birminghammail--2020-03-21--Aston Villa kit 2020/21: The killer Kappa concepts to rate

Aston Villa may be amidst an initial three-week coronavirus suspension but that hasn ’ t stopped designers coming up with spanking-new home and away kits .
The Premier League is scheduled to return on April 3 but , due to the virus outbreak escalating , the season could roll well into the summer and beyond .
There ’ s strong suggestions this summer ’ s Euros could be pushed back 12 months to allow the current 2019/20 campaign to reach its conclusion .
Back to Villa , though , and , with the help of our friends at Request A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with six snazzy strip samples ahead of the 2020/21 season , whenever that may be .
Villa , meanwhile , have another three years to run on their deal with renowned Italian manufacturer Kappa .
The Kappa owner had lunch with chief executive Christian Purslow at the Spurs fixture at Villa Park last month , admitting this season ’ s Villa shirt sales had gone through the roof .
“ He told me proudly over lunch , ” Purslow explained , “ ‘ This season we have cleared over 80,000 kits ’ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would you believe , [ Kappa ] have already ordered levels of 100,000 for next season which would put us in the top eight in Britain and the top 15 in Europe .
“ We ’ re talking about a merchandise business that is exploding and as somebody who began my career in retail , that does present challenges.
” As for Villa ’ s main sponsor W88 , the betting firm signed a “ record-breaking deal ” upon Villa ’ s promotion last year , signing a money-spinning one-year contract .
BirminghamLive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggesting W88 looks set to be replaced by Kenyan gaming firm SportPesa for next season .
Thanks to Request A Kit , though , here ’ s three classy claret and blue home designs that could inspire next season ’ s shirt choice , below .
First up is this traditional claret and blue with the Kappa logo prominent down the flanks .
A similar logo but without the logo featured so heavily A much more dramatic shift from tradition is featured above .
Request A Kit : “ The three home designs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and blue colour scheme in three differing variations .
“ Two of the three concepts feature the long-standing blue sleeves ; one incorporating white into the collar and cuffs of the design , while the other features all blue sleeves and shoulder panels with a two-tone claret chest .
“ The other takes inspiration from the home shirt of the mid-80s , an all-claret design with blue and white panels across the upper chest.
” Now here ’ s a trio of very indifferent Villa away designs , below .
Do you rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or does this darker number take your fancy ?
Request A Kit : “ Two of the three away concepts offer light and dark change strips for the Villans , the former being an elegant two-tone white and grey effort , with gold detailing throughout .
“ The black away shirt includes pinstripes , a prominent feature on many of the club 's recent shirts , in blue , with a collar and cuffs in the same shade completing the design .
“ The third concept takes the primary and secondary colours of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yellow change shirt , with contrasting claret sleeves and detailing accompanied by a blue collar and cuffs , a nod to the away shirts of the 1980s .
”

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Aston Villa should have two matches left to play in their fight for Premier League survival.
Dean Smith's side were due to face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, with crucial clashes at home to Arsenal and away at West Ham United coming up.
But that isn't the case. The coronavirus pandemic means elite level football in England has been suspended since early March and Villa are still awaiting a solution for finishing the season.
The latest proposal is that the remaining fixtures could be played at neutral venues as part of 'Project Restart' - but any return to action would require the go-ahead from government.
While we're waiting, let's take a look at some designs Villa could be wearing next season.
Villa have another two years to run on their deal with renowned Italian manufacturer Kappa.
Kappa's owner dined with chief executive Christian Purslow at Villa Park earlier this season. “He told me proudly over lunch,” Purslow explained. “‘This season we have cleared over 80,000 kits’.
"The budget was for 30,000 and, would you believe, [Kappa] have already ordered levels of 100,000 for next season which would put us in the top eight in Britain and the top 15 in Europe."
As for Villa’s main sponsor W88, the betting firm signed a “record-breaking deal” upon promotion last year, agreeing a money-spinning one-year contract.
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
BirminghamLive revealed a leaked video suggesting W88 looks set to be replaced by Kenyan gaming firm SportPesa for next season.
Thanks to Request A Kit here are three classy claret and blue home designs that could inspire next season’s shirt choice.
First up is this traditional claret and blue with the Kappa logo prominent down the flanks.
A similar logo but without the logo featured so heavily.
A much more dramatic shift from tradition is featured above.
Request A Kit: “The three home designs maintain Villa tradition with the famous claret and blue colour scheme in three differing variations.
“Two of the three concepts feature the long-standing blue sleeves; one incorporating white into the collar and cuffs of the design, while the other features all blue sleeves and shoulder panels with a two-tone claret chest.
“The other takes inspiration from the home shirt of the mid-80s, an all-claret design with blue and white panels across the upper chest.”
Now here’s a trio of very indifferent Villa away designs.
Do you rate this yellow number with claret trim?
Or does this darker number take your fancy?
Request A Kit said: “Two of the three away concepts offer light and dark change strips for the Villans, the former being an elegant two-tone white and grey effort, with gold detailing throughout.
“The black away shirt includes pinstripes, a prominent feature on many of the club's recent shirts, in blue, with a collar and cuffs in the same shade completing the design.
“The third concept takes the primary and secondary colours of the club and incorporates them into a yellow change shirt, with contrasting claret sleeves and detailing accompanied by a blue collar and cuffs, a nod to the away shirts of the 1980s.”


birminghammail--2020-03-21--Coronavirus patient dies - raising area death toll to 8

A patient in Dudley has died due to coronavirus - raising the borough 's death toll to eight .
The person - who was in their 60s - had tested positive for Covid-19 and was being treated for underlying health conditions .
In a statement issued today ( March 21 ) , Diane Wake , chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust said : “ The Trust can confirm that a patient in their 60s being treated for underlying health conditions has died .
The patient had tested positive for Covid-19 .
“ The family has been informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with them at this difficult time .
“ We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the family ’ s privacy.
” It comes after the West Midlands was dubbed as the first 'hotspot ' outside of London , with Public Health England claiming there was 'more community transmission in the Black Country ' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the Government was looking ‘ very , very closely ’ at why so many patients had died in the West Midlands .
Public Health England Midlands said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Black Country , which is why it is so important that people do practice social distancing and if they do have symptoms , no matter how mild , adhere to the guidance on self isolation . ''

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A patient in Dudley has died due to coronavirus - raising the borough's death toll to eight.
The person - who was in their 60s - had tested positive for Covid-19 and was being treated for underlying health conditions.
In a statement issued today (March 21), Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Trust can confirm that a patient in their 60s being treated for underlying health conditions has died. The patient had tested positive for Covid-19.
“The family has been informed and our condolences and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the family’s privacy.”
It comes after the West Midlands was dubbed as the first 'hotspot' outside of London, with Public Health England claiming there was 'more community transmission in the Black Country'.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the Government was looking ‘very, very closely’ at why so many patients had died in the West Midlands.
Public Health England Midlands said: "There appears to be more community transmission in the Black Country, which is why it is so important that people do practice social distancing and if they do have symptoms, no matter how mild, adhere to the guidance on self isolation."


birminghammail--2020-03-21--Pep provides brilliant answer to Blues fan's innocent question

