East Sussex.
She said that because of travel restrictions imposed in the coronavirus outbreak, he hasn't been able to take the train to see her and may have attempted to walk the distance.
(Image: PA)
He was last seen leaving his home between 6pm and 7pm last Thursday, the Mirror reports
Meg said: "Owen and I have known each other since we were 11, and, in the last two years it developed from a friendship to a relationship.
"We've maintained it over the distance, but he has taken the travel restrictions imposed by Covid-19 quite hard.
"Living in different cities, it was going to be tough for us to see each other for a while and he wasn't going to be able to take a train to see me.
"He left home on Thursday night and we think there is a possibility he is trying to walk to York."
(Image: PA)
His worried mum Stella said his disappearance was out of character and fears he may have come to harm.
Mrs Harding said: "It is very unlike Owen to go missing and to not be in contact with friends, family or his girlfriend.
"Clearly, it is a really difficult time at the moment and we're all desperately worried, especially since this is so out of character.
"We need to be open to investigating all avenues at this critical time, when the clock is ticking and Owen still hasn't been found.
"We want to ask anyone who lives in the Yorkshire area to keep an eye out for him and report any information they have to the police."
(Image: PA)
Sussex Police said he was last seen leaving his home address at about 7pm, and has not been in touch with any friends or family since then.
Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Alasdair Henry, of Sussex Police, said: "We have been conducting a number of enquiries into the disappearance of Owen which have included extensive local searches and house to house enquiries.
"We also investigated a potential line of enquiry in regards to information that Owen's phone was in the Bromley area of London, however further enquiries have ruled this out as a possibility.
"We, alongside Owen's friends and family, are keen for information to assist our investigation which can assist us in locating Owen.
"In particular, we would like to hear from anyone who was driving in the Saltdean and Telscombe Cliffs area the evening of Owen's disappearance to check their dashcam footage."
Owen is described as white, 6ft, of athletic build, and with short brown hair.
He was wearing a black or dark hooded top, grey tracksuit trousers and white trainers.
If you have information about Owen's whereabouts, report it to Sussex Police immediately either online or call 101, quoting Operation Chartwell. If you see Owen dial 999.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Suspected burglar found helping himself to booze at zoo

A man has been charged following a break-in at a restaurant at Dudley Zoo .
Police were alerted to the incident at the Castle Hill based zoo , yesterday ( March 31 ) , after an alarm was activated .
On arrival officers found a man helping himself to beers and wine inside the restaurant .
A 44-year-old man was charged with burglary and contravening a restriction of movement during an emergency period .
The force has thanked the vast majority of the public for following the Governments social distancing measures , but say they have felt it necessary to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
It comes after a number of incidents occurred where people have flouted the government ’ s instruction or have actively used the fear of Covid-19 against frontline officers .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` Yesterday ( March 31 ) we were alerted to an alarm activation at Dudley Zoo where we found a man had broken into a restaurant area and was helping himself to beers and wine .
`` A 44-year-old man was charged with burglary and contravening a restriction of movement during an emergency period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government last week .
He was bailed to appear at Dudley Magistrates Court on April 30 . ''

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A man has been charged following a break-in at a restaurant at Dudley Zoo.
Police were alerted to the incident at the Castle Hill based zoo, yesterday (March 31), after an alarm was activated.
On arrival officers found a man helping himself to beers and wine inside the restaurant.
A 44-year-old man was charged with burglary and contravening a restriction of movement during an emergency period.
The force has thanked the vast majority of the public for following the Governments social distancing measures, but say they have felt it necessary to take firm action against a handful of people.
It comes after a number of incidents occurred where people have flouted the government’s instruction or have actively used the fear of Covid-19 against frontline officers.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Yesterday (March 31) we were alerted to an alarm activation at Dudley Zoo where we found a man had broken into a restaurant area and was helping himself to beers and wine.
"A 44-year-old man was charged with burglary and contravening a restriction of movement during an emergency period − the new law introduced by the government last week. He was bailed to appear at Dudley Magistrates Court on April 30."


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Borough's coronavirus death toll rises to 41

More coronavirus patients in Dudley have died after 11 deaths were announced today ( April 1 ) .
The patients @ @ @ @ @ 85 and all of them had underlying health conditions .
The borough 's death toll @ @ @ @ @ In a statement issued on April 1 , Diane Wake , chief executive of The @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust is currently treating patients who @ @ @ @ @ ( coronavirus ) .
`` Sadly , we can confirm that 41 patients being cared @ @ @ @ @ and had tested positive for COVID-19 , have died .
Eleven of those have been @ @ @ @ @ patients were aged between 55 and 85 years old and all eleven patients had underlying @ @ @ @ @ thoughts and condolences are with the families and friends of those patients at this very @ @ @ @ @ '' The trust-by-trust breakdown shows death tolls at other hospitals across the Black Country , @ @ @ @

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More coronavirus patients in Dudley have died after 11 deaths were announced today (April 1).
The patients were aged between 55 and 85 and all of them had underlying health conditions.
The borough's death toll now stands at 41.
In a statement issued on April 1, Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust is currently treating patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus).
"Sadly, we can confirm that 41 patients being cared for at our hospital, and had tested positive for COVID-19, have died. Eleven of those have been announced today.
"The patients were aged between 55 and 85 years old and all eleven patients had underlying health conditions.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and friends of those patients at this very difficult and distressing time."
The trust-by-trust breakdown shows death tolls at other hospitals across the Black Country, which stand at:
Royal Wolverhampton NHS Foundation Trust: 62.
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust: 9.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust: 1.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Leeds midfielder Mateusz Klich makes West Brom 'guarantee'

Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich is determined to finish the Championship season even if it means matches are played in empty stadiums - and he 'guarantees ' West Bromwich Albion feel the same way .
The two clubs have been battling at the top of the table for most of the season and with nine matches remaining , they are separated by a single point .
But the coronavirus pandemic means football is postponed until April 30 at the earliest , creating significant uncertainty about how to complete the campaign .
It has been mooted for several weeks that matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is far from ideal , Klich is willing to see the plan implemented .
He told LeedsLive : “ If we could go up and not celebrate with the fans that would be very painful , but on the other hand , everybody would enjoy next season .
“ If it has to happen then we have nothing to say about it , but I would rather finish the games with the fans in the stadium and hopefully we could celebrate with them as well , but there 's still nine games to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make the mistake of last season [ and assume it ’ s done ] .
” If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com He added : “ We have to go along because we are football players , we are not scientists and we are not doctors , so we have no idea how it 's going to work , but there are loads of different opinions about it .
“ I can guarantee we , West Brom and Liverpool want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so let 's hope we 're going to play those games .
”

