birminghammail--2020-04-30--GMB meets 6-month-old baby who beat coronavirus after 14 days in hospital

Good Morning Britain viewers have been left emotional this morning as a mum revealed how her baby had beaten Covid-19 .
The baby , at just six months old , appeared with her mum on the ITV1 daytime favourite .
During Thursday 's instalment , the mother of Erin Bates , who was born with a heart condition , revealed she was diagnosed with coronavirus in April .
She says she was rushed to hospital , before eventually beating the bug , which has claimed the lives of over 22,000 Brits .
Emma said : `` She 's fantastic she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were frightened as it 's the unknown we did n't know if she would be okay with the virus or struggle .
`` She battled open heart surgery and respiratory problems with her airways and lungs but she 's just battled on .
`` I actually isolated with Erin in a room , so I spent the full 14 days with her , but all the staff were really supportive when we went into isolation . ''
Emma said : `` Unfortunately he was n't able to see Erin but we facetimed everyday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep in contact . ''
Two of the nurses at Alder Hey Hospital , who treated Erin , joined the interview and Emma told them : `` You 've done everything you can for us and you 've gone above and beyond .
`` Erin is on CPAP mask because she has respiratory problems with her airways , her heart is quite hard against her chest , so this mask is helping her breathe and not struggle .
`` Over the next sixth months were hoping we can wean her off it .
@

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Good Morning Britain viewers have been left emotional this morning as a mum revealed how her baby had beaten Covid-19.
The baby, at just six months old, appeared with her mum on the ITV1 daytime favourite.
During Thursday's instalment, the mother of Erin Bates, who was born with a heart condition, revealed she was diagnosed with coronavirus in April.
She says she was rushed to hospital, before eventually beating the bug, which has claimed the lives of over 22,000 Brits.
Emma said: "She's fantastic she's doing really well.
"We were frightened as it's the unknown we didn't know if she would be okay with the virus or struggle.
"She battled open heart surgery and respiratory problems with her airways and lungs but she's just battled on.
"I actually isolated with Erin in a room, so I spent the full 14 days with her, but all the staff were really supportive when we went into isolation."
Emma said: "Unfortunately he wasn't able to see Erin but we facetimed everyday, so fortunately we were able to keep in contact."
(Image: Emma Bates/Facebook)
Two of the nurses at Alder Hey Hospital, who treated Erin, joined the interview and Emma told them: "You've done everything you can for us and you've gone above and beyond.
"Erin is on CPAP mask because she has respiratory problems with her airways, her heart is quite hard against her chest, so this mask is helping her breathe and not struggle.
"Over the next sixth months were hoping we can wean her off it."


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Liam Gallagher's scathing verdict as Noel releases unheard Oasis song

Liam Gallagher has delivered his scathing assessment as Oasis release a song previously thought to have been lost .
The track was dropped at midnight after Noel Gallagher discovered it among a trove of unmarked CDs at his home .
Do n't Stop was never released or worked into a full studio recording .
The only known previous recording of the song is from a soundcheck at an Oasis concert in Hong Kong `` about 15 years ago , '' according to Gallagher .
He is not sure of the demo 's actual recording date .
But Liam hit back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gon na release old demos make sure im singing on it and boneheads playing guitar on it if not it ’ s not worth a w*** as you were LG x Do n't Stop ... was released on Oasis 's YouTube page on Thursday , almost 11 years since the band 's acrimonious break-up .
Written and sung by Gallagher , the song is almost five minutes in length and includes the lyrics : `` Lazy days and sunny rays will guide me .
Back home to where I belong .
If God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me a space .
And I hope I 'll be singing this song . ''
Explaining his discovery , Gallagher , 52 , tweeted : `` I 've had infinite time to kill lately so I thought I 'd finally look and find out what was actually on the hundreds of faceless unmarked CDs I 've got lying around at home .
`` As fate would have it , I have stumbled across an old demo which I thought had been lost for ever . ''
He added : `` Hope everyone is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown with a minimum of fuss .
You 're welcome by the way . ''
The newly discovered song reignited calls for an Oasis reunion , though there would appear to be a dim chance of it happening considering the bitter relationship between Noel and brother Liam , 47 .
Speaking to British Vogue about a possible reunion last month , Gallagher said : `` I 've often thought , 'Let 's just do a gig . '
But I realised I would only be doing it to shut this f***ing idiot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could come up with was burning his house down or smashing his car in ... but that 's not going to solve anything , is it ? ''

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Liam Gallagher has delivered his scathing assessment as Oasis release a song previously thought to have been lost.
The track was dropped at midnight after Noel Gallagher discovered it among a trove of unmarked CDs at his home.
Don't Stop was never released or worked into a full studio recording.
The only known previous recording of the song is from a soundcheck at an Oasis concert in Hong Kong "about 15 years ago," according to Gallagher.
He is not sure of the demo's actual recording date.
But Liam hit back: "Oi tofu boy if your gonna release old demos make sure im singing on it and boneheads playing guitar on it if not it’s not worth a w*** as you were LG x
Don't Stop... was released on Oasis's YouTube page on Thursday, almost 11 years since the band's acrimonious break-up.
Written and sung by Gallagher, the song is almost five minutes in length and includes the lyrics: "Lazy days and sunny rays will guide me. Back home to where I belong. If God gives me grace then he will find me a space. And I hope I'll be singing this song."
Explaining his discovery, Gallagher, 52, tweeted: "I've had infinite time to kill lately so I thought I'd finally look and find out what was actually on the hundreds of faceless unmarked CDs I've got lying around at home.
"As fate would have it, I have stumbled across an old demo which I thought had been lost for ever."
He added: "Hope everyone is staying safe and trying to ride out the lockdown with a minimum of fuss. You're welcome by the way."
(Image: BBC)
The newly discovered song reignited calls for an Oasis reunion, though there would appear to be a dim chance of it happening considering the bitter relationship between Noel and brother Liam, 47.
Speaking to British Vogue about a possible reunion last month, Gallagher said: "I've often thought, 'Let's just do a gig.' But I realised I would only be doing it to shut this f***ing idiot up.
"The only other thing I could come up with was burning his house down or smashing his car in... but that's not going to solve anything, is it?"