Pep Clotet was asked dozens of questions by Birmingham City fans on Saturday afternoon - but one answer in particular stood out above all others !
The Blues boss announced on Friday that he was hosting a live Q & A with fans , during the day in which his side ought to have been hosting Huddersfield Town at St Andrew ’ s only for the coronavirus pandemic to have its way with the Championship schedule - and sport in general , for that matter .
To lift the gloom and fill the void , Clotet decided to interact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it threw up some interesting results .
If you want to follow all things Birmingham City 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 : All the latest news as it happens For all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Brian Dick on Twitter , and his email address is Brian.Dick @ reachplc.com Using the # BrumChat hashtag , Clotet answered questions ranging from ‘ which ex Blues player would you have in your team now ?
’ to ‘ your favourite thing about Birmingham ?
’ .
A rather innocent question was put to him from there : “ What is your Blues goal of the season ?
” Clotet wittily replied : “ Our second goal away at Boro.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too .
Pep in this instance is of course referring to the Lukas Jutkiewicz goal that never was , the strike late on at the Riverside that ought to have earned Blues all three points only for the officials to chalk it off so that Marcus Tavernier could receive treatment in controversial circumstances .
Blues would have to make do with a point , but they ’ d be leaving Teesside that night scratching their heads .
Jukey had opened the scoring against his former club , but Boro responded late on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pep still rues the dropping of two points there , clearly !

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Pep Clotet was asked dozens of questions by Birmingham City fans on Saturday afternoon - but one answer in particular stood out above all others!
The Blues boss announced on Friday that he was hosting a live Q&A with fans, during the day in which his side ought to have been hosting Huddersfield Town at St Andrew’s only for the coronavirus pandemic to have its way with the Championship schedule - and sport in general, for that matter.
To lift the gloom and fill the void, Clotet decided to interact with supporters via his Twitter account, and it threw up some interesting results.
Using the #BrumChat hashtag, Clotet answered questions ranging from ‘which ex Blues player would you have in your team now?’ to ‘your favourite thing about Birmingham?’.
A rather innocent question was put to him from there: “What is your Blues goal of the season?”
Clotet wittily replied: “Our second goal away at Boro.”
It prompted some rather terrific replies, too.
Pep in this instance is of course referring to the Lukas Jutkiewicz goal that never was, the strike late on at the Riverside that ought to have earned Blues all three points only for the officials to chalk it off so that Marcus Tavernier could receive treatment in controversial circumstances.
Blues would have to make do with a point, but they’d be leaving Teesside that night scratching their heads.
Jukey had opened the scoring against his former club, but Boro responded late on when Ashley Fletcher equalised from close range.
Pep still rues the dropping of two points there, clearly!


birminghammail--2020-03-21--Broad Street boss plans to ramp up security now it's a ghost town

At the height of its powers , Broad Street can attract tens of thousands of people in the course of a weekend .
This coming one just happens to include Mother ’ s Day which has now effectively been cancelled - just like the Euros in June .
And now Birmingham ’ s golden mile entertainment district has been neutered by Boris Johnson ’ s unprecedented decision to ask all bars , pubs , restaurants , leisure centres and gyms to close almost immediately .
The move means that the street , already reeling from a year of work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midlands Metro extension , is likely to resemble a ghost town for the next few weeks at least .
Westside BID manager Mike Olley said : “ That means our wardens will now be out in force , if not more .
“ I think we will now step up patrols to operate 24 hours per day , at least for the short-term until we get the measure of what ’ s happening .
“ We are in regular contact with the police all of the time and have CCTV , too , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dynamic as we can be.
” Pausing to try to find some humour in a most depressing situation , Mike said : “ I suppose one thing we could now do is to launch tours showing what Broad Street used to be like in the 1970s.
” Speaking at his daily 5pm media update about the coronavirus pandemic , Mr Johnson said on Friday , March 20 : “ We are collectively telling cafes , pubs , bars and restaurants to close tonight as soon as they reasonably can and not to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling nightclubs , theatres , cinemas , gyms and leisure centres to close on the same timescale.
” Restaurants would be able to operate as takeaways , but that is unlikely to be much of a business opportunity on Broad Street .
The nightclub Pryzm did not open that night and Cineworld IMAX Cinema on the other side of Bishopsgate Street had arleady closed earlier in the week .
Some of the bars that were open included O ’ Neill ’ s , JD Wetherspoon ’ s The Figure of Eight and The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flag as an independent was O Bar owner Matt Sharp , who also runs The Gin Bar down by Gas Street Basin .
He has recently been campaigning to have more information about work to build the West Midlands Metro line up Broad Street which has caused huge disruption to one of Birmingham ’ s busiest routes out of town for months .
The street was also hit by three successive storms earlier this year which were given the names Ciara , Dennis and Jorge .
Matt said : “ I only knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the broadcast at home because we all had an inkling that something was going to happen .
“ If they were announcing it today they could have said everyone could close as of Sunday and limited numbers , so that if you had a venue that had a capacity for 300 you would only let 100 in .
“ To be asking people to close in the space of a couple of hours is ridiculous .
“ I am not sure why they have closed everyone as quickly as they have .
”

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At the height of its powers, Broad Street can attract tens of thousands of people in the course of a weekend.
This coming one just happens to include Mother’s Day which has now effectively been cancelled - just like the Euros in June.
And now Birmingham’s golden mile entertainment district has been neutered by Boris Johnson’s unprecedented decision to ask all bars, pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and gyms to close almost immediately.
The move means that the street, already reeling from a year of work to build Phase Two of the Westside West Midlands Metro extension, is likely to resemble a ghost town for the next few weeks at least.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Westside BID manager Mike Olley said: “That means our wardens will now be out in force, if not more.
“I think we will now step up patrols to operate 24 hours per day, at least for the short-term until we get the measure of what’s happening.
“We are in regular contact with the police all of the time and have CCTV, too, so we are going to be as dynamic as we can be.”
Pausing to try to find some humour in a most depressing situation, Mike said: “I suppose one thing we could now do is to launch tours showing what Broad Street used to be like in the 1970s.”
(Image: Jason Skarratt)
What happened to close Broad Street?
Speaking at his daily 5pm media update about the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Johnson said on Friday, March 20: “We are collectively telling cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants to close tonight as soon as they reasonably can and not to open tomorrow.
“We’re also telling nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres to close on the same timescale.”
Restaurants would be able to operate as takeaways, but that is unlikely to be much of a business opportunity on Broad Street.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
The nightclub Pryzm did not open that night and Cineworld IMAX Cinema on the other side of Bishopsgate Street had arleady closed earlier in the week.
Some of the bars that were open included O’Neill’s, JD Wetherspoon’s The Figure of Eight and The Brasshouse.
Still trying to fly the flag as an independent was O Bar owner Matt Sharp, who also runs The Gin Bar down by Gas Street Basin.
He has recently been campaigning to have more information about work to build the West Midlands Metro line up Broad Street which has caused huge disruption to one of Birmingham’s busiest routes out of town for months.
The street was also hit by three successive storms earlier this year which were given the names Ciara, Dennis and Jorge.
Matt said: “I only knew we had to close when I watched the broadcast at home because we all had an inkling that something was going to happen.
“If they were announcing it today they could have said everyone could close as of Sunday and limited numbers, so that if you had a venue that had a capacity for 300 you would only let 100 in.
“To be asking people to close in the space of a couple of hours is ridiculous.
“I am not sure why they have closed everyone as quickly as they have.”