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Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich is determined to finish the Championship season even if it means matches are played in empty stadiums - and he 'guarantees' West Bromwich Albion feel the same way.
The two clubs have been battling at the top of the table for most of the season and with nine matches remaining, they are separated by a single point.
But the coronavirus pandemic means football is postponed until April 30 at the earliest, creating significant uncertainty about how to complete the campaign.
It has been mooted for several weeks that matches could take place behind-closed-doors and although that is far from ideal, Klich is willing to see the plan implemented.
He told LeedsLive: “If we could go up and not celebrate with the fans that would be very painful, but on the other hand, everybody would enjoy next season.
“If it has to happen then we have nothing to say about it, but I would rather finish the games with the fans in the stadium and hopefully we could celebrate with them as well, but there's still nine games to go, so we don't want to make the mistake of last season [and assume it’s done].”
He added: “We have to go along because we are football players, we are not scientists and we are not doctors, so we have no idea how it's going to work, but there are loads of different opinions about it.
“I can guarantee we, West Brom and Liverpool want to finish the season as soon as possible, so let's hope we're going to play those games.”


birminghammail--2020-04-01--'Help me, save my life!' - Screams from Asda carjack victim

A witness to a violent carjacking in an Asda car park has revealed the terrified victim had screamed : 'Help me , save my life ! '
The 35-year-old recruitment consultant was waiting in her car with her baby when she saw the terrified woman shopper being attacked yesterday ( March 31 ) .
A group of masked men had dragged the victim out of her VW Golf in the underground car park and were punching her in the face .
The witness , who lives in Shirley , said the shocking incident lasted around three minutes at the Haslucks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It all happened so quickly .
`` The men had driven into the car park and then maybe two or three got out and started hitting the woman .
`` She was screaming 'help me , save my life . '
`` I think there were about five other shoppers nearby but everyone looked shocked .
`` Then the men , who were all masked , jumped into the woman 's car and sped off along with the other car which was a Mercedes .
`` Someone did call the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But there was no security from Asda there at all . ''
The shocked witness added : `` The lady was shouting that her phone and purse were in her car and she stood in front of it to try and stop them .
But they revved the engine and she got out of the way .
`` Her eyes were red and she had cuts on her face . ''
A spokesman from West Midlands Police said : `` We are investigating a carjacking on the Asda car park in Stratford Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Tuesday 31 March ) .
`` A woman was approached by a group of men dressed all in black and asked for her car keys .
`` She was punched and dragged across the floor , before some of the offenders drove off in her Volkswagen Golf and others left in another car at speed .
Fortunately , the woman was not seriously injured .
`` The car was later recovered by the owner in another part of Solihull . ''
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them via Live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , quoting crime reference 20SH/80469T/20 .
Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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A witness to a violent carjacking in an Asda car park has revealed the terrified victim had screamed: 'Help me, save my life!'
The 35-year-old recruitment consultant was waiting in her car with her baby when she saw the terrified woman shopper being attacked yesterday (March 31).
A group of masked men had dragged the victim out of her VW Golf in the underground car park and were punching her in the face.
The witness, who lives in Shirley, said the shocking incident lasted around three minutes at the Haslucks Green Road supermarket.
She told BirminghamLive: "It all happened so quickly.
"The men had driven into the car park and then maybe two or three got out and started hitting the woman.
"She was screaming 'help me, save my life.'
"I think there were about five other shoppers nearby but everyone looked shocked.
"Then the men, who were all masked, jumped into the woman's car and sped off along with the other car which was a Mercedes.
"Someone did call the police and they were there within minutes. But there was no security from Asda there at all."
The shocked witness added: "The lady was shouting that her phone and purse were in her car and she stood in front of it to try and stop them. But they revved the engine and she got out of the way.
"Her eyes were red and she had cuts on her face."
A spokesman from West Midlands Police said: "We are investigating a carjacking on the Asda car park in Stratford Road, Shirley just before 6pm last night (Tuesday 31 March).
"A woman was approached by a group of men dressed all in black and asked for her car keys.
"She was punched and dragged across the floor, before some of the offenders drove off in her Volkswagen Golf and others left in another car at speed. Fortunately, the woman was not seriously injured.
"The car was later recovered by the owner in another part of Solihull."
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, quoting crime reference 20SH/80469T/20. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
BirminghamLive has contacted Asda for comment.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Community heroes supporting city's vulnerable get first Brumkind grants