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Lockdown challenge will raise charity cash

Tamworth woman Margaret Rowley has set herself a lockdown challenge with a difference – she is knitting a rainbow scarf .
But this is no ordinary scarf – it already measures a whopping 25 feet and she plans to continue adding to it until the end of June !
It is not just a craft project for Margaret – she is doing it as a tribute to keyworkers – and to raise money for local mental health charity , Changes .
Mother of five Margaret , whose daughter and son-in-law are nurses , told the Herald : “ I knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I decided to knit a rainbow scarf .
But I had so many donations of wool that the scarf was getting longer and longer and I then decided to make it as long as could – the keyworkers are going the extra distance for us – and my scarf is also going the extra distance .
I ’ ve been knitting it for three weeks now – it ’ s already about 25 feet long and I ’ ve still a long way to go – I plan to finish it by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted the project to raise money for a local charity and I decided on Changes as there are bound to be a lot of people who need help with their mental health .
I ’ ve had lots of donations – even one from my sister who lives in Canada – and every penny I raise is going to Changes.
” When the scarf is finished , Margaret plans to hold a ‘ guess the length of the scarf ’ competition with people paying £1 to have a guess and be in with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prizes .
So far , people have been sponsoring the scarf on Facebook – and almost £200 has already been donated .
Margaret added : “ I ’ m knitting most days – I go out for a short local walk , then when I have done my walk and have tidied up , I start knitting.
” If you wish to sponsor Margaret ’ s knit-a-thon , you can do so via Facebook .

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Tamworth woman Margaret Rowley has set herself a lockdown challenge with a difference – she is knitting a rainbow scarf.
But this is no ordinary scarf – it already measures a whopping 25 feet and she plans to continue adding to it until the end of June!
It is not just a craft project for Margaret – she is doing it as a tribute to keyworkers – and to raise money for local mental health charity, Changes.
Mother of five Margaret, whose daughter and son-in-law are nurses, told the Herald: “I knew I needed to do something to help and I decided to knit a rainbow scarf. But I had so many donations of wool that the scarf was getting longer and longer and I then decided to make it as long as could – the keyworkers are going the extra distance for us – and my scarf is also going the extra distance. I’ve been knitting it for three weeks now – it’s already about 25 feet long and I’ve still a long way to go – I plan to finish it by the end of June.”
“I wanted the project to raise money for a local charity and I decided on Changes as there are bound to be a lot of people who need help with their mental health. I’ve had lots of donations – even one from my sister who lives in Canada – and every penny I raise is going to Changes.”
When the scarf is finished, Margaret plans to hold a ‘guess the length of the scarf’ competition with people paying £1 to have a guess and be in with the chance of winning one of three prizes.
So far, people have been sponsoring the scarf on Facebook – and almost £200 has already been donated.
Margaret added: “I’m knitting most days – I go out for a short local walk, then when I have done my walk and have tidied up, I start knitting.”
If you wish to sponsor Margaret’s knit-a-thon, you can do so via Facebook.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Essential workers we depend on during covid-19 crisis are also the lowest paid

They 're the people that we depend on to keep us safe and fed during the coronavirus pandemic .
But Britain 's essential workers are paid less than other employeers - and there are 363,000 key workers in the West Midlands region earning less than £10 an hour .
The pay gap is highlighted by trade union body the TUC in a new report today .
Researchers looked at the wages earned by people officially classed as essential workers during the coronavirus crisis .
These are the people who are allowed to continue sending their children to school so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they are considered vital to the nation 's wellbeing .
The Government also recently announced that key workers are eligible to apply for coronavirus tests .
The aim is to ensure people who have a minor illness such as a cold can go back to work , once tests confirm they do not have the covid-19 virus .
This mght suggest that essential workers are the people we need most .
But research by the TUC found 42 % in the West Midlands region , more than four in 10 , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , 3 in 10 non-key workers .
are paid less than £10 an hour .
Women are much more likely than men to be key workers and , when they are , are much more likely to be on low pay .
In social care , 7 in 10 workers earn less than £10 an hour .
The TUC is calling for the minimum wage to be increased to £10 an hour for everyone .
The `` national living wage '' , effectively the minimum wage , is currently £8.72 for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for younger workers .
The Government has said it aims to increase the National Living Wage to two thirds of median earnin s , which is expected to bring it to £10.50.
, but not until 2024 .
It is also calling on the goverment to ban zero-hours contracts and stamp out false self-employment , and to increase sick pay to the real living wage and make sure everyone can get it from day one .
TUC Regional Secretary Lee Barron said : “ Everyone who ’ s kept Britain going through this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frontline workers are putting their own health on the line to look after the rest of us .
They ’ re caring for the sick and vulnerable , getting us to work , keeping our shelves stocked and our vital services running .
“ Now it ’ s time for ministers to give key workers a proper thank you .
And that means getting money into their pockets now .
“ The government must give all key workers the pay , conditions and respect they deserve .
That ’ s how to really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crisis.
” Jack Dromey , Labour MP for BIrmingham Erdington , said : `` It is absolutely wrong that many of the heroes in the battle against coronavirus are on poverty pay .
`` For some essential workers , they are literally the difference between life and death .
For others they are delivery drivers who keep the supply of food running .
`` The people of Birmingham and Britain will want to say 'thank you ' .
The time has come for that £10 an hour living wage for all workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conincide with May 1 , International Workers Day .
Who counts as an essential worker ?
Here 's the Government 's list of essential workers keeping the country going during the pandemic : • all NHS and social care staff , including : • doctors , nurses , midwives , paramedics , social workers , care workers , and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers • the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK ’ s health and social care sector • those working as part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including producers and distributors of medicines , and medical and personal protective equipment • NHS Blood and Transplant frontline staff ( blood donation staff , specialist nurses for organ donation , staff running therapeutic apheresis services in NHS hospitals ) • those providing ancillary support to NHS workers ( such as hotel accommodation for NHS staff ) • essential public services staff , including : • those responsible for the management of the deceased • public health and environmental staff , such as specialist community public health nursing • public safety and national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Defence civilians , contractors and armed forces personnel ( those critical to the delivery of critical defence and national security outputs and critical to the response to the coronavirus pandemic ) , including defence medical staff • National Crime Agency staff , those maintaining border security , prison and probation staff and other national security roles , including those overseas • British Transport Police and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency • transport workers , including : • those who keep the air , water , road and rail passenger and freight transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass • critical personnel in the production and distribution of food , drink and essential goods , including : • those involved in food production , processing , distribution , sale and delivery • those critical to the provision of other essential goods , such as medical supply chain and distribution workers , including community pharmacy and testing ( such as PHE labs ) , and veterinary medicine • workers critical to the continuity of essential movement of goods • local and national government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus response , or delivering essential public services , such as the payment of benefits • public and environmental health staff , including in government agencies and arm ’ s length bodies • frontline local authority staff and volunteers , including • those working with vulnerable children and adults , victims of domestic abuse , and the homeless and rough sleepers ( and hotel staff supporting these groups ) • utilities , communication and financial services staff , including : • staff needed for essential financial services provision ( including but not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ societies and financial market infrastructure ) • information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the coronavirus response • essential staff working in the civil nuclear , chemicals , telecommunications ( including but not limited to network operations , field engineering , call centre staff , IT and data infrastructure , 999 and 111 essential services ) , postal services and delivery , payments providers and waste disposal sectors