birminghammail--2020-03-21--Girl, 7, who cancelled party over coronavirus praised by Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has written a letter praising a seven-year-old for cancelling her birthday party amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The Prime Minister was writing in reply to a letter signed “ Josephine , aged 7 ” , which was shared with him on Twitter on Friday .
“ I want to let you know it is my birthday today but I am staying at home because you asked us to , ” the letter shared to Mr Johnson read .
“ I think mummy and daddy might have to cancel my birthday party but I don ’ t mind because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Please keep working hard to keep us all well .
Are you remembering to wash your hands ?
” Mr Johnson responded to the letter on Saturday afternoon on Twitter , with a handwritten note of his own .
“ Happy birthday !
I am glad to hear you are staying at home , though I am sorry to hear about your party , ” he wrote .
“ We have all got to do our bit to protect the NHS and save lives , and that is exactly what you are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting a great example .
“ We are working round the clock to keep people safe , and if we work together we can send coronavirus packing .
And once we have done that you can DEFINITELY have a party with your friends !
“ In answer to your question – I ’ m regularly washing my hands with soap and water for 20 seconds : the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice !
” According to the Twitter account which shared Josephine ’ s letter , @ LocksHeathCC , she @ @ @ @ @ @

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Boris Johnson has written a letter praising a seven-year-old for cancelling her birthday party amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The Prime Minister was writing in reply to a letter signed “Josephine, aged 7”, which was shared with him on Twitter on Friday.
“I want to let you know it is my birthday today but I am staying at home because you asked us to,” the letter shared to Mr Johnson read.
“I think mummy and daddy might have to cancel my birthday party but I don’t mind because I want everyone to be ok.
“Please keep working hard to keep us all well. Are you remembering to wash your hands?”
(Image: Getty Images)
Mr Johnson responded to the letter on Saturday afternoon on Twitter, with a handwritten note of his own.
“Happy birthday! I am glad to hear you are staying at home, though I am sorry to hear about your party,” he wrote.
“We have all got to do our bit to protect the NHS and save lives, and that is exactly what you are doing, so well done! You are setting a great example.
“We are working round the clock to keep people safe, and if we work together we can send coronavirus packing. And once we have done that you can DEFINITELY have a party with your friends!
“In answer to your question – I’m regularly washing my hands with soap and water for 20 seconds: the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice!”
According to the Twitter account which shared Josephine’s letter, @LocksHeathCC, she is from Stubbington, Hampshire.


birminghammail--2020-03-21--Man who faked being Grenfell Tower resident to scam £32,000 jailed

A man has been imprisoned after he claimed to have been a resident of Grenfell Tower to defraud a London council of nearly £32,000 .
Sheffick Brimer , 50 , of no fixed address , was sentenced to five years following his conviction for fraud by false representation in a trial at Isleworth Crown Court , Scotland Yard said in a statement .
Brimer claimed he had lived in a flat in the tower with two residents who were killed in the fire , but he had been in prison before , during and after the blaze which killed 72 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release he sought and was given emergency accommodation intended for displaced residents of the block , by the Royal Borough of Chelsea and Kensington .
The council spent £31,776.59 providing Brimer with four-star accommodation and food from July to December 2017 .
He was investigated after failing to attend housing needs meetings , police said .
Detective Constable Lucy Hall said : “ Brimer was never a resident of Grenfell Tower and using this tragedy as a way to receive free accommodation and food at the cost of the council is completely despicable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the audacity to complain about his initial accommodation and was moved to a second hotel .
Witnesses also said he was rude and aggressive to hotel staff .
“ Brimer ’ s behaviour compounds the upset of individuals who have been traumatised by the Grenfell fire and is disrespectful to the victims who he claimed he was living with .
”

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A man has been imprisoned after he claimed to have been a resident of Grenfell Tower to defraud a London council of nearly £32,000.
Sheffick Brimer, 50, of no fixed address, was sentenced to five years following his conviction for fraud by false representation in a trial at Isleworth Crown Court, Scotland Yard said in a statement.
Brimer claimed he had lived in a flat in the tower with two residents who were killed in the fire, but he had been in prison before, during and after the blaze which killed 72 people in June 2017.
On his release he sought and was given emergency accommodation intended for displaced residents of the block, by the Royal Borough of Chelsea and Kensington.
The council spent £31,776.59 providing Brimer with four-star accommodation and food from July to December 2017.
He was investigated after failing to attend housing needs meetings, police said.
Detective Constable Lucy Hall said: “Brimer was never a resident of Grenfell Tower and using this tragedy as a way to receive free accommodation and food at the cost of the council is completely despicable and appalling.
“He even had the audacity to complain about his initial accommodation and was moved to a second hotel. Witnesses also said he was rude and aggressive to hotel staff.
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“Brimer’s behaviour compounds the upset of individuals who have been traumatised by the Grenfell fire and is disrespectful to the victims who he claimed he was living with.”


birminghammail--2020-03-21--How Villa have been helping Chester during COVID-19 outbreak

Aston Villa man James Chester has revealed how the club have been helping him keep up his fitness despite being on loan at Stoke City .
The 31-year-old has been speaking to the Athletic about what life is like for a professional footballer who is now unable to go to work .
The players have been told to keep up their fitness , with no indication as to when football will return .
The FA and EFL have pencilled in April 30 as a potential return date , but as the days count closer even that looks increasingly unlikely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ players into complete quarantine , while other have left the training ground open for players should they wish to come in and use the facilities .
Villa 's players have remained at home , as have Stoke 's with Chester following a workout routine at home in Lymm , Cheshire .
But he has still remained in touch with Villa 's fitness coach , Oli Stevenson .
The pair grew close as they worked together to mend Chester 's knee injuries , and he still keeps him close to answer his fitness queries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who ’ s had any symptoms and hopefully it remains that way , but since last Tuesday I have been a little bit more cautious of going out , '' Chester told the Athletic .
`` Certainly when thinking about my little boy , Henri , who is one , and my wife , Rea , who is four months pregnant .
`` I take most of my guidance from Stoke , but I have also spoken to Oli Stevenson ( Villa ’ s fitness coach ) who I did a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , for little things I can continue at home .
`` Now , it is almost like being injured , but that applies to everyone .
And whenever I have been injured I ’ ve always tried to take the positives , and at the minute it means I get to spend more time with the family .
`` I ’ ll probably soon start getting fed up at not playing .
It is strange not having an end date to have focus on and crazy to think the Euros have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales four years ago was one of the best experiences of my life .
`` It ’ s worked out well for Joe Allen though hasn ’ t it !
I was saying to him the other day , he ’ s gon na be a quiz question in a few years : Who ruptured their achilles and didn ’ t miss one game of football ? ''
he joked .
`` We have had information from the club on what to eat to stay healthy and also to keep us as immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As is probably the case with most teams now , you are in a WhatsApp group with everyone at the club .
Different people are putting in little bits of information for us to follow .
The club secretary is the main one who passes on the information regarding when we ’ re in and things like that .
The fitness people are in there too .
`` I am fortunate that I do have equipment at home that I can use .
I have a Wattbike I will be using , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added : `` Everyone will be doing it .
I ’ ve also got work I do regarding my knee injuries so I can be in good condition for when we ’ re back . ''