A charity supporting vulnerable kids on a city estate , a project providing healthy food for poor families , and an initiative to keep people in touch virtually while in hospital are among the first recipients of cash from a BirminghamLive- backed emergency grants initiative .
We joined forces with the Heart of England Community Foundation to help raise and distribute urgent cash boosts to some of the wonderful organisations providing crisis support across the region , as part of our # BrumKind campaign .
And today we can announce the first recipients of grants .
They will each receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support their projects .
Tina Costello , chief executive of the Heart of England Community Foundation , said : `` We are so happy to have completed the first round of funding from the Foundation ’ s Coronavirus Resilience Appeal .
The successful applicants are all terrific organisations who are doing amazing in work in the West Midlands .
“ Thank you to all those that have supported the Fund so far and to BirminghamLive and the # BrumKind campaign .
We will continue to award grants weekly to support the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want to help by making a donation , or you want to apply for the next round of grants , you will find all the information you need HERE .
First up is Gospel Oak Community Centre , which supports residents in Pitmaston Estate , Hall Green and Acocks Green .
The centre is going to use the cash to pay for a worker to provide weekly mentoring and support to 25 young people in the area , focussing on young carers and disadvantaged young people and their families .
In its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will target families who we know are already struggling and others we know will struggle in the current crisis .
`` People are already coming to us terrified now that many of the basic means by which they survived have been pulled out from under them . ''
It added : `` People , especially young carers and their families , are highly concerned about the ongoing damage to wellbeing and isolation now that our sessions , afterschool and holiday clubs have been suspended .
`` It is vital ... they are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will provide practical support , including regular phone support , to the vulnerable youngsters .
It will also produce monthly Activity Packs for 25 targeted families , featuring educational and crafty activities and materials to engage and entertain youngsters .
They also hope to fundraise for more electronic resources to support kids who do n't have easy access to laptops .
The centre will also provide online guides to more help .
Finally , they will also help deliver urgent supplies including prescriptions to families in need .
Dave Craythorne , from Gospel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning about the grant award : `` This is absolutely amazing , thank you to your whole team for the speed and efficiency of administering this grant .
“ Without this support we would be unable to provide the vital resources to support the mental stimulation and wellbeing of our vulnerable families .
This grant will be the base from which we will rebuild our community and support them through this very difficult time .
“ We ’ re already seeing the detrimental effects on mental health and the strain on families as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are living in an unprecedented time and this will enable us to maintain our connections and to forge new ones in this new challenge to our community . ''
He also praised the Heart of England Community Foundation for administering and distributing the grant so quickly .
`` That is nothing short of a miracle and it was exactly the right thing to do .
We have to start the support from now .
This enables us to coordinate support and purchase resources we could never have afforded to provide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ community hub at Oasis Academy is the next grant recipient , also receiving £1,500 .
The hub at Hobmoor , led by community development worker Andy Brown , provides extended community services across the area , which is one of the most deprived in the city .
It normally provides a food pantry for families , alongside free holiday and after school initiatives , with a strong focus on providing healthy food for families .
Its application said : `` With our local schools closing , with many of the children usually accessing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial challenges that are facing our community due to the coronavirus , we know that our community is going to be in need of food provision that is offered in a safe way . ''
It plans to use the money to distribute emergency food to those in need , in partnership with other local agencies ; provide additional pastoral support through a new friendship phoneline .
The charity that supports Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is the third recipient .
It asked for a grant to help provide `` extras '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rehabilitation units and specialist services - including buying iPads to reduce patient isolation and boost morale , along with games , books and crafts .
Dudley Carers Forum is another grant recipient , and will use the cash to help continue to provide outreach support to those who face extra pressure during the lockdown as carers for others , often with complex needs .
The money will be used to cover the costs of providing the urgent support by phone , website and Facebook pages during the lockdown , and will also help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is entirely provided by volunteers .
Treasurer Jane Grainger said the grant was a godsend .
`` We are all volunteers but lots of people need us , now more than ever .
For carers it can be very isolating at the best of times but now they have no access to respite , the day centres are closed , it is really really difficult . ''
Carers can now ring for help and guidance and for a chat if they are feeling stressed or isolated .
The team have also set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies get to those without family help .
The volunteers at Alum Rock Community Forum have also received a grant to support its work in the local area , supporting the elderly , vulnerable , homeless and frontline NHS staff by delivering food packs , shopping , sanitary items and phone support .
Matts Mission children 's charity in Birmingham will use its minibus to deliver food packages , deliver craft packs to ill children who are isolating at home or in hospital , and provide protective essentials like sanitisers and masks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with serious illnesses .
Other recipients from the first round of grants are : Time Out in North Warwickshire , providing support to isolated and vulnerable adults through shopping , phone support and being 'companions ' to those on their own in mainly rural areas , who can not call easily on the kindness of neighbours .
Bardsley Youth Project in Coventry , which supports young people at risk of homelessness .
Holbrooks Community Care Association in Coventry , which runs a credit union , library and advice agency and is now providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & B Healthy Living Network in Nuneaton and Bedworth , which provides food redistribution in partnership with Ocado and will use the money to support 100 vulnerable older households .
BirminghamLive has launched its # Brumkind campaign - helping to raise money for volunteers , community groups and charities operating during the coronavirus .
Pledge a donation to ensure our most vulnerable are looked after now , you can donate here .