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They're the people that we depend on to keep us safe and fed during the coronavirus pandemic. But Britain's essential workers are paid less than other employeers - and there are 363,000 key workers in the West Midlands region earning less than £10 an hour.
The pay gap is highlighted by trade union body the TUC in a new report today.
Researchers looked at the wages earned by people officially classed as essential workers during the coronavirus crisis. These are the people who are allowed to continue sending their children to school so that they can go out to work, because they are considered vital to the nation's wellbeing.
The Government also recently announced that key workers are eligible to apply for coronavirus tests. The aim is to ensure people who have a minor illness such as a cold can go back to work, once tests confirm they do not have the covid-19 virus.
This mght suggest that essential workers are the people we need most. But research by the TUC found 42% in the West Midlands region, more than four in 10, are paid less than £10 an hour.
Meanwhile, 3 in 10 non-key workers. are paid less than £10 an hour.
Women are much more likely than men to be key workers and, when they are, are much more likely to be on low pay. In social care, 7 in 10 workers earn less than £10 an hour.
The TUC is calling for the minimum wage to be increased to £10 an hour for everyone. The "national living wage", effectively the minimum wage, is currently £8.72 for people aged 25 and over, and lower for younger workers.
The Government has said it aims to increase the National Living Wage to two thirds of median earnin s, which is expected to bring it to £10.50., but not until 2024.
It is also calling on the goverment to ban zero-hours contracts and stamp out false self-employment, and to increase sick pay to the real living wage and make sure everyone can get it from day one.
TUC Regional Secretary Lee Barron said: “Everyone who’s kept Britain going through this pandemic deserves a pay rise.
“Frontline workers are putting their own health on the line to look after the rest of us. They’re caring for the sick and vulnerable, getting us to work, keeping our shelves stocked and our vital services running.
“Now it’s time for ministers to give key workers a proper thank you. And that means getting money into their pockets now.
“The government must give all key workers the pay, conditions and respect they deserve. That’s how to really thank the people who got us through this crisis.”
Jack Dromey, Labour MP for BIrmingham Erdington, said: "It is absolutely wrong that many of the heroes in the battle against coronavirus are on poverty pay.
"For some essential workers, they are literally the difference between life and death. For others they are delivery drivers who keep the supply of food running.
"The people of Birmingham and Britain will want to say 'thank you'. The time has come for that £10 an hour living wage for all workers."
The survery was published to conincide with May 1, International Workers Day.
Who counts as an essential worker?
Here's the Government's list of essential workers keeping the country going during the pandemic:


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Ice-cool fireman wins £20k on Beat The Chasers

He knows how to stay cool in a crisis - and 999 hero Robin Hendon was on fire as he spanked Britain 's best quizzers to walk away with a £20,000 fortune .
The Walsall firefighter faced down the feared quartet of Mark Labbett , Jenny Ryan , Paul Sinha and Shaun Wallace on ITV 's Beat The Chasers tonight , Thursday , April 30 .
Robin built up a respectable £3,000 in the cash builder round but decided to gamble for the chance of bagging a bigger prize in the head-to-head .
That meant he was faced with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To stay focused , Robin kept his eyes firmly fixed on host Bradley Walsh as he fired out the questions - and his technique paid off as he clinched the cash with six seconds left to spare .
A new front door is top of his shopping list - but pledged to spend the rest on something `` less mundane '' .
Explaining his tactics , the keen quizzer said : `` I ’ m a fan of The Chase – whenever we get the chance at the fire station we like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see who can get the most questions right .
`` So , when the opportunity came up to apply for this I thought it would be a good idea .
The idea of being on a brand new show appealed .
`` It was all about the time advantage for me .
It was down to the time rather than how many Chasers I was up against .
`` A couple of the questions , I didn ’ t take them all in , so a few times I just chucked in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I ’ d heard , as I didn ’ t want to waste time asking for Bradley to repeat the question . ''
He said his West Midlands Fire Service colleagues helped him prepare for the show , adding : `` Occasionally I took a pack of quiz questions to work and the lads would ask me them .
I ’ m not sure I learnt much more than I knew already .
I ’ m at that age now , there ’ s only so much that can go in .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite impressed I did OK on there – I don ’ t think I did too badly . ''
Robin said as he 'd spend a portion of his winnings on a new front door but vowed to spent the rest on `` something less mundane '' .

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He knows how to stay cool in a crisis - and 999 hero Robin Hendon was on fire as he spanked Britain's best quizzers to walk away with a £20,000 fortune.
The Walsall firefighter faced down the feared quartet of Mark Labbett, Jenny Ryan, Paul Sinha and Shaun Wallace on ITV's Beat The Chasers tonight, Thursday, April 30.
Robin built up a respectable £3,000 in the cash builder round but decided to gamble for the chance of bagging a bigger prize in the head-to-head.
(Image: ITV)
That meant he was faced with the daunting prospect of facing the megamind quizzers.
To stay focused, Robin kept his eyes firmly fixed on host Bradley Walsh as he fired out the questions - and his technique paid off as he clinched the cash with six seconds left to spare.
A new front door is top of his shopping list - but pledged to spend the rest on something "less mundane".
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Explaining his tactics, the keen quizzer said: "I’m a fan of The Chase – whenever we get the chance at the fire station we like to watch it and challenge each other to see who can get the most questions right.
"So, when the opportunity came up to apply for this I thought it would be a good idea. The idea of being on a brand new show appealed.
(Image: PA)
"It was all about the time advantage for me. It was down to the time rather than how many Chasers I was up against.
"A couple of the questions, I didn’t take them all in, so a few times I just chucked in an answer I thought was appropriate to what I’d heard, as I didn’t want to waste time asking for Bradley to repeat the question."
He said his West Midlands Fire Service colleagues helped him prepare for the show, adding: "Occasionally I took a pack of quiz questions to work and the lads would ask me them. I’m not sure I learnt much more than I knew already. I’m at that age now, there’s only so much that can go in.
"I think hopefully people will be quite impressed I did OK on there – I don’t think I did too badly."
Robin said as he'd spend a portion of his winnings on a new front door but vowed to spent the rest on "something less mundane".


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Kate Garraway says husband 'still with us' as he fights for life with Covid-19

Kate Garraway has said her husband Derek Draper is `` still with us but what a battle it is '' after he was admitted to hospital with coronavirus .
Alongside a video clip of her taking part in the Clap for Carers , she wrote : `` So much to be grateful for tonight .
`` Derek is still with us but what a battle it is .
So grateful too for our amazing NHS doing so much for Derek every day - wonderful to see all the support for them and our key workers every Thursday . ''
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during this ghastly time , particularly all those struggling for whatever reason - none of this is easy .
`` Thank you so much for your messages - they mean so much to me . ''
He said : `` She 's wanted to share the fact that she 's been able to speak with Derek in the evenings in a coma .
`` She 's been able to share music with him , talk to him and support him .
`` It 's tough , it 's really , really tough because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Hilary Jones also praised on Kate for how she 's holding things together as she continues to post to Instagram every Thursday to thank the NHS following clap for carers .
`` Kate has been incredibly strong , she sends her love to everyone else whose loved ones are critical as well ... everybody sends love and support to her , '' he said .