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Aston Villa man James Chester has revealed how the club have been helping him keep up his fitness despite being on loan at Stoke City.
The 31-year-old has been speaking to the Athletic about what life is like for a professional footballer who is now unable to go to work.
The players have been told to keep up their fitness, with no indication as to when football will return.
The FA and EFL have pencilled in April 30 as a potential return date, but as the days count closer even that looks increasingly unlikely.
A number of clubs have put their players into complete quarantine, while other have left the training ground open for players should they wish to come in and use the facilities.
Villa's players have remained at home, as have Stoke's with Chester following a workout routine at home in Lymm, Cheshire.
But he has still remained in touch with Villa 's fitness coach, Oli Stevenson.
The pair grew close as they worked together to mend Chester's knee injuries, and he still keeps him close to answer his fitness queries.
"I don’t know anyone who’s had any symptoms and hopefully it remains that way, but since last Tuesday I have been a little bit more cautious of going out," Chester told the Athletic.
(Image: Getty Images)
"Certainly when thinking about my little boy, Henri, who is one, and my wife, Rea, who is four months pregnant.
"I take most of my guidance from Stoke, but I have also spoken to Oli Stevenson (Villa’s fitness coach) who I did a lot of my gym and rehab work with me, for little things I can continue at home.
"Now, it is almost like being injured, but that applies to everyone. And whenever I have been injured I’ve always tried to take the positives, and at the minute it means I get to spend more time with the family.
"I’ll probably soon start getting fed up at not playing. It is strange not having an end date to have focus on and crazy to think the Euros have been suspended. Getting to the semi-finals with Wales four years ago was one of the best experiences of my life.
"It’s worked out well for Joe Allen though hasn’t it! I was saying to him the other day, he’s gonna be a quiz question in a few years: Who ruptured their achilles and didn’t miss one game of football?" he joked.
"We have had information from the club on what to eat to stay healthy and also to keep us as immune as possible from the virus.
"As is probably the case with most teams now, you are in a WhatsApp group with everyone at the club. Different people are putting in little bits of information for us to follow. The club secretary is the main one who passes on the information regarding when we’re in and things like that. The fitness people are in there too.
"I am fortunate that I do have equipment at home that I can use. I have a Wattbike I will be using, also some free weights and a squat rack.
He added: "Everyone will be doing it. I’ve also got work I do regarding my knee injuries so I can be in good condition for when we’re back."


birminghammail--2020-03-21--Liam Gallagher's coronavirus hand washing tip is absolutely incredible

Liam Gallagher has reworked hit Oasis songs to encourage the public to keep up their hygiene in response to the @ @ @ @ @ , entitled Wonderwash and Soapersonic , were sung to videos of him washing his hands @ @ @ @ @ first video to Twitter , he said : “ New tune Wonderwash , c ’ @ @ @ @ @ first song followed the tune to Oasis ’ hit single Wonderwall , with the lyrics @ @ @ @ @ , scrub your toes , scratch your a**e and pick your nose.
” The second @ @ @ @ @ with the singer saying : “ wash your hands you little f***ers ” .
The @ @ @ @ @ both just short of 20 seconds , the length of time that the NHS recommends @ @ @ @ @ order to combat the Covid-19 virus .

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Liam Gallagher has reworked hit Oasis songs to encourage the public to keep up their hygiene in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The songs, entitled Wonderwash and Soapersonic, were sung to videos of him washing his hands at home.
Posting the first video to Twitter, he said: “New tune Wonderwash, c’mon you know.”
The first song followed the tune to Oasis’ hit single Wonderwall, with the lyrics: “Wash your hands, scrub your toes, scratch your a**e and pick your nose.”
The second, entitled Soapersonic, finished with the singer saying: “wash your hands you little f***ers”.
The songs, however, were both just short of 20 seconds, the length of time that the NHS recommends hands should be washed in order to combat the Covid-19 virus.


birminghammail--2020-03-21--GCSEs and A'Levels exams scrapped due to coronavirus pandemic

GCSE and A-level examinations have been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Pupils in England will be awarded grades based on teacher assessments , the Department of Education has announced .
Students will instead get a calculated grade which will be reached taking into account a number of factors .
Teachers will be asked to give their judgment about the grade they think the student would have received if exams had gone ahead .
They will consider evidence and data including performance on mock exams and non-exam assessment , and exam boards will then combine that information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come up with the calculated grade .
The department is aiming for all students to have their grades by the end of July .
A-level and GCSE grades are usually published mid-August .
Anyone who is unhappy with their grade will be able to appeal if they do not believe the correct process has been followed in their case , the department said .
Students have the option to sit an exam early in the new academic year in September or can also choose to sit their exams in summer 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ School and College Leaders largely welcomed the new guidance , but said they are awaiting more detail on how exactly it will work on a practical basis .
England ’ s exams regulator , Ofqual , has said work is under way with exam boards and teachers ’ representatives to develop the proposals and more information will be provided in the coming days .
Meanwhile , the heads of the Russell Group , GuildHE , MillionPlus and University Alliance issued a joint statement saying universities will do all they can to support students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and responsive in their admissions processes ” .
Nicola Dandridge , chief executive of the Office for Students , said the guidance “ should offer reassurance for students during what is an exceptionally challenging time ” , and called for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to be considered in particular as the new approach is taken .

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GCSE and A-level examinations have been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pupils in England will be awarded grades based on teacher assessments, the Department of Education has announced.
Students will instead get a calculated grade which will be reached taking into account a number of factors.
Teachers will be asked to give their judgment about the grade they think the student would have received if exams had gone ahead.
They will consider evidence and data including performance on mock exams and non-exam assessment, and exam boards will then combine that information with other data including previous attainment, to come up with the calculated grade.
The department is aiming for all students to have their grades by the end of July. A-level and GCSE grades are usually published mid-August.
Anyone who is unhappy with their grade will be able to appeal if they do not believe the correct process has been followed in their case, the department said.
Students have the option to sit an exam early in the new academic year in September or can also choose to sit their exams in summer 2021.
The National Education Union and Association of School and College Leaders largely welcomed the new guidance, but said they are awaiting more detail on how exactly it will work on a practical basis.
England’s exams regulator, Ofqual, has said work is under way with exam boards and teachers’ representatives to develop the proposals and more information will be provided in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the heads of the Russell Group, GuildHE, MillionPlus and University Alliance issued a joint statement saying universities will do all they can to support students and should try to be “flexible and responsive in their admissions processes”.
Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of the Office for Students, said the guidance “should offer reassurance for students during what is an exceptionally challenging time”, and called for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to be considered in particular as the new approach is taken.


birminghammail--2020-03-21--Real Madrid to rival Manchester United for Wolves star - reports

Reports in Spain are suggesting that Real Madrid are taking a look at Wolves striker Raul Jimenez this coming summer transfer window .
The Mexican has been in excellent form on all fronts in the old gold colours this season , but Madrid are by no means the first side to be classed as a suitor ; Arsenal and Manchester United have both been credited with an interest this season already .
Raul has found the net 22 times in 45 appearances for club and country this season , and has developed particularly fruitful relationships with Adama Traore and Diogo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing last season .
His form has reportedly caught the attention of La Liga giants Real now , however , and Zinedine Zidane is supposedly keen on adding him to his star-studded squad for next season .
Madrid forward Karim Benzema is now 32 and the Galacticos are looking for a long-term replacement for the Frenchman - Zidane sees former Atletico forward Raul as that man .
They 're also looking to move on Luka Jovic , who cost them a sizeable £55m last summer , but the Bosnian has failed to settle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the net just twice since that move from Eintracht Frankfurt .
Raul cost Wolves around £30m but it ’ s proven to be money well spent .
The 28-year-old has three more years left on his current deal at Wolves .