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A charity supporting vulnerable kids on a city estate, a project providing healthy food for poor families, and an initiative to keep people in touch virtually while in hospital are among the first recipients of cash from a BirminghamLive- backed emergency grants initiative.
We joined forces with the Heart of England Community Foundation to help raise and distribute urgent cash boosts to some of the wonderful organisations providing crisis support across the region, as part of our #BrumKind campaign.
And today we can announce the first recipients of grants. They will each receive £1,500 immediately from the Coronavirus Resilience Fund to support their projects.
Tina Costello, chief executive of the Heart of England Community Foundation, said: "We are so happy to have completed the first round of funding from the Foundation’s Coronavirus Resilience Appeal. The successful applicants are all terrific organisations who are doing amazing in work in the West Midlands.
“Thank you to all those that have supported the Fund so far and to BirminghamLive and the #BrumKind campaign. We will continue to award grants weekly to support the most vulnerable during this pandemic."
If you want to help by making a donation, or you want to apply for the next round of grants, you will find all the information you need HERE.
The first awards
Gospel Oak Community Centre
First up is Gospel Oak Community Centre, which supports residents in Pitmaston Estate, Hall Green and Acocks Green.
The centre is going to use the cash to pay for a worker to provide weekly mentoring and support to 25 young people in the area, focussing on young carers and disadvantaged young people and their families.
In its application it said: "Our project will target families who we know are already struggling and others we know will struggle in the current crisis.
"People are already coming to us terrified now that many of the basic means by which they survived have been pulled out from under them."
It added: "People, especially young carers and their families, are highly concerned about the ongoing damage to wellbeing and isolation now that our sessions, afterschool and holiday clubs have been suspended.
"It is vital...they are not left entirely isolated."
The centre will provide practical support, including regular phone support, to the vulnerable youngsters.
It will also produce monthly Activity Packs for 25 targeted families, featuring educational and crafty activities and materials to engage and entertain youngsters. They also hope to fundraise for more electronic resources to support kids who don't have easy access to laptops.
The centre will also provide online guides to more help. Finally, they will also help deliver urgent supplies including prescriptions to families in need.
Dave Craythorne, from Gospel Oak, had this to say on learning about the grant award: "This is absolutely amazing, thank you to your whole team for the speed and efficiency of administering this grant.
“Without this support we would be unable to provide the vital resources to support the mental stimulation and wellbeing of our vulnerable families. This grant will be the base from which we will rebuild our community and support them through this very difficult time.
“We’re already seeing the detrimental effects on mental health and the strain on families as they cope with isolation or quarantine.
"We are living in an unprecedented time and this will enable us to maintain our connections and to forge new ones in this new challenge to our community."
He also praised the Heart of England Community Foundation for administering and distributing the grant so quickly. "That is nothing short of a miracle and it was exactly the right thing to do. We have to start the support from now. This enables us to coordinate support and purchase resources we could never have afforded to provide. Thank you for your support.”
Oasis Academy
The community hub at Oasis Academy is the next grant recipient, also receiving £1,500.
The hub at Hobmoor, led by community development worker Andy Brown, provides extended community services across the area, which is one of the most deprived in the city.
It normally provides a food pantry for families, alongside free holiday and after school initiatives, with a strong focus on providing healthy food for families.
Its application said: "With our local schools closing, with many of the children usually accessing free school meals, and the other financial challenges that are facing our community due to the coronavirus, we know that our community is going to be in need of food provision that is offered in a safe way."
It plans to use the money to distribute emergency food to those in need, in partnership with other local agencies; provide additional pastoral support through a new friendship phoneline.
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
The charity that supports Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is the third recipient. It asked for a grant to help provide "extras" for patients in its community hospitals, rehabilitation units and specialist services - including buying iPads to reduce patient isolation and boost morale, along with games, books and crafts.
Dudley Carers Forum is another grant recipient, and will use the cash to help continue to provide outreach support to those who face extra pressure during the lockdown as carers for others, often with complex needs.
The money will be used to cover the costs of providing the urgent support by phone, website and Facebook pages during the lockdown, and will also help provide a shopping service. The service is entirely provided by volunteers.
Treasurer Jane Grainger said the grant was a godsend. "We are all volunteers but lots of people need us, now more than ever. For carers it can be very isolating at the best of times but now they have no access to respite, the day centres are closed, it is really really difficult." Carers can now ring for help and guidance and for a chat if they are feeling stressed or isolated.
The team have also set up a delivery service, making sure emergency supplies get to those without family help.
(Image: Alum Rock Community Forum)
The volunteers at Alum Rock Community Forum have also received a grant to support its work in the local area, supporting the elderly, vulnerable, homeless and frontline NHS staff by delivering food packs, shopping, sanitary items and phone support.
Matts Mission children's charity in Birmingham will use its minibus to deliver food packages, deliver craft packs to ill children who are isolating at home or in hospital, and provide protective essentials like sanitisers and masks.
Normally the charity grants wishes to children with serious illnesses.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Other recipients from the first round of grants are:
Time Out in North Warwickshire, providing support to isolated and vulnerable adults through shopping, phone support and being 'companions' to those on their own in mainly rural areas, who cannot call easily on the kindness of neighbours.
Bardsley Youth Project in Coventry, which supports young people at risk of homelessness.
Holbrooks Community Care Association in Coventry, which runs a credit union, library and advice agency and is now providing vital online and phone support.
N&B Healthy Living Network in Nuneaton and Bedworth, which provides food redistribution in partnership with Ocado and will use the money to support 100 vulnerable older households.
BirminghamLive has launched its #Brumkind campaign - helping to raise money for volunteers, community groups and charities operating during the coronavirus. Pledge a donation to ensure our most vulnerable are looked after now, you can donate here.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Tribute to two respected former Lichfield councillors who have sadly died

LICHFIELD District Council has paid tribute to two highly respected former councillors who have sadly died .
Councillors John Walker MBE and Neil Roberts were both long-standing representatives for the district - Cllr Walker for Chase Terrace and Cllr Roberts for Kings Bromley and Longdon .
The Leader of Lichfield District Council , Cllr Doug Pullen , said : “ We have heard the sad news that two of our former district councillors have passed away recently .
They are the former councillors John Walker MBE and Neil Roberts .
“ John Walker MBE was as a member of Lichfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 1979 to 2007 and from 2011 to 2015 .
He served as Chairman from 1995 to 1996 .
“ He became a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to the community and was also a Justice of the Peace .
“ He will also be remembered for all the charity work he did , including for Burntwood Live at Home .
“ Neil Roberts was as a member of Lichfield District Council from 1999 until 2015 , representing the wards of Kings Bromley and Longdon in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but will be best remembered as the Cabinet Member for Development Services from 2004 to 2012 .
“ During this time , he oversaw the joining of the local enterprise partnerships and the Lichfield Historic Parks project .
“ We are sending our condolences and best wishes to both our former councillors ’ families at this sad time .
”

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LICHFIELD District Council has paid tribute to two highly respected former councillors who have sadly died.
Councillors John Walker MBE and Neil Roberts were both long-standing representatives for the district - Cllr Walker for Chase Terrace and Cllr Roberts for Kings Bromley and Longdon.
The Leader of Lichfield District Council, Cllr Doug Pullen, said: “We have heard the sad news that two of our former district councillors have passed away recently. They are the former councillors John Walker MBE and Neil Roberts.
“John Walker MBE was as a member of Lichfield District Council, representing Chase Terrace ward from 1979 to 2007 and from 2011 to 2015. He served as Chairman from 1995 to 1996.
“He became a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to the community and was also a Justice of the Peace.
“He will also be remembered for all the charity work he did, including for Burntwood Live at Home.
“Neil Roberts was as a member of Lichfield District Council from 1999 until 2015, representing the wards of Kings Bromley and Longdon in his time. He served on many committees, but will be best remembered as the Cabinet Member for Development Services from 2004 to 2012.
“During this time, he oversaw the joining of the local enterprise partnerships and the Lichfield Historic Parks project.
“We are sending our condolences and best wishes to both our former councillors’ families at this sad time.”


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Birmingham clip gets fans emotional over Jude Bellingham

Birmingham City fans have been getting all emotional after the club tweeted a video of Jude Bellingham 's first-ever goal for the club .
The 16-year-old , who only earns a reported £145-per-week at the moment , has been linked with a big-money move away this season with Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund said to be amongst the clubs keen on stepping in to sign him .
So far his Blues career has been something every young Birmingham fan dreams of - and so was that moment he bagged his first-ever goal in only his third appearance .
The goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first of four this term as he starts his journey towards football super-stardom .
Here is how Birmingham fans reacted to the video : Pat Spall : It bought a tear to my eye - proud mother moment ( even though I ’ m not his mother ) !
Simon Barnes : I loved this , the pure joy from both Jude and the fans .
Dan Lewis : Wherever you go , you will always be a legend at St Andrews .
Emily Emz : The passion we have for our boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williams : Honestly my favourite moment this season ... hope I get to see you in a Blues shirt again this season .