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Kate Garraway has said her husband Derek Draper is "still with us but what a battle it is" after he was admitted to hospital with coronavirus.
Alongside a video clip of her taking part in the Clap for Carers, she wrote: "So much to be grateful for tonight.
"Derek is still with us but what a battle it is. So grateful too for our amazing NHS doing so much for Derek every day - wonderful to see all the support for them and our key workers every Thursday."
She added: "Sending love to everyone during this ghastly time, particularly all those struggling for whatever reason - none of this is easy.
"Thank you so much for your messages - they mean so much to me."
Kate's GMB co-host Ben Shephard updated viewers about Derek's critical condition on Friday.
He said: "She's wanted to share the fact that she's been able to speak with Derek in the evenings in a coma.
"She's been able to share music with him, talk to him and support him.
"It's tough, it's really, really tough because he's critically ill."
ITV's Dr Hilary Jones also praised on Kate for how she's holding things together as she continues to post to Instagram every Thursday to thank the NHS following clap for carers.
"Kate has been incredibly strong, she sends her love to everyone else whose loved ones are critical as well... everybody sends love and support to her," he said.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Boris Johnson hints Brits could be made to wear face masks when lockdown lifted

Boris Johnson has suggested that the use of face coverings could be advised as part of measures to ease the lockdown .
The Prime Minister said on Thursday that they will be `` useful '' both for stemming the disease as well as `` giving people confidence '' that they can go back to work .
Mr Johnson , in his first Downing Street press conference since being stricken with Covid-19 , said that the UK is `` past the peak of this disease '' and `` on the downward slope '' .
He promised to deliver a `` comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get people back to work and children back to school , after taking advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) .
Part of this , he said in response to a question , could be the use of face coverings , using the term which sets them apart from medical-quality masks .
`` What I think Sage is saying , and what I certainly agree with , is that as part of coming out of the lockdown , I do think that face coverings will be useful both for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence they can go back to work , '' the PM said .
There has been some concern that individuals may be overly cautious about returning to work when measures are eased , after weeks of strong messaging from the Government .
Experts have argued that coverings are unlikely to prevent an individual from contracting the virus , but may reduce the number of infected people who are not showing symptoms from spreading Covid-19 .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already recommended people in Scotland wear coverings in places where staying two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in shops and on public transport .
But chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has said there is only `` quite weak '' evidence to show that masks help prevent the transmission of coronavirus .
Concerns have also been raised that strong public uptake of masks could deprive NHS and other essential workers from having the protective equipment they need .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove on Wednesday said the Government was anxious that people may act in a `` cavalier '' way if told to wear masks .
`` The scientific evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an effect in preventing an individual from spreading the disease to others if they have it and are asymptomatic , '' he told MPs .
`` But there is also a worry that some people may think that wearing a mask protects themselves , as distinct to protecting others , and therefore they may behave in a manner that is slightly more cavalier . ''
London Mayor Sadiq Khan , who has been calling for wider use of coverings , welcomed Mr Johnson 's announcement .
`` I am pleased that the Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will play an important role as we eventually look to lift lockdown restrictions , '' the Labour mayor said .

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Boris Johnson has suggested that the use of face coverings could be advised as part of measures to ease the lockdown.
The Prime Minister said on Thursday that they will be "useful" both for stemming the disease as well as "giving people confidence" that they can go back to work.
Mr Johnson, in his first Downing Street press conference since being stricken with Covid-19, said that the UK is "past the peak of this disease" and "on the downward slope".
He promised to deliver a "comprehensive plan" next week on how to get people back to work and children back to school, after taking advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage).
Part of this, he said in response to a question, could be the use of face coverings, using the term which sets them apart from medical-quality masks.
"What I think Sage is saying, and what I certainly agree with, is that as part of coming out of the lockdown, I do think that face coverings will be useful both for epidemiological reasons but also for giving people confidence they can go back to work," the PM said.
There has been some concern that individuals may be overly cautious about returning to work when measures are eased, after weeks of strong messaging from the Government.
Experts have argued that coverings are unlikely to prevent an individual from contracting the virus, but may reduce the number of infected people who are not showing symptoms from spreading Covid-19.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already recommended people in Scotland wear coverings in places where staying two metres apart was challenging, such as in shops and on public transport.
But chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has said there is only "quite weak" evidence to show that masks help prevent the transmission of coronavirus.
Concerns have also been raised that strong public uptake of masks could deprive NHS and other essential workers from having the protective equipment they need.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove on Wednesday said the Government was anxious that people may act in a "cavalier" way if told to wear masks.
"The scientific evidence so far says face coverings can have an effect in preventing an individual from spreading the disease to others if they have it and are asymptomatic," he told MPs.
"But there is also a worry that some people may think that wearing a mask protects themselves, as distinct to protecting others, and therefore they may behave in a manner that is slightly more cavalier."
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has been calling for wider use of coverings, welcomed Mr Johnson's announcement.
"I am pleased that the Prime Minister has said that non-medical face coverings will play an important role as we eventually look to lift lockdown restrictions," the Labour mayor said.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--'Naked carpenter' jailed again over exposing himself in public

A notorious `` naked carpenter '' with a history of exposing himself in public while claiming to be a naturist has received another prison sentence .
Robert Jenner laughed and called himself `` Mr Inappropriate '' when he was confronted by officers in January this year , who spotted him strolling through Maidstone in `` transparent '' mesh trousers .
This came just months after his release from prison part-way through a two-year sentence for 10 indecent exposure offences .
The ex-soldier , who gained fame for his carpentry exploits in the nude , claims that the problem lies with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not with him .
Now 45 , Jenner appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday to be sentenced for indecent exposure , breaching a criminal behaviour order and sending an offensive communication .
Speaking to the hearing , which was held over Skype , prosecutor Daniel Stevenson outlined how Jenner was caught by police walking through Maidstone town centre in Kent late on January 20 .
He said : `` He was wearing transparent mesh trousers and no underwear .
His genitals were clearly visible .
`` When asked if he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied 'socks ' . ''
The court heard he had just been drinking at a local Wetherspoons pub before he was spotted by police .
Mr Stevenson added : `` He claims to be a naturist and claims the right to be naked in public places .
`` He got some notoriety as the naked carpenter . ''
Defence barrister John FitzGerald said there were `` more serious examples '' of exposure than that carried out by Jenner .
He said : `` This is not a case concerning raised harm .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross the custody threshold . ''
Mr FitzGerald told the court that Jenner is a former soldier in the Princess of Wales regiment , serving for ten years and seeing combat during a tour of Iraq .
Sentencing Jenner , Judge Julian Smith addressed his military past : `` No doubt for many years you put society in your debt . ''
However he raised the fact that Jenner was jailed in 2019 and these offences occurred when he was released on licence .
He said : `` You have shown no reflection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with those who were offended by your actions and not your actions themselves . ''
Jenner is a serving prisoner at HMP Garth in Lancashire , having been recalled .
For the latest offences he was jailed for 12 months .