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Reports in Spain are suggesting that Real Madrid are taking a look at Wolves striker Raul Jimenez this coming summer transfer window.
The Mexican has been in excellent form on all fronts in the old gold colours this season, but Madrid are by no means the first side to be classed as a suitor; Arsenal and Manchester United have both been credited with an interest this season already.
Raul has found the net 22 times in 45 appearances for club and country this season, and has developed particularly fruitful relationships with Adama Traore and Diogo Jota at Molineux after his transfer record signing last season.
His form has reportedly caught the attention of La Liga giants Real now, however, and Zinedine Zidane is supposedly keen on adding him to his star-studded squad for next season.
Madrid forward Karim Benzema is now 32 and the Galacticos are looking for a long-term replacement for the Frenchman - Zidane sees former Atletico forward Raul as that man.
They're also looking to move on Luka Jovic, who cost them a sizeable £55m last summer, but the Bosnian has failed to settle in the Spanish capital and has found the net just twice since that move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Raul cost Wolves around £30m but it’s proven to be money well spent. The 28-year-old has three more years left on his current deal at Wolves.


birminghammail--2020-03-21--How to pause your Sky Sports subscription until season returns

Sky have confirmed customers can pause their sports subscriptions as a result of the coronavirus severely limiting live coverage of sporting events .
The vast majority of events or fixtures usually broadcast by Sky have been cancelled or postponed because of the spread of the virus , also known as Covid-19 .
All Premier League and EFL matches are suspended until April and other sports such as cricket , rugby and Formula 1 have also been hit .
Sky initially said they would not refund customers who complained about missing out on their bumper sports packages .
But having come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the broadcaster has now announced customers can pause their subscriptions without charge .
A statement from Sky read : `` While we expect that many of the recently postponed sports events will eventually go ahead if you wish to pause your sports subscription in the meantime you will not be charged a fee to do so or be held to any notice period .
`` Meanwhile we continue to provide high-quality content across all of our 11 sports channels . ''
But customers are not currently able to do so online , instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company added : `` We are sorry that you are currently unable to pause your Sky Sports subscription online . ''
Aston Villa vs Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion vs Birmingham City were both supposed to be shown on Sky Sports on Saturday before it was confirmed all matches were postponed .

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Sky have confirmed customers can pause their sports subscriptions as a result of the coronavirus severely limiting live coverage of sporting events.
The vast majority of events or fixtures usually broadcast by Sky have been cancelled or postponed because of the spread of the virus, also known as Covid-19.
All Premier League and EFL matches are suspended indefinitely and other sports such as cricket, rugby and Formula 1 have also been hit.
Sky initially said they would not refund customers who complained about missing out on their bumper sports packages.
But having come under increasing pressure to take action, the broadcaster announced customers can pause their subscriptions without charge.
A statement from Sky read: "While we expect that many of the recently postponed sports events will eventually go ahead if you wish to pause your sports subscription in the meantime you will not be charged a fee to do so or be held to any notice period.
"Meanwhile we continue to provide high-quality content across all of our 11 sports channels."
Here’s how:
1. Go to: https://www.sky.com/pausesports or call 0800 151 2747
2. Log in to your Sky account.
3. Follow the steps to pause your Sky Sports subscription.
4. Do nothing – Sky will automatically renew your account once live sport resumes on TV.
Aston Villa, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Wolves have all been shown on Sky this season.


birminghammail--2020-03-21--Dudley Council issues statement about rubbish collections during coronavirus

Dudley Council is urging residents who have been or are self-isolating , to separate their personal waste from their rubbish @ @ @ @ @ bin collections will continue as normal but residents who have been self-isolating should take extra @ @ @ @ @ are putting out for collection .
For those self-isolating because of symptoms , personal waste @ @ @ @ @ disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags .
These bags should @ @ @ @ @ bag , tied securely and kept separate from other waste .
Where possible this should @ @ @ @ @ least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin or communal @ @ @ @ @ can be disposed of as normal .
However the recycling collection service faces disruption due @ @ @ @ @ .
The council has said services may be disrupted .
As a result , the @ @ @ @ @ boxes may be delayed .
Dudley Council reassured residents it is doing everything it can @ @ @ @ @ quickly as possible .

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Dudley Council is urging residents who have been or are self-isolating, to separate their personal waste from their rubbish.
The council has said bin collections will continue as normal but residents who have been self-isolating should take extra care with the waste they are putting out for collection.
For those self-isolating because of symptoms, personal waste such as used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags.
These bags should be placed into a second bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. Where possible this should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin or communal area.
Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.
However the recycling collection service faces disruption due to the current unprecedented circumstances. The council has said services may be disrupted.
As a result, the delivery of recycling bags and boxes may be delayed.
Dudley Council reassured residents it is doing everything it can to resume normal services as quickly as possible.


birminghammail--2020-03-21--Is Adama Traore the fastest player in the world? This is his top mph

Wolves star Adama Traore may be the fastest footballer in the world .
The Molineux ace is certainly the quickest @ @ @ @ @ in the Premier League .
Remarkably , the star was once clocked at 37 kilometers @ @ @ @ @ the equivalent of 22.99 mph .
This puts him on top of the current Premier @ @ @ @ @ fastest players .
Usain Bolt was running at an average speed of 23mph when he @ @ @ @ @ the 2009 World Championships .
The Jamaican clocked up that speed in Berlin .
Shane @ @ @ @ @ quickest top-flight player in a 2015 study , having clocked 21.94mph .
The Southampton star @ @ @ @ @ who made 21.85mph , and Jamie Vardy , at 21.81mph .
Andre Gray was n't @ @ @ @ @ , with Eric Bailly at 21.64mph .
Etienne Capoue was level with Bailly , and @ @ @ @ @ , at 21.61mph .

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Wolves star Adama Traore may be the fastest footballer in the world.
The Molineux ace is certainly the quickest player currently plying his trade in the Premier League.
Remarkably, the star was once clocked at 37 kilometers per hour.
This is the equivalent of 22.99 mph.
This puts him on top of the current Premier League’s list of fastest players.
Usain Bolt was running at an average speed of 23mph when he won the 100m sprint in the 2009 World Championships.
The Jamaican clocked up that speed in Berlin.
Shane Long was identified as the quickest top-flight player in a 2015 study, having clocked 21.94mph.
The Southampton star edged out Kyle Walker, who made 21.85mph, and Jamie Vardy, at 21.81mph.
Andre Gray wasn't far behind, at 21.66mph, with Eric Bailly at 21.64mph.
Etienne Capoue was level with Bailly, and Wilfried Zaha completed the speedsters, at 21.61mph.


birminghammail--2020-03-22--'Respect' - Wilfried Zaha comments on Aston Villa footage

Wilfried Zaha has waxed lyrical about teammate Christian Benteke after footage of the striker ’ s Aston Villa days emerged @ @ @ @ @ has been heavily criticised in recent seasons for his failure to find the net for @ @ @ @ @ Benteke , who joined Palace from Liverpool for £27million in 2016 , has scored just @ @ @ @ @ 71 appearances .
He ’ s fallen out of favour as a result with Zaha @ @ @ @ @ tasked with finding the goals at Selhurst Park .
Benteke is a far cry from @ @ @ @ @ goals in 101 appearances during three seasons at Villa Park .
Ex-footballer Marvin Morgan posted @ @ @ @ @ Villa days on Twitter on Saturday evening and it was spotted by the Belgian 's @ @ @ @ @ better put some respect on your name bro , ” the Ivory Coast international tweeted @ @ @ @ @ rumours Benteke was being lined up for a shock return to Villa Park in January @ @ @ @ @ refused to loan the forward out .