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Birmingham City fans have been getting all emotional after the club tweeted a video of Jude Bellingham 's first-ever goal for the club.
The 16-year-old, who only earns a reported £145-per-week at the moment, has been linked with a big-money move away this season with Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund said to be amongst the clubs keen on stepping in to sign him.
So far his Blues career has been something every young Birmingham fan dreams of - and so was that moment he bagged his first-ever goal in only his third appearance.
The goal, against Stoke City, was his first of four this term as he starts his journey towards football super-stardom.
Here is how Birmingham fans reacted to the video:
Pat Spall: It bought a tear to my eye - proud mother moment (even though I’m not his mother)!
Simon Barnes: I loved this, the pure joy from both Jude and the fans.
Dan Lewis: Wherever you go, you will always be a legend at St Andrews.
Emily Emz: The passion we have for our boys in blue will never compare!
Richard Harris: Always a Blue.
Stephen Williams: Honestly my favourite moment this season...hope I get to see you in a Blues shirt again this season.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Rising coronavirus cases in Midlands 'a concern' says Public Health England

Professor Yvonne Doyle from Public Health England says the rising number of people admitted to Midlands hospitals with coronavirus symptoms has become a new concern in the battle against the pandemic .
Speaking at Downing Street 's daily briefing on coronavirus , the medical director of PHE showed several slides indicating the spread of Covid-19 .
One graph showed hospital admissions in England , with most in London but many also in the Midlands .
There are 10,767 people in hospital in England with coronavirus symptoms , including 3,915 in London and 1,918 in the Midlands .
On hospital admissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus is most advanced '' , adding : `` But the chart shows that the threat is everywhere , we need to protect the NHS everywhere and the Midlands now is obviously a concern as well . ''
She also showed a graph with a worrying trend of an `` uptick in motor vehicle traffic '' and urged people to stay at home and not venture out on the roads unless absolutely necessary .
On the rising number of new UK cases of Covid-19 , Prof Doyle said : `` It is slightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early today whether the plateau of hospital admissions has ended but we 've now seen three days of increases in a row and again we need to protect the NHS and the best way to do that is to stay at home , avoiding catching the disease yourself and obviously avoid giving it to anyone else . ''
Comparing the UK to other countries , Prof Doyle added : `` As things stand it has not been as severe here as in France and we 're just tucked in under the USA and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but ... and Spain and the United States , as we 've said .
`` But there 's no reason to be complacent . ''
Prof Doyle said there is currently capacity for around 3,000 tests for frontline NHS staff , which will increase .
Asked how many frontline workers are being tested , she said : `` The number of tests undertaken in the NHS and Public Health England combined testing capacity is just increasing at the moment .
`` So that will be a relatively small number but there is capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,000 and that will increase as we get to 25,000 , that capacity .
`` But the important capacity is in the second strand where we have five centres where people can drive through and get their testing done in order of priority .
`` NHS chief executives are identifying that priority and the intention here is to get from thousands to hundreds of thousands within the coming weeks .
`` So we are very committed to our NHS frontline staff . ''
Business Secretary Alok Sharma told the briefing : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS capacity by dramatically expanding the number of beds , key staff and life-saving equipment on the front line . ''
`` We 're now at 10,000 tests a day , we 're rolling out additional networks of labs and testing sites .
`` And in terms of PHE ( PPE ) , over the last two weeks 390 million products have been distributed .
`` And of course we will continue to do more and work to make sure that PHE ( PPE ) is available . ''
Prof Doyle added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The NHS and PHE committed to make 10,000 tests a day available .
We have met that target by the end of March , early April , and we have some more capacity .
`` And our commitment is actually to go to 25,000 tests a day and we are confident with our industry partners that we will achieve that . ''
Elsewhere , First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster today said the potential loss of 3,000 lives during the first wave of the virus was a `` sobering '' statistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll would be about 500 people short of the lives lost during the Troubles .
`` The loss of each of those lives is a huge blow , not only to their families , but of course to the communities from which they come from .
`` In a small tight-knit society like ours we are all likely to know someone who will be impacted , and it will be a cruel blow and we will need to do everything we can to comfort and support their relatives , and indeed each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead . ''
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the modelling was alarming .
`` People will be concerned , it 's a scary prospect for all of us but particularly for those older people and people who are vulnerable . ''
Professor Ian Young , Stormont 's Department of Health chief scientific adviser , said the modelling was not a prediction but a description of a scenario that might happen .
`` We all have the ability to influence the events to come , '' he said .
Data is not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to social distancing rules .
Prof Young said he expected the first wave of the epidemic to peak around April 13 .
A possible worst-case scenario would see 180 people needing to be ventilated and up to 500 admitted to hospital during the busiest week .
Prof Young said : `` Once you relax restrictions it is almost inevitable that there will be a recurrence of the virus and that will occur until a substantial proportion of the population have immunity . ''
Immunity is built up through having had the infection or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in development .
He said no decisions had been made about when social distancing recommendations will be relaxed .
`` We will be looking carefully at the likely impact of relaxing those recommendations , either singly or as a group . ''
He said officials would be `` monitoring very closely '' the course of the infection .
Mrs Foster said she and the Deputy First Minister wanted to see more testing , adding : `` Our priority is to save lives . ''
''