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A notorious "naked carpenter" with a history of exposing himself in public while claiming to be a naturist has received another prison sentence.
Robert Jenner laughed and called himself "Mr Inappropriate" when he was confronted by officers in January this year, who spotted him strolling through Maidstone in "transparent" mesh trousers.
This came just months after his release from prison part-way through a two-year sentence for 10 indecent exposure offences.
The ex-soldier, who gained fame for his carpentry exploits in the nude, claims that the problem lies with those who are offended by his nakedness and not with him.
Now 45, Jenner appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday to be sentenced for indecent exposure, breaching a criminal behaviour order and sending an offensive communication.
(Image: Daily Mirror)
Speaking to the hearing, which was held over Skype, prosecutor Daniel Stevenson outlined how Jenner was caught by police walking through Maidstone town centre in Kent late on January 20.
He said: "He was wearing transparent mesh trousers and no underwear. His genitals were clearly visible.
"When asked if he was wearing anything under his trousers, he replied 'socks'."
The court heard he had just been drinking at a local Wetherspoons pub before he was spotted by police.
Mr Stevenson added: "He claims to be a naturist and claims the right to be naked in public places.
"He got some notoriety as the naked carpenter."
Defence barrister John FitzGerald said there were "more serious examples" of exposure than that carried out by Jenner.
He said: "This is not a case concerning raised harm. On its own [it] does not cross the custody threshold."
Mr FitzGerald told the court that Jenner is a former soldier in the Princess of Wales regiment, serving for ten years and seeing combat during a tour of Iraq.
Sentencing Jenner, Judge Julian Smith addressed his military past: "No doubt for many years you put society in your debt."
However he raised the fact that Jenner was jailed in 2019 and these offences occurred when he was released on licence.
He said: "You have shown no reflection or remorse and claim the problem is with those who were offended by your actions and not your actions themselves."
Jenner is a serving prisoner at HMP Garth in Lancashire, having been recalled.
For the latest offences he was jailed for 12 months.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Lord Sugar condemned over sharing coronavirus conspiracy theory

Lord Sugar has been criticised for sharing a coronavirus conspiracy theory on social media .
The Apprentice star tweeted a claim purported to be from a Japanese scientist saying that Covid-19 was man-made .
A statement on their website said : `` Various posts on Facebook claim that the Nobel Prize-winning scientist Professor Tasuku Honjo has said that coronavirus is 'not natural ' .
`` The claim was also shared on Twitter , including by Lord Sugar .
`` We 've been asked to check this by lots of readers .
Lord Sugar later tweeted to say that he believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news '' , but defended his decision to share it .
He wrote : `` I just passed it on .
I did n't write it . ''
When Lord Sugar was asked by one Twitter user what the source of the information in his original tweet was , he replied `` who knows ? ''
In a separate post addressing someone who had told him to `` concentrate on removing fake news from your feed '' , he said : `` Shut your face . ''
According to Full Fact , earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about him being used to spread unfounded conspiracy theories .
It said : `` In the wake of the pain , economic loss , and unprecedented global suffering caused by the Covid-19 pandemic , I am greatly saddened that my name and that of Kyoto University have been used to spread false accusations and misinformation . ''
On Wednesday , Digital , Culture , Media and Sport minister Baroness Barran urged celebrities not to `` fan the flames '' around coronavirus by spreading misinformation .
She also stated the need for people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House of Lords warned of a rise in `` fake news '' .
On Monday , Conservative MP Julian Knight , who chairs the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport Committee suggested that Twitter should remove the verified `` blue tick '' status for accounts that shared misinformation about the pandemic .
He told the Commons : `` Some of the most pernicious pieces of disinformation - such as 5G and , let 's be frank , the lie about the Government 's fake NHS accounts - have been amplified by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Lord Sugar has been contacted for comment .

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Lord Sugar has been criticised for sharing a coronavirus conspiracy theory on social media.
The Apprentice star tweeted a claim purported to be from a Japanese scientist saying that Covid-19 was man-made.
Independent fact-checking charity Full Fact later debunked the claims.
A statement on their website said: "Various posts on Facebook claim that the Nobel Prize-winning scientist Professor Tasuku Honjo has said that coronavirus is 'not natural'.
"The claim was also shared on Twitter, including by Lord Sugar.
"We've been asked to check this by lots of readers.
"This claim is false."
(Image: PA Photo/BBC/Boundless/Ray Burmiston)
Lord Sugar later tweeted to say that he believed his earlier tweet to be "fake news", but defended his decision to share it.
He wrote: "I just passed it on. I didn't write it."
When Lord Sugar was asked by one Twitter user what the source of the information in his original tweet was, he replied "who knows?"
In a separate post addressing someone who had told him to "concentrate on removing fake news from your feed", he said: "Shut your face."
According to Full Fact, earlier this week Professor Honjo released a statement about him being used to spread unfounded conspiracy theories.
It said: "In the wake of the pain, economic loss, and unprecedented global suffering caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, I am greatly saddened that my name and that of Kyoto University have been used to spread false accusations and misinformation."
On Wednesday, Digital, Culture, Media and Sport minister Baroness Barran urged celebrities not to "fan the flames" around coronavirus by spreading misinformation.
She also stated the need for people to follow public health guidance as members of the House of Lords warned of a rise in "fake news".
On Monday, Conservative MP Julian Knight, who chairs the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee suggested that Twitter should remove the verified "blue tick" status for accounts that shared misinformation about the pandemic.
He told the Commons: "Some of the most pernicious pieces of disinformation - such as 5G and, let's be frank, the lie about the Government's fake NHS accounts - have been amplified by blue tick verified users on Twitter."
Lord Sugar has been contacted for comment.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Watch - Another huge outpouring of support as the Midlands claps for carers

For the sixth week running , people across the Midlands united to put their hands together for NHS staff and care workers .
Banging pots , air horns and rapturous applause rang out as the clock struck 8pm .
West Midlands Railway 's Tyseley team joined in with the help of a train while Billesley Police turned out to Maypole Grove Care Home in Maypole , to show their appreciation for the hard-working staff .
They tweeted : `` Tonight we attended Maypole Grove Care Home to say THANK YOU to all NHS Staff , Carers and Key Workers ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents with a lot of noise made . ''
And at Walsall Manor Hospital , NHS staff - some wearing face masks - joined together to support colleagues fighting on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19 .
The show of support came hours after the UK 's Covid-19 death toll rose to 26,711 with 473 new fatalities reported in UK hospitals in the last 24 hours .
England had 391 new deaths , Scotland reported 60 and Wales had 22 in its hospitals , bringing the hospital death toll to 22,852 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it also includes fatalities in care homes , private homes and hospices .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK had 'passed the peak ' of the pandemic and was heading on a downward slope as new cases and deaths dropped .
But Prof Chris Whitty also confirmed `` we are nowhere near the end of this epidemic '' .
And he said it was fruitless to compare the UK 's statistics with those of other countries as each nation measured its figures differently .
Prof Whitty added there were concerns that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical conditions other than coronavirus , such as strokes and cancer but advised people to ensure advice was sought .