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Wilfried Zaha has waxed lyrical about teammate Christian Benteke after footage of the striker’s Aston Villa days emerged.
Former Villa goal-getter Benteke has been heavily criticised in recent seasons for his failure to find the net for current club Crystal Palace.
Benteke, who joined Palace from Liverpool for £27million in 2016, has scored just five goals in his last 71 appearances.
He’s fallen out of favour as a result with Zaha and fellow ex-Villan Jordan Ayew tasked with finding the goals at Selhurst Park.
Benteke is a far cry from the player who bagged 49 goals in 101 appearances during three seasons at Villa Park.
Ex-footballer Marvin Morgan posted footage of Benteke in his Villa days on Twitter on Saturday evening and it was spotted by the Belgian's teammate Zaha.
“They better put some respect on your name bro,” the Ivory Coast international tweeted to Benteke.
There were rumours Benteke was being lined up for a shock return to Villa Park in January but Palace boss Roy Hodgson refused to loan the forward out.
Villa instead signed Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta from Belgian club Genk.


birminghammail--2020-03-22--NHS frontline staff 'lambs to the slaughter' - Brum consultant

A Birmingham consultant has launched an astonishing broadside at the Prime Minister , saying frontline NHS staff feel like `` cannon fodder '' and `` lambs to the slaughter '' as they fight the coronavirus pandemic .
Dr Rinesh Parmar , an anaesthetics specialist at a city hospital , claims nurses and doctors have been using out of date equipment , and new gear `` does not all meet World Health Organisation guidelines . ''
His shocking comments come after we revealed a 36 year old nurse from Walsall is fighting for her life a fter developing symptoms .
Areema @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus after developing a soaring temperature , body aches and a cough .
The 36-year-old , who has no underlying health conditions , was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital after her condition worsened .
Her family say she is now on a ventilator in intensive care - being cared for by the medics she usually works alongside .
Dr Parmar chairs the Doctors ' Association UK , a group that advocates for frontine medics .
In an open letter to Boris Johnson , dispatched in his name and signed by thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a terrifying picture of desperate staff lacking the equipment they need to keep them safe .
Dr Parmar said this morning : `` The Prime Minister needs to protect frontline staff .
We urgently need appropriate PPE ( personal protection equipment ) quickly to safeguard ourselves and our patients and to ensure we do not take risks . ''
Public Health England has announced that gear is arriving daily into hospitals and surgeries , with more on its way .
But Dr Parmar said that was not happening quickly enough .
`` Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not meet WHO guidelines , or does not meet needs . ''
he said .
He also said doctors were reporting seeing younger patients in hospital with underlying health conditions as the pandemic heads towards a peak .
`` This is not an illness that 's isolated to the elderly , '' he warned .
Earlier this week his Doctors ' Association colleague Dr Jenny Vaughan said NHS staff know they will lose colleagues through the coronavirus pandemic .
She said : `` We are very fearful .
We will lose our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues .
We know this , from what 's happened in China and Italy .
But let 's be clear , the medical front line is ready , willing and able to try and help deal with this pandemic . ''
This letter was co-ordinated by the Doctors ’ Association UK who advocate for frontline doctors .
As of Sunday 22 March the letter had garnered 6,300 signatures .
`` We are 3,963 frontline NHS staff who are pleading with the prime minister to intervene to ensure we have adequate personal protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
`` Frontline doctors have been telling us for weeks that they do not feel safe at work .
Intensive care doctors and anaesthetists have told us they have been carrying out the highest-risk procedure , putting a patient on a ventilator , with masks that expired in 2015 .
`` Paediatricians have told us their stock of protective glasses and masks will run out in 48 hours , including in special-care baby units .
`` An acute medical doctor reported the stock of masks had already run out at one trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they feel abandoned ; many have been left without any protection for weeks and do not even have simple masks to protect them if a patient comes in with symptoms of Covid-19 .
`` NHS staff are putting their lives on the line every day they turn up to work .
The reality is that many of us will get sick .
Doctors are all too aware of the possibility that they will lose colleagues , as has happened in outbreaks around the world .
It is therefore deeply upsetting to hear dedicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cannon fodder ” .
`` NHS England has stated that the national supply of PPE has been “ adequate ” and any shortage is a local distribution issue .
While this may be the case , it is not encouraging to see NHS England passing the buck .
`` We want to see action immediately .
`` The supply of PPE in the coming weeks must be stepped up as we see a surge in cases .
If it is not , the public will be endangered and dedicated NHS staff could lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prime minister to demonstrate his commitment to the NHS and protect the lives of the life-savers . ''
Dr Parmar is a Specialty Registrar in Anaesthetics in the West Midlands .
He has served on a number of doctor groups across the West Midlands and is currently the Deputy Chair of West Midlands British Medical Association Regional Council and serves on BMA UK Council .
On Tuesday NHS England ’ s chief operating officer Amanda Pritchard told MPs on the health select committee that there was enough equipment and shortages were only @ @ @ @ @