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Professor Yvonne Doyle from Public Health England says the rising number of people admitted to Midlands hospitals with coronavirus symptoms has become a new concern in the battle against the pandemic.
Speaking at Downing Street's daily briefing on coronavirus, the medical director of PHE showed several slides indicating the spread of Covid-19.
One graph showed hospital admissions in England, with most in London but many also in the Midlands.
There are 10,767 people in hospital in England with coronavirus symptoms, including 3,915 in London and 1,918 in the Midlands.
(Image: PA)
On hospital admissions, she said London "is where coronavirus is most advanced", adding: "But the chart shows that the threat is everywhere, we need to protect the NHS everywhere and the Midlands now is obviously a concern as well."
She also showed a graph with a worrying trend of an "uptick in motor vehicle traffic" and urged people to stay at home and not venture out on the roads unless absolutely necessary.
On the rising number of new UK cases of Covid-19, Prof Doyle said: "It is slightly concerning.
"It is still too early today whether the plateau of hospital admissions has ended but we've now seen three days of increases in a row and again we need to protect the NHS and the best way to do that is to stay at home, avoiding catching the disease yourself and obviously avoid giving it to anyone else."
Comparing the UK to other countries, Prof Doyle added: "As things stand it has not been as severe here as in France and we're just tucked in under the USA and obviously Italy on a different trajectory, but... and Spain and the United States, as we've said.
"But there's no reason to be complacent."
Prof Doyle said there is currently capacity for around 3,000 tests for frontline NHS staff, which will increase.
Asked how many frontline workers are being tested, she said: "The number of tests undertaken in the NHS and Public Health England combined testing capacity is just increasing at the moment.
"So that will be a relatively small number but there is capacity, for example, today for almost 3,000 and that will increase as we get to 25,000, that capacity.
"But the important capacity is in the second strand where we have five centres where people can drive through and get their testing done in order of priority.
"NHS chief executives are identifying that priority and the intention here is to get from thousands to hundreds of thousands within the coming weeks.
"So we are very committed to our NHS frontline staff."
Business Secretary Alok Sharma told the briefing: "We are also taking unprecedented action to increase NHS capacity by dramatically expanding the number of beds, key staff and life-saving equipment on the front line."
"Increasing testing capacity is absolutely the Government's top priority.
"We're now at 10,000 tests a day, we're rolling out additional networks of labs and testing sites.
"And in terms of PHE (PPE), over the last two weeks 390 million products have been distributed.
"And of course we will continue to do more and work to make sure that PHE (PPE) is available."
Prof Doyle added: "There is positive news about this. The NHS and PHE committed to make 10,000 tests a day available. We have met that target by the end of March, early April, and we have some more capacity.
"And our commitment is actually to go to 25,000 tests a day and we are confident with our industry partners that we will achieve that."
Elsewhere, First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster today said the potential loss of 3,000 lives during the first wave of the virus was a "sobering" statistic.
She said: "The death toll would be about 500 people short of the lives lost during the Troubles.
"The loss of each of those lives is a huge blow, not only to their families, but of course to the communities from which they come from.
"In a small tight-knit society like ours we are all likely to know someone who will be impacted, and it will be a cruel blow and we will need to do everything we can to comfort and support their relatives, and indeed each other, in the difficult weeks and months ahead."
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the modelling was alarming.
"People will be concerned, it's a scary prospect for all of us but particularly for those older people and people who are vulnerable."
Professor Ian Young, Stormont's Department of Health chief scientific adviser, said the modelling was not a prediction but a description of a scenario that might happen.
"We all have the ability to influence the events to come," he said.
Data is not yet available on how well people are adhering to social distancing rules.
Prof Young said he expected the first wave of the epidemic to peak around April 13.
A possible worst-case scenario would see 180 people needing to be ventilated and up to 500 admitted to hospital during the busiest week.
Prof Young said: "Once you relax restrictions it is almost inevitable that there will be a recurrence of the virus and that will occur until a substantial proportion of the population have immunity."
Immunity is built up through having had the infection or receiving a vaccine, which is still in development.
He said no decisions had been made about when social distancing recommendations will be relaxed.
"We will be looking carefully at the likely impact of relaxing those recommendations, either singly or as a group."
He said officials would be "monitoring very closely" the course of the infection.
Mrs Foster said she and the Deputy First Minister wanted to see more testing, adding: "Our priority is to save lives.""


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Moves to increase coronavirus testing to 25,000 a day

There are currently 10,000 coronavirus tests happening every day in the UK - and the government has plans to increase this to 25,000 soon .
Yvonne Doyle , Medical Director and Director of Health Protection for Public Health England said in the government daily briefing that this will mean more patients getting the tests they need .
It will also increase the capacity for testing health care workers .
Hospital admissions are up both in London and the Midlands , which she said was 'of concern ' .
She said that 290 million PPE equipment had been delivered to frontline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapidly to make sure the deliveries reach where they 're needed , '' she said .
During the same briefing , Business Secretary Alok Sharma promised a £22 billion business rate relief programme to help UK businesses .
He said that £12 billion of grants have been issued to councils for small business and that he was calling on local authorities to make this money reach these businesses as quickly as possible .
A Covid-19 Interuption Loan Scheme has also been set up for businesses to access from high street banks and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added that the Chancellor and the Bank of England had written to chief executives of the banks to make sure these benefits were passed onto businesses , adding that it would be unacceptable for banks to unfairly refuse funds .
`` These are hard times , '' he said , `` and there are harder times ahead of us but we know we will pull through . ''
`` This is a brand new scheme and it will not be perfect from the outset .
We 're listening to concerns and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the support they need .
It 's crucial that when we overcome this crisis that businesses are in a good position to move forward . ''
Another 563 people have died in the UK overnight after testing positive for Covid-19 .
There have now been 2,352 deaths in England .

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There are currently 10,000 coronavirus tests happening every day in the UK - and the government has plans to increase this to 25,000 soon.
Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director and Director of Health Protection for Public Health England said in the government daily briefing that this will mean more patients getting the tests they need. It will also increase the capacity for testing health care workers.
Hospital admissions are up both in London and the Midlands, which she said was 'of concern'.
She said that 290 million PPE equipment had been delivered to frontline NHS workers.
"We're working rapidly to make sure the deliveries reach where they're needed," she said.
During the same briefing, Business Secretary Alok Sharma promised a £22 billion business rate relief programme to help UK businesses.
He said that £12 billion of grants have been issued to councils for small business and that he was calling on local authorities to make this money reach these businesses as quickly as possible.
A Covid-19 Interuption Loan Scheme has also been set up for businesses to access from high street banks and he reiterated that mortgage holidays are also available.
He added that the Chancellor and the Bank of England had written to chief executives of the banks to make sure these benefits were passed onto businesses, adding that it would be unacceptable for banks to unfairly refuse funds.
"These are hard times," he said, "and there are harder times ahead of us but we know we will pull through."
"This is a brand new scheme and it will not be perfect from the outset. We're listening to concerns and looking at ways for them to get the support they need. It's crucial that when we overcome this crisis that businesses are in a good position to move forward."
Another 563 people have died in the UK overnight after testing positive for Covid-19.
There have now been 2,352 deaths in England.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Watch - Mickey and Minnie Mouse stroll through streets to cheer up kids