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For the sixth week running, people across the Midlands united to put their hands together for NHS staff and care workers.
Banging pots, air horns and rapturous applause rang out as the clock struck 8pm.
West Midlands Railway's Tyseley team joined in with the help of a train while Billesley Police turned out to Maypole Grove Care Home in Maypole, to show their appreciation for the hard-working staff.
They tweeted: "Tonight we attended Maypole Grove Care Home to say THANK YOU to all NHS Staff, Carers and Key Workers..... a great reception by staff and residents with a lot of noise made ."
And at Walsall Manor Hospital, NHS staff - some wearing face masks - joined together to support colleagues fighting on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19.
The show of support came hours after the UK's Covid-19 death toll rose to 26,711 with 473 new fatalities reported in UK hospitals in the last 24 hours.
England had 391 new deaths, Scotland reported 60 and Wales had 22 in its hospitals, bringing the hospital death toll to 22,852.
But the true toll has eclipsed 26,000 as it also includes fatalities in care homes, private homes and hospices.
(Image: Getty Images)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK had 'passed the peak' of the pandemic and was heading on a downward slope as new cases and deaths dropped.
But Prof Chris Whitty also confirmed "we are nowhere near the end of this epidemic".
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And he said it was fruitless to compare the UK's statistics with those of other countries as each nation measured its figures differently.
Prof Whitty added there were concerns that people were avoiding seeking help for urgent medical conditions other than coronavirus, such as strokes and cancer but advised people to ensure advice was sought.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Aston Villa battling Wolves for Galatasaray star - report

Aston Villa are still tracking Galatasaray defender Christian Luyindama , reports in Turkey claim .
The stocky centre-back has been @ @ @ @ @ and , according to news outlet Turkiye , Luyindama is wanted by Villa and Wolves @ @ @ @ @ knee ligament tear during international duty in November and has just returned back to full @ @ @ @ @ , claim Villa and Wolves are likely to submit a bid in the summer to @ @ @ @ @ Luyindama joined the Turkish giants from Standard Liege last summer for £4.5million but , after @ @ @ @ @ his market value double .
Media in Turkey say Galatasaray boss Fatih Terim is hopeful @ @ @ @ @ new and improved contract .
Aston Villa currently have four first-team centre-backs : Tyrone Mings @ @ @ @ @ Konsa and Bjorn Engels .
As for Villa 's Premier League hopes , officials are @ @ @ @ @ Friday to discuss a potential return to football from June 8 onwards .

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Aston Villa are still tracking Galatasaray defender Christian Luyindama, reports in Turkey claim.
The stocky centre-back has been on Villa's radar previously and, according to news outlet Turkiye, Luyindama is wanted by Villa and Wolves.
The 26-year-old sustained a knee ligament tear during international duty in November and has just returned back to full training.
Turkiye, meanwhile, claim Villa and Wolves are likely to submit a bid in the summer to test Gala's resolve.
Luyindama joined the Turkish giants from Standard Liege last summer for £4.5million but, after a sterling start, saw his market value double.
Media in Turkey say Galatasaray boss Fatih Terim is hopeful tying Luyindama down to a new and improved contract.
Aston Villa currently have four first-team centre-backs: Tyrone Mings, Kortney Hause, Ezri Konsa and Bjorn Engels.
As for Villa's Premier League hopes, officials are meeting at PL HQ on Friday to discuss a potential return to football from June 8 onwards.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Birmingham City's most expensive transfers

It 's impossible to predict when or how the 2019/2020 season will finish , or indeed when the next campaign will start .
Sandwiched between the two seasons will be a transfer window of some description - though that too remains unclear .
However , having virtually come through their FFP problems - an EFL appeal for allegedly breaching the business plan remains to be heard - the club should be able to act independently when trading resumes .
If Jude Bellingham is sold Blues could have the resources to strengthen too .
Here 's a look at their most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fees only .
Blues caused something of a splash in the summer of 2019 when they broke their record for the Croatia Under 21 's captain .
Having impressed at the heart of midfield for Dinamo Zagreb , Sunjic was also a target for Championship rivals Leeds United .
He chose St Andrew 's and made looked to be the second coming of Barry Ferguson in his first few games .
His mobility and anticipation of danger made him instantly popular although as the side began to struggle in the run-up to Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But he 's shown plenty of promise and could come to totally justify the handsome outlay .
Birmingham City 's 2017 summer trolley dash under Harry Redknapp was perhaps best summed up by then record signing of Jota from Brentford .
Blues lashed out over £6million on the Spaniard , who at the time was considered one of the most creative players in the Championship .
Between them Darren Dein , Jeff Vetere and Redknapp oversaw 13 new arrivals in that transfer window - and Jota 's arrival was the one that caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a talent , Jota .
Great ability .
He ’ s my type of player .
He can do things , beat people , score and make goals , '' Redknapp said .
Unfortunately things did n't go that well .
He struggled in his first season under Redknapp and Steve Cotterill before improving under Garry Monk .
He was slightly better in his second but shackled on the right wing he struggled to make the kind of impact that was expected .
Last summer he was sold to Aston Villa , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he has also found it difficult to make an impression .
The Serbian striker scored at Wembley , headed in a vital goal in the final day escape at Bolton , and even returned for a second spell at St Andrew 's .
Having joined from Valencia to become the most expensive player in the club 's history in 2010 , he scored five goals in 25 Premier League games in his debut season , but it was his contribution in Carling Cup matches which made him a hero .
Scoring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final made him a favourite with supporters , his contribution to change the game against West Ham in the semi was vital , and his header to open the scoring against Arsenal in the final secured his place in Blues folklore forever .
Zigic went on to spend five years at the club after his second coming in December 2014 .
A string of fine performances had seen Dunn earn his first England cap in September 2002 , but following a fall-out with Rovers manager Graeme Souness , the midfielder swapped Blackburn for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew 's career got off to the perfect start with a winning goal against Tottenham on his debut but a niggling ham starting injury sustained later that season went on to blight his spell in the second city .
When fit and firing , Dunn was a key player in the heart of the Blues midfield but extended periods of first-team action were few and far between with injury worries seemingly always around the corner .
He left Blues after four seasons , with only 58 league appearances under is belt .
Dunn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Oldham Athletic , he is currently a first-team coach at Ewood Park .
Signed from Cardiff City as part of a double swoop to sure up Blues ' defence after promotion to the Premier League in 2009 , Johnson went onto form a formidable partnership with Scott Dann who arrived from Coventry City .
Their pairing at the back was vital as Alex McLeish 's side recorded a 12-match unbeaten run , the club 's longest ever in the top flight , on the way to finishing the season in ninth place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of important goals himself .
He headed home against West Ham in the Carling Cup semi-final and scored in the 1-1 derby draw against Villa in 2011 .
The centre-back left Blues after relegation in 2011 and has gained somewhat of a reputation in that field since - leading Wolves to a double drop after his St Andrew 's exit .
`` He is not just a guy who can score great goals , '' said boss Alex McLeish after landing the forward .
`` He can also create , make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart . ''
Blues were scrapping for their Premier League status when McFadden joined in January 2008 , with McLeish opting for familiarity in an attempt to ensure survival .
McLeish knew McFadden well from his days as Scotland manager .
But the big-money signing from Everton could n't keep Blues up .
He made a valuable contribution to get the side promoted at the first attempt the following season , and played an important role back in the top flight .
But crucial ligament damage but paid to his 2010/11 campaign and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games and 14 goals .
He returned to Everton and then went back to Scotland , where he was last with Queen of the South whom he left in 2018 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Brian Dick, Shane Ireland)