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A Birmingham hospital doctor has launched an astonishing broadside at the Prime Minister, saying frontline NHS staff feel like "cannon fodder" and "lambs to the slaughter" as they fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Rinesh Parmar, an anaesthetics specialist at a city hospital, claims nurses and doctors have been using out of date equipment, and new gear "does not all meet World Health Organisation guidelines."
His shocking comments come after we revealed a 36 year old nurse from Walsall is fighting for her life a fter developing symptoms.
Areema Nasreen, a mum-of-three, tested positive for the virus after developing a soaring temperature, body aches and a cough.
The 36-year-old, who has no underlying health conditions, was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital after her condition worsened.
Her family say she is now on a ventilator in intensive care - being cared for by the medics she usually works alongside.
Dr Parmar, a specialty registrar in anaesthetics, chairs the Doctors' Association UK, a group that advocates for frontine medics.
In an open letter to Boris Johnson, dispatched in his name and signed by thousands of fellow medics, the organisation paints a terrifying picture of desperate staff lacking the equipment they need to keep them safe.
Dr Parmar said this morning: "The Prime Minister needs to protect frontline staff. We urgently need appropriate PPE (personal protection equipment) quickly to safeguard ourselves and our patients and to ensure we do not take risks."
Public Health England has announced that gear is arriving daily into hospitals and surgeries, with more on its way.
But Dr Parmar said that was not happening quickly enough.
"Some of the equipment is not adequate or does not meet WHO guidelines, or does not meet needs." he said.
He also said doctors were reporting seeing younger patients in hospital with underlying health conditions as the pandemic heads towards a peak.
"This is not an illness that's isolated to the elderly," he warned.
Earlier this week his Doctors' Association colleague Dr Jenny Vaughan said NHS staff know they will lose colleagues through the coronavirus pandemic.
She said: "We are very fearful. We will lose our colleagues. We will be burying our colleagues. We know this, from what's happened in China and Italy. But let's be clear, the medical front line is ready, willing and able to try and help deal with this pandemic."
The shocking letter in full:
This letter was co-ordinated by the Doctors’ Association UK who advocate for frontline doctors. As of Sunday 22 March the letter had garnered 6,300 signatures.
"We are 3,963 frontline NHS staff who are pleading with the prime minister to intervene to ensure we have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) when facing the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Frontline doctors have been telling us for weeks that they do not feel safe at work. Intensive care doctors and anaesthetists have told us they have been carrying out the highest-risk procedure, putting a patient on a ventilator, with masks that expired in 2015.
"Paediatricians have told us their stock of protective glasses and masks will run out in 48 hours, including in special-care baby units.
"An acute medical doctor reported the stock of masks had already run out at one trust last weekend. GPs have told us they feel abandoned; many have been left without any protection for weeks and do not even have simple masks to protect them if a patient comes in with symptoms of Covid-19.
"This is unacceptable.
"NHS staff are putting their lives on the line every day they turn up to work. The reality is that many of us will get sick. Doctors are all too aware of the possibility that they will lose colleagues, as has happened in outbreaks around the world. It is therefore deeply upsetting to hear dedicated healthcare professionals say they feel like “cannon fodder”.
"NHS England has stated that the national supply of PPE has been “adequate” and any shortage is a local distribution issue. While this may be the case, it is not encouraging to see NHS England passing the buck.
"We want to see action immediately.
"The supply of PPE in the coming weeks must be stepped up as we see a surge in cases. If it is not, the public will be endangered and dedicated NHS staff could lose their lives. It is time for the prime minister to demonstrate his commitment to the NHS and protect the lives of the life-savers."
Who is Dr Rinesh Parmar
Dr Parmar is a Specialty Registrar in Anaesthetics in the West Midlands.
He has served on a number of doctor groups across the West Midlands and is currently the Deputy Chair of West Midlands British Medical Association Regional Council and serves on BMA UK Council.
On Tuesday NHS England ’s chief operating officer Amanda Pritchard told MPs on the health select committee that there was enough equipment and shortages were only “local issues”.


birminghammail--2020-03-22--Police warn they'll close businesses who ignore shutdown advice

Police have warned business that they will close them down if they ignore the Government 's shutdown advice during the coronavirus outbreak .
Officers will be out and about offering advice and reminders of the new measures in order to protect the public from Covid-19 .
A number of businesses and venues - which includes all pubs , bars and restaurants - were instructed to close from Friday night ( March 20 ) to delay the spread of the deadly bug .
The force has said it has already seen a hugely positive reaction to the measures from understanding licensed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect people from the infection .
But any business reluctant to close as requested will see 'staff advised about their responsibilities ' and the need to maintain the united front to fight off the virus .
There are police powers for those who refuse to accept the advice which can be enforced if necessary .
Chief Superintendent Lee Wharmby said : `` These are unprecedented times and we ’ re all having to make social adjustments at the moment .
`` But these Government measures have been brought in the for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people safe .
`` As a police force we ’ re always at the forefront of co-ordinating a response to major incidents and it ’ s important we do all we can to make sure the advice is followed .
`` We ’ ll have officers on patrol across all of our communities , not just in cities and town centres , to urge businesses to also do their bit and abide by what they ’ ve been asked .
`` The response last night was incredibly positive with businesses closing their doors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I expect this to remain the same during these difficult times as business owners fully support the need to preserve the public ’ s health . ''

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Police have warned business that they will close them down if they ignore the Government's shutdown advice during the coronavirus outbreak.
Officers will be out and about offering advice and reminders of the new measures in order to protect the public from Covid-19.
A number of businesses and venues - which includes all pubs, bars and restaurants - were instructed to close from Friday night (March 20) to delay the spread of the deadly bug.
The force has said it has already seen a hugely positive reaction to the measures from understanding licensed premises - which appreciate the nationwide effort to protect people from the infection.
But any business reluctant to close as requested will see 'staff advised about their responsibilities' and the need to maintain the united front to fight off the virus.
There are police powers for those who refuse to accept the advice which can be enforced if necessary.
Chief Superintendent Lee Wharmby said: "These are unprecedented times and we’re all having to make social adjustments at the moment.
"But these Government measures have been brought in the for a reason - to save lives and keep people safe.
"As a police force we’re always at the forefront of co-ordinating a response to major incidents and it’s important we do all we can to make sure the advice is followed.
"We’ll have officers on patrol across all of our communities, not just in cities and town centres, to urge businesses to also do their bit and abide by what they’ve been asked.
"The response last night was incredibly positive with businesses closing their doors as they had been requested.
"I expect this to remain the same during these difficult times as business owners fully support the need to preserve the public’s health."


birminghammail--2020-03-22--'Fit and healthy' staff nurse fighting for life with coronavirus

A 'fit and healthy ' Walsall staff nurse is fighting for her life in hospital after being diagnosed with coronavirus , her devastated family has said .
Areema Nasreen , a mum-of-three , tested positive for the virus after developing a soaring temperature , body aches and a cough .
The 36-year-old , who has no underlying health conditions , was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital after her condition worsened .
She is now on a ventilator in intensive care - being cared for by the medics she usually works alongside .
Now Areema 's sister has urged people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 'not just the elderly at risk ' .
And she moved to praise the hospital who , she said , have been 'nothing but supportive and amazing ' in their care for her sister , who has worked for the NHS for 16 years .
Areema 's sister Kazeema told BirminghamLive : `` My sister who is an amazing nurse on the front line and who always helps so many has now caught this virus .
She is critically ill in ICU , on a ventilator and fighting for her life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous this is .
My sister is only 36 and is normally fit and healthy .
`` People are not taking this seriously enough .
She is young - it is not just the elderly who are at risk . ''
Areema first became unwell around ten days ago , first suffering with 'body aches ' , a high temperature which could not be brought down and a cough .
`` Her temperature would not go down and her cough was so bad it affected her lungs , '' Kazeema said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they tested her two days ago .
It came back positive and now she is in the Intensive Care Unit at the Manor Hospital .
`` We 're obviously not allowed to visit her but the hospital staff are keeping in touch and updating us as often as possible .
`` Areema loves the NHS .
Her colleagues are like a second family and they have been truly amazing with her - and us .
They are keeping us all strong and doing everything they can for her .
`` The Manor Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there for over 15 years .
She started off as housekeeping , then a Healthcare Assistant and now is qualified as a staff nurse .
`` She is my queen and is truly loved by everyone - always putting others first .
We are heartbroken . ''
The number of people to test positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Saturday was 5,018 - up from 3,983 at 9am on Friday , the Department of Health said .
A total of 72,818 people have been tested , with 67,800 negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll reached 233 on Saturday .
So far , two patients confirmed to have coronavirus have died in Walsall .
The borough 's first coronavirus fatality was a woman in her 80s , who also had underlying health conditions when she contracted the illness .
Walsall 's second coronavirus victim was a 75-year-old man , also suffering from underlying health conditions , who passed away on March 16 .