This is the heart-warming moment a couple dressed as Mickey and Minnie Mouse cheered up families stuck indoors during the coronavirus lockdown .
The pair were filmed lifting spirits as they walked in Chelmsley Wood on Wednesday , April 1 .
The clip shows the fancy-dress clad duo holding hands and waving at passing cars .
You can watch it above .
The identities of the big-hearted pair inside the costumes was not known .
It 's the latest example of kind strangers going the extra mile to cheer up kids stuck indoors .
A postal worker on South Tyneside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` lift the spirits '' of the community during the outbreak of coronavirus .
Jon Matson said when he was no longer able to work alongside his co-worker , he asked if he could do his rounds in fancy dress .
So far he has dressed as Little Bo Beep and a Greek soldier for his deliveries in West Boldon and Boldon Colliery .
But , while some people have been having fun with their exercise , others have resorted to extreme measures to protect themselves .
Stunned shoppers spotted a man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superstore in a full hazmat suit and gas mask .
A shopper from Yeovil in Somerset , photographed the man in the meat aisle of the town 's branch of the store chain last month .
The coronavirus death toll in the UK soared once again on Wednesday - reaching 2,352 .
The Department for Health and Social Care tweeted the figures on Wednesday afternoon , April 1 , as the UK once again registered a rise in deaths related to Covid-19 .
In a tweet posted this afternoon , the government confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus , 2,352 have sadly died . ''
The figure of 2,352 was up by 563 from 1,789 the day before .
Do you know who is inside the Mickey and Minnie costumes ?
Send us a message via Facebook .

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This is the heart-warming moment a couple dressed as Mickey and Minnie Mouse cheered up families stuck indoors during the coronavirus lockdown.
The pair were filmed lifting spirits as they walked in Chelmsley Wood on Wednesday, April 1.
The clip shows the fancy-dress clad duo holding hands and waving at passing cars. You can watch it above.
The identities of the big-hearted pair inside the costumes was not known.
It's the latest example of kind strangers going the extra mile to cheer up kids stuck indoors.
A postal worker on South Tyneside is delivering his rounds in fancy dress to "lift the spirits" of the community during the outbreak of coronavirus.
(Image: Connie Fellows)
Jon Matson said when he was no longer able to work alongside his co-worker, he asked if he could do his rounds in fancy dress.
So far he has dressed as Little Bo Beep and a Greek soldier for his deliveries in West Boldon and Boldon Colliery.
But, while some people have been having fun with their exercise, others have resorted to extreme measures to protect themselves.
Stunned shoppers spotted a man buying meat and bread in a Tesco superstore in a full hazmat suit and gas mask.
A shopper from Yeovil in Somerset, photographed the man in the meat aisle of the town's branch of the store chain last month.
The coronavirus death toll in the UK soared once again on Wednesday - reaching 2,352.
The Department for Health and Social Care tweeted the figures on Wednesday afternoon, April 1, as the UK once again registered a rise in deaths related to Covid-19.
In a tweet posted this afternoon, the government confirmed: "As of 5pm on 31 March, of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 2,352 have sadly died."
The figure of 2,352 was up by 563 from 1,789 the day before.
Do you know who is inside the Mickey and Minnie costumes? Send us a message via Facebook.


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Apologies from Brum councillor after 'mocking' food delivery

A Birmingham Labour councillor has apologised after 'mocking ' an opposition councillor delivering food parcels to local residents .
And he has been accused of 'politicising ' the coronavirus pandemic by the councillor in question , who has called on all local councillors to 'work together as common Brummies ' .
The spat arose after Conservative Councillor Simon Morrall posted on his Facebook page about the food deliveries he had been undertaking during the coronavirus pandemic .
He wrote : `` Donated as much as I could to local food banks today , buying ( with my own money ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ID to wave the three-item rule at supermarkets so I can deliver to the old and vulnerable across Frankley ( leaving bags at the front door of course ) .
`` Credit to New Starts Frankley , Hollymoor Church and St Chads for what they ’ re doing .
I am still on standby should anyone need me . ''
Labour Councillor Olly Armstrong ( Northfield ) then took to Twitter to seemingly mock Cllr Morrall .
Tweeting about his own food delivery , he wrote : `` Classic Cllr drops shopping on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did n't pay for this myself .
It was donated by many lovely local people .
`` Keeping fully on brand by doing good work while making snarky comments while taking a photo of myself doing it . ''
These comments have been criticised by Cllr Morrall , who said : “ It ’ s simply unacceptable to mock anyone , let alone another councillor , for selflessly delivering food parcels to the old and vulnerable at this desperate time for our city .
`` It is even more disappointing to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gain , while shamefully exploiting people ’ s anxiety and fear , to make a few cheap political shots at the other side , when we are supposed to be working together as common Brummies !
” And Cllr Armstrong has now apologised for his posts both publicly and privately .
Writing to Cllr Morrall , he said : `` Im genuinely sorry .
In retrospect it was petty and mean of me to mock you , we have plenty to disagree with each other over politics and policy without me being unkind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to apologise on the Facebook post , but you have me blocked .
`` So , once again , I 'm sorry .
It was bad behaviour and I should know and act better .
`` Keep sorting food for your residents , it ’ s a lovely thing to do .
`` Let us know if you need any van deliveries to frankly of food as we have a ( non-poltical ! )
foodbank set up under BCC covering the constituency . ''
If you 're interested in helping your local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ http : //b31.org.uk/coronavirus-1/ ?
wpbdp_view=all_listings for Northfield Go to https : //t.co/mzKjhrVlcA ?
amp=1 for Rubery