Birmingham City are planning for the 2022 summer transfer window and have already identified some of their targets.
Indeed, Blues have been linked with the recently released Bristol City winger Callum O'Dowda and with Championship clubs confirming their retained lists there will be a scramble to pick up the bargain free transfers of the close season. There is unlikely to be a big splurge on new players - unless a takeover is completed - with Blues looking to improve under Lee Bowyer next season.
Here, we look at the biggest transfer fees forked out on players in recent history...
Jota £6m+
Blues' 2017 summer trolley dash under Harry Redknapp was perhaps best summed up by then record signing of Jota from Brentford. Blues splashed out over £6m on the Spaniard, who at the time was considered one of the most creative players in the Championship.
Between them Darren Dein, Jeff Vetere and Redknapp oversaw 13 new arrivals in that transfer window - and Jota's arrival was the one that caught the eye. He struggled in his first season under Redknapp and Steve Cotterill before improving under Garry Monk.
He was slightly better in his second but shackled on the right wing he struggled to make the kind of impact that was expected. In 2019 he was sold to Aston Villa, with Gary Gardner coming the other way - where he also found it difficult to make an impression and he is now at Deportivo Alaves in his native Spain.
Read more: Blues interested in free agent winger as old boy takes up Championship role
Read more: AFCON, play-off finals, titles - what happened to Harry Redknapp's 14 Blues signings
Ivan Sunjic - £6.3m
Blues caused something of a splash in the summer of 2019 when they broke their record for the Croatia Under-21s captain. Having impressed at the heart of midfield for Dinamo Zagreb, Sunjic was also a target for Championship rivals Leeds United.
He chose St Andrew's and looked to be the second coming of Barry Ferguson in his first few games with his mobility and anticipation of danger making him instantly popular although as the side began to struggle in the run-up to Christmas in his first campaign, so too his performances dipped. Since, though, he has shown plenty of promise and could come to totally justify the handsome outlay.
Nikola Zigic - £6m
What a legacy this man left. The Serbian striker scored at Wembley, headed in a vital goal in the final day escape at Bolton Wanderers and even returned for a second spell at St Andrew's.
Scoring the winner against Villa in the Carling Cup quarter-final made him a favourite with supporters, his contribution to change the game against West Ham in the semi was vital, and his header to open the scoring against Arsenal in the final secured his place in Blues folklore forever. Zigic went on to spend five years at the club after his second coming in December 2014.
David Dunn - £5.5m
Dunn's St Andrew's career got off to the perfect start with a winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur on his debut but a niggling ham starting injury sustained later that season went on to blight his spell in the second city. When fit and firing, Dunn was a key player in the heart of the Blues midfield but extended periods of first-team action were few and far between with injury worries seemingly always around the corner.
He left Blues after four seasons, with only 58 league appearances under his belt.
Roger Johnson - £5m
Signed from Cardiff City as part of a double swoop to strengthen Blues' defence after promotion to the Premier League in 2009, Johnson went on to form a formidable partnership with Scott Dann who arrived from Coventry City. Their pairing at the back was vital as Alex McLeish's side recorded a 12-match unbeaten run, the club's longest ever in the top flight, on the way to finishing the season in ninth place.
Johnson, like Zigic, scored a number of important goals himself. He headed home against West Ham United in the Carling Cup semi-final and scored in the 1-1 derby draw against Villa in 2011. The centre-back left Blues after relegation in 2011.
James McFadden - £4.75m
"He is not just a guy who can score great goals," said boss McLeish after landing the forward. "He can also create, make things happen and he has a big heart."
Blues were scrapping for their Premier League status when McFadden joined in January 2008. McLeish knew McFadden well from his days as Scotland manager but the big-money signing from Everton couldn't keep Blues up.
He made a valuable contribution to get the side promoted at the first attempt the following season, and played an important role back in the top flight. Cruciate ligament damage put paid to his 2010-11 campaign and McFadden was released after 88 games and 14 goals.
Who was your favourite signing? Have your say in the comments section...