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A 'fit and healthy' Walsall staff nurse is fighting for her life in hospital after being diagnosed with coronavirus, her devastated family has said.
Areema Nasreen, a mum-of-three, tested positive for the virus after developing a soaring temperature, body aches and a cough.
The 36-year-old, who has no underlying health conditions, was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital after her condition worsened.
She is now on a ventilator in intensive care - being cared for by the medics she usually works alongside.
Now Areema's sister has urged people to take the illness seriously - saying it is 'not just the elderly at risk'.
And she moved to praise the hospital who, she said, have been 'nothing but supportive and amazing' in their care for her sister, who has worked for the NHS for 16 years.
Areema's sister Kazeema told BirminghamLive: "My sister who is an amazing nurse on the front line and who always helps so many has now caught this virus. She is critically ill in ICU, on a ventilator and fighting for her life.
"I want everyone to know how dangerous this is. My sister is only 36 and is normally fit and healthy.
"People are not taking this seriously enough. She is young - it is not just the elderly who are at risk."
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Areema first became unwell around ten days ago, first suffering with 'body aches', a high temperature which could not be brought down and a cough.
"Her temperature would not go down and her cough was so bad it affected her lungs," Kazeema said.
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"Eventually she got taken to hospital and they tested her two days ago. It came back positive and now she is in the Intensive Care Unit at the Manor Hospital.
"We're obviously not allowed to visit her but the hospital staff are keeping in touch and updating us as often as possible.
"Areema loves the NHS. Her colleagues are like a second family and they have been truly amazing with her - and us. They are keeping us all strong and doing everything they can for her.
"The Manor Hospital are brilliant and she has loved working there for over 15 years. She started off as housekeeping, then a Healthcare Assistant and now is qualified as a staff nurse.
"She is my queen and is truly loved by everyone - always putting others first. We are heartbroken."
The number of people to test positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Saturday was 5,018 - up from 3,983 at 9am on Friday, the Department of Health said.
A total of 72,818 people have been tested, with 67,800 negative results. The UK’s Covid-19 death toll reached 233 on Saturday.
So far, two patients confirmed to have coronavirus have died in Walsall.
The borough's first coronavirus fatality was a woman in her 80s, who also had underlying health conditions when she contracted the illness.
She died on Thursday, March 12.
Walsall's second coronavirus victim was a 75-year-old man, also suffering from underlying health conditions, who passed away on March 16.


birminghammail--2020-03-22--Man United fear major backlash over Bellingham transfer - reports

A number of top Premier League clubs could scale back their summer spending in the wake of coronavirus , according to reports .
Top officials at the likes of Manchester United , Liverpool and Chelsea fear there could be a backlash if they ‘ spend what may be viewed as obscene amounts on new players ’ .
The Mirror reports that could scupper the plans of United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp in particular .
With world economies devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic , thousands of deaths from the disease and fans facing huge financial problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be under intense scrutiny when the sport resumes .
One club administrator told The Mirror : “ It won ’ t be a good look if after all that ’ s happening clubs immediately start paying huge transfer fees for new players .
“ I would imagine that conversation is already being had at many clubs who were planning on substantial investments in the market during the summer window .
“ Paying over £100million for a player when the world emerges from the Covid-19 crisis would seem to be inviting trouble .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ like when it does operate again is anyone ’ s guess but you can be certain club ’ s will be treading cautiously.
“ We could even see this being the moment that the transfer market is recalibrated with many in football believing it ’ s lost all sense of reality in the last few years .
“ Players salaries in the future may also come under review by some clubs as football counts the cost of an unprecedented shutdown of the sport.
” If the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an effect on Birmingham City .
Both clubs are believed to be interested in Blues ’ 16-year-old wonderkid Jude Bellingham with recent reports claiming he could be sold for £50million .
If that happens Bellingham will become the most expensive British teenager in history , taking over from England legend Wayne Rooney who joined United for £30million in 2004 .

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Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
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Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A number of top Premier League clubs could scale back their summer spending in the wake of coronavirus, according to reports.
Top officials at the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea fear there could be a backlash if they ‘spend what may be viewed as obscene amounts on new players’.
The Mirror reports that could scupper the plans of United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp in particular.
(Image: Getty Images)
With world economies devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic, thousands of deaths from the disease and fans facing huge financial problems caused by the health crisis, football will be under intense scrutiny when the sport resumes.
One club administrator told The Mirror: “It won’t be a good look if after all that’s happening clubs immediately start paying huge transfer fees for new players.
“I would imagine that conversation is already being had at many clubs who were planning on substantial investments in the market during the summer window.
“Paying over £100million for a player when the world emerges from the Covid-19 crisis would seem to be inviting trouble.
“What the transfer window will look like when it does operate again is anyone’s guess but you can be certain club’s will be treading cautiously.“We could even see this being the moment that the transfer market is recalibrated with many in football believing it’s lost all sense of reality in the last few years.
“Players salaries in the future may also come under review by some clubs as football counts the cost of an unprecedented shutdown of the sport.”
If the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool do rein in the spending that could have an effect on Birmingham City.
Both clubs are believed to be interested in Blues’ 16-year-old wonderkid Jude Bellingham with recent reports claiming he could be sold for £50million.
If that happens Bellingham will become the most expensive British teenager in history, taking over from England legend Wayne Rooney who joined United for £30million in 2004.


birminghammail--2020-03-22--'Fascinated' - Wolves star makes bold Man United transfer claim

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Ruben Vinagre feels Bruno Fernandes is now the Manchester United benchmark , just two months after arriving at Old Trafford .
The Portuguese midfielder has wowed United fans and neutrals alike with his impressive performances following his January transfers .
He scooped the February player of the month , with two goals and three assists in his first six Premier League appearances .
Fernandes made his debut vs Wolves at Old Trafford , a team with a rich Portuguese influence of its own .
Nuno Espirito Santo 's squad has eight players from Fernandes ' home nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has heaped praise on the former Sporting star .
Asked if Fernandes deserved the rich plaudits coming his way , Vinagre told Record : `` Yes , yes .
`` There is a unanimity around Bruno Fernandes .
`` I think the press and the fans are fascinated with what he has demonstrated and rightly so .
Bruno arrived in England , saw and won.
” Vinagre went on to admit that he was not surprised by his compatriot 's fast start to life in the Premier League .
`` No , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed Sporting and it was clear that Bruno was a different player .
`` And the truth is that he arrived here and made a big impact on the team .
`` He has established himself as a Manchester United benchmark and is undoubtedly managing to play that role well . ''

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Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Ruben Vinagre feels Bruno Fernandes is now the Manchester United benchmark, just two months after arriving at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese midfielder has wowed United fans and neutrals alike with his impressive performances following his January transfers.
He scooped the February player of the month, with two goals and three assists in his first six Premier League appearances.
(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Fernandes made his debut vs Wolves at Old Trafford, a team with a rich Portuguese influence of its own. Nuno Espirito Santo's squad has eight players from Fernandes' home nation and one of those, Vinagre, has heaped praise on the former Sporting star.
Asked if Fernandes deserved the rich plaudits coming his way, Vinagre told Record: "Yes, yes.
"There is a unanimity around Bruno Fernandes.
"I think the press and the fans are fascinated with what he has demonstrated and rightly so. Bruno arrived in England, saw and won.”
Vinagre went on to admit that he was not surprised by his compatriot's fast start to life in the Premier League.
"No, it didn’t surprise me. I followed Sporting and it was clear that Bruno was a different player.
"And the truth is that he arrived here and made a big impact on the team.
"He has established himself as a Manchester United benchmark and is undoubtedly managing to play that role well."