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A Birmingham Labour councillor has apologised after 'mocking' an opposition councillor delivering food parcels to local residents.
And he has been accused of 'politicising' the coronavirus pandemic by the councillor in question, who has called on all local councillors to 'work together as common Brummies'.
The spat arose after Conservative Councillor Simon Morrall posted on his Facebook page about the food deliveries he had been undertaking during the coronavirus pandemic.
He wrote: "Donated as much as I could to local food banks today, buying (with my own money) essential supplies and shamelessly using my council ID to wave the three-item rule at supermarkets so I can deliver to the old and vulnerable across Frankley (leaving bags at the front door of course).
"Credit to New Starts Frankley, Hollymoor Church and St Chads for what they’re doing. I am still on standby should anyone need me."
Labour Councillor Olly Armstrong (Northfield) then took to Twitter to seemingly mock Cllr Morrall. Tweeting about his own food delivery, he wrote: "Classic Cllr drops shopping on residents doorstep photo opp*
"Disclaimer: I didn't pay for this myself. It was donated by many lovely local people.
"Keeping fully on brand by doing good work while making snarky comments while taking a photo of myself doing it."
These comments have been criticised by Cllr Morrall, who said: “It’s simply unacceptable to mock anyone, let alone another councillor, for selflessly delivering food parcels to the old and vulnerable at this desperate time for our city.
"It is even more disappointing to see councillors weaponizing this whole pandemic for political gain, while shamefully exploiting people’s anxiety and fear, to make a few cheap political shots at the other side, when we are supposed to be working together as common Brummies!”
And Cllr Armstrong has now apologised for his posts both publicly and privately.
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Writing to Cllr Morrall, he said: "Im genuinely sorry. In retrospect it was petty and mean of me to mock you, we have plenty to disagree with each other over politics and policy without me being unkind over something like this.
"I tried to apologise on the Facebook post, but you have me blocked.
"So, once again, I'm sorry. It was bad behaviour and I should know and act better.
"Keep sorting food for your residents, it’s a lovely thing to do.
"Let us know if you need any van deliveries to frankly of food as we have a (non-poltical!) foodbank set up under BCC covering the constituency."
If you're interested in helping your local community, you can:
Go to http://b31.org.uk/coronavirus-1/?wpbdp_view=all_listings for Northfield
Go to https://t.co/mzKjhrVlcA?amp=1 for Rubery


birminghammail--2020-04-01--Stay home plea as Government reveals car journeys are increasing

One of the UK 's top medical officials says she is concerned that the number of people using their cars appears to be rising .
Yvonne Doyle , Medical Director of Public Health England , highlighted Government data which showed road use had increased since Sunday , March 29 .
And she pointed out that hospital admissions for coronavirus had risen for three days in a row .
She said : `` The message here really is , people do need to stay at home . ''
She added : `` We need to save lives and protect the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Professor Doyle was speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference , where Business Secretary Alok Sharma set out measures the Government is taking to help businesses get through the current crisis .
He said : `` Times are tough and we have harder times ahead of us but I know that together we will pull through . ''
From today businesses will start benefittting from £22bn in the form of business rate relief , and grants of up to £25,000 .
Local authorties have received more than £12bn in funding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sharma said : `` This money must reach businesses as quickly aspossble . ''
and businesses have already started to receive grants .
Today 's jump in coronavirus-related deaths in the UK from 1,789 to 2,352 is an increase of 563 , the highest day-on-day rise since the outbreak began .
The total is 31 % higher than yesterday .
It took 17 days for the number in the UK to pass 200 , and has taken a further 11 days to pass 2,000 .
The number of people tested in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total by 9am on April 1 was 152,979 .
On average around 8,000 new people were tested a day in the seven days up to April 1 .
In the previous seven days the daily average was around 5,800 .
The total number of confirmed cases in the UK stands at 29,474 , as of 9am on April 1 .
A week ago , on March 25 , the total was 9,529 .
The Department of Health also said that , as of 9am on Wednesday , a total of 152,979 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Number 10 said 390 million pieces of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) had been delivered to frontline NHS staff over the last two weeks .
The PM ’ s spokesman said : “ Over the past two weeks , we ’ ve delivered over 390 million pieces of personal protective equipment , including masks , alcohol , hand rub and aprons .
“ Today we are delivering 600,000 FFP3 masks… and 4.18 million surgical face masks.
” The spokesman added : “ The full weight of Government is behind this effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re working closely with industry , social care providers , the NHS and others so that NHS care staff have the protection that they deserve.
” He said a number of suppliers had come forward with offers of either PPE or offers to produce more PPE , and the Government is working with them .
A total of 69 inmates have tested positive for coronavirus in 25 prisons , as of 5pm on Tuesday , the Ministry of Justice said .

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One of the UK's top medical officials says she is concerned that the number of people using their cars appears to be rising.
Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director of Public Health England, highlighted Government data which showed road use had increased since Sunday, March 29.
And she pointed out that hospital admissions for coronavirus had risen for three days in a row.
She said: "The message here really is, people do need to stay at home."
She added: "We need to save lives and protect the NHS so do please stay at home".
Professor Doyle was speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, where Business Secretary Alok Sharma set out measures the Government is taking to help businesses get through the current crisis.
He said: "Times are tough and we have harder times ahead of us but I know that together we will pull through."
From today businesses will start benefittting from £22bn in the form of business rate relief, and grants of up to £25,000.
Local authorties have received more than £12bn in funding to support businesses, he said. Mr Sharma said: "This money must reach businesses as quickly aspossble." and businesses have already started to receive grants.
Today's jump in coronavirus-related deaths in the UK from 1,789 to 2,352 is an increase of 563, the highest day-on-day rise since the outbreak began.
The total is 31% higher than yesterday.
It took 17 days for the number in the UK to pass 200, and has taken a further 11 days to pass 2,000.
The number of people tested in the UK for coronavirus has passed 150,000. The total by 9am on April 1 was 152,979.
On average around 8,000 new people were tested a day in the seven days up to April 1. In the previous seven days the daily average was around 5,800.
The total number of confirmed cases in the UK stands at 29,474, as of 9am on April 1.
A week ago, on March 25, the total was 9,529.
The Department of Health also said that, as of 9am on Wednesday, a total of 152,979 people have been tested of which 29,474 tested positive.
Number 10 said 390 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) had been delivered to frontline NHS staff over the last two weeks.
The PM’s spokesman said: “Over the past two weeks, we’ve delivered over 390 million pieces of personal protective equipment, including masks, alcohol, hand rub and aprons.
“Today we are delivering 600,000 FFP3 masks… and 4.18 million surgical face masks.”
The spokesman added: “The full weight of Government is behind this effort, including the military, and we’re working closely with industry, social care providers, the NHS and others so that NHS care staff have the protection that they deserve.”
He said a number of suppliers had come forward with offers of either PPE or offers to produce more PPE, and the Government is working with them.
A total of 69 inmates have tested positive for coronavirus in 25 prisons, as of 5pm on Tuesday, the Ministry of Justice said.