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Conor Hourihane reveals what Aston Villa players have been told

Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane has pleaded with the Premier League to think about the safety of players and back-room staff .
The Irishman has revealed the club have been told that the Premier League want to push through and finish the 2019/20 campaign .
Big-league officials are due to meet on Friday to talk through the possibility of resuming behind-closed doors from June 8 .
Here , Hourihane spoke to the Star Sport Podcast about what him and his fellow teammates have been told regarding seeing out this season .
`` There are huge mixed signals at the minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no chance of coming back and the next they seem to be really trying to push it .
`` I am not sure where I am at with it all at the moment , to be honest with you .
It ’ s a real scary time for everyone .
It would seem money is being talked about more than the health and safety of staff and players to be honest .
`` Whatever big decisions are made there are going to be a lot of unhappy people .
It is all coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not come down to just that .
I hope players ’ safety and back room staff safety is taken into account .
`` From what I know in-house they want to keep next season clean .
That 's what we 've been told .
They 're trying to finish off this season but , deep down , do they know it 's possible ?
Who knows .
`` From what I 've heard they want a clean season because there 's so much money involved in a clean season compared to losing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge part of every sport and they make the atmosphere and add to the tension .
It would n't be easy , that 's for sure .
`` Just before ( lockdown ) the last game I watched was behind-closed-doors , funnily enough .
It was Manchester United vs LASK .
`` It would be very strange and I do n't think it 'd be as easy as what people are making out .
`` You 'll still have 300,400 people around the stadium which is a lot of people .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting . ''
`` It 's frustrating , a bit of a mixed bag .
Some highs , some lows .
Obviously , I achieved a dream by getting to the Premier League and scoring and , hopefully , I 'll be here longer , please God !
`` I would have liked to have played more .
I 've worked so hard to get to this level and I probably have n't been given the minutes I would have liked .
`` I feel like when I 've played I 've done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scored a few winners and we got to the Carabao Cup Final which was special .
`` It 's been an up and down season as well as the team .
Inconsistency from myself and the team is probably the key word .
It 's been a mixed bag for everyone . ''
`` He 's top , top class .
In terms of pure ability and sheer skill and technique level he 's easily the best player I 've played with to date .
`` He 's just got that gift .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he faces someone up you 're in real trouble .
He 's skipping by the best players in this league so , so easily .
`` He 's developed over the three years I 've been here - he 's taken his game to a new , new level - especially this year in the Premier League .
`` He 's taken it by storm really .
You know , England team and getting that big move is only a matter of time because , if I 'm being brutally honest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Aston Villa . ''

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Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane has pleaded with the Premier League to think about the safety of players and back-room staff.
The Irishman has revealed the club have been told that the Premier League want to push through and finish the 2019/20 campaign.
Big-league officials are due to meet on Friday to talk through the possibility of resuming behind-closed doors from June 8.
Here, Hourihane spoke to the Star Sport Podcast about what him and his fellow teammates have been told regarding seeing out this season.
FINISHING THE SEASON
"There are huge mixed signals at the minute. One week I think there is no chance of coming back and the next they seem to be really trying to push it.
"I am not sure where I am at with it all at the moment, to be honest with you. It’s a real scary time for everyone. It would seem money is being talked about more than the health and safety of staff and players to be honest.
(Image: Plumb Images/Getty Images)
"Whatever big decisions are made there are going to be a lot of unhappy people. It is all coming down to money and I hope it does not come down to just that. I hope players’ safety and back room staff safety is taken into account.
"From what I know in-house they want to keep next season clean. That's what we've been told. They're trying to finish off this season but, deep down, do they know it's possible? Who knows.
"From what I've heard they want a clean season because there's so much money involved in a clean season compared to losing out."
BEHIND-CLOSED-DOORS
"The fans are a huge part of every sport and they make the atmosphere and add to the tension. It wouldn't be easy, that's for sure.
"Just before (lockdown) the last game I watched was behind-closed-doors, funnily enough. It was Manchester United vs LASK.
"It would be very strange and I don't think it'd be as easy as what people are making out.
"You'll still have 300,400 people around the stadium which is a lot of people. It's going to be very, very interesting."
FIRST SEASON IN PREMIER LEAGUE
"It's frustrating, a bit of a mixed bag. Some highs, some lows. Obviously, I achieved a dream by getting to the Premier League and scoring and, hopefully, I'll be here longer, please God!
"I would have liked to have played more. I've worked so hard to get to this level and I probably haven't been given the minutes I would have liked.
(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
"I feel like when I've played I've done all right in games. I've scored a few winners and we got to the Carabao Cup Final which was special.
"It's been an up and down season as well as the team. Inconsistency from myself and the team is probably the key word. It's been a mixed bag for everyone."
HOW GOOD IS JACK GREALISH?
"He's top, top class. In terms of pure ability and sheer skill and technique level he's easily the best player I've played with to date.
"He's just got that gift. He runs quicker with the ball, when he faces someone up you're in real trouble. He's skipping by the best players in this league so, so easily.
"He's developed over the three years I've been here - he's taken his game to a new, new level - especially this year in the Premier League.
"He's taken it by storm really. You know, England team and getting that big move is only a matter of time because, if I'm being brutally honest, he's too good for our team at Aston Villa."


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Aston Villa striker Borja Baston set for summer exit - report

Borja Baston is set to return to Spain when his Aston Villa contract expires this summer .
That ’ s according to Sport Aragon , via Sport Witness , who claim the striker will sign a four-year deal with former club Real Zaragoza – as long as they achieve promotion to La Liga .
They are second , a point behind leaders Cadiz , when the season was stopped .
They claim talks between the club and Baston ’ s agent Manolo García Quilón , are ‘ on the right track ’ .
That comes after Zaragoza are said to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season – but the €1.8m fee proved prohibitive .
Instead he returned from his loan with Alavés to feature for parent club Swansea in the first half of the campaign – scoring his first goal in three years at the start of the season .
However , in January he ended up leaving the Liberty Stadium after four underwhelming years to sign a short-term deal with Villa .
He has played just twice for Dean Smith , two substitute appearances against Southampton and Tottenham amounting to just 16 minutes of football .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madrid , played for Zaragoza in the 2014-2015 season , becoming the team ’ s top scorer with 22 goals in 38 games .

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Borja Baston is set to return to Spain when his Aston Villa contract expires this summer.
That’s according to Sport Aragon, via Sport Witness, who claim the striker will sign a four-year deal with former club Real Zaragoza – as long as they achieve promotion to La Liga.
They are second, a point behind leaders Cadiz, when the season was stopped.
They claim talks between the club and Baston’s agent Manolo García Quilón, are ‘on the right track’.
That comes after Zaragoza are said to have tried to sign then 27-year-old for this season – but the €1.8m fee proved prohibitive.
Instead he returned from his loan with Alavés to feature for parent club Swansea in the first half of the campaign – scoring his first goal in three years at the start of the season.
However, in January he ended up leaving the Liberty Stadium after four underwhelming years to sign a short-term deal with Villa.
He has played just twice for Dean Smith, two substitute appearances against Southampton and Tottenham amounting to just 16 minutes of football.
Baston, who started out at Atletico Madrid, played for Zaragoza in the 2014-2015 season, becoming the team’s top scorer with 22 goals in 38 games.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Mum's Asda fury as shoppers hurl abuse when accused of ignoring store signs

A mum has contacted Asda bosses after other shoppers hurled abuse when she called them out for ignoring store signs .
The 40-year-old was called a f****** b**** in Asda by one customer who was not following the store 's one-way system .
She was doing her weekly food shopping with her son when she kept encountering people going the wrong way with their trolleys at Asda in Handsworth Road , Sheffield .
She told our sister title Yorkshire Live : `` I went down one aisle and there were 20 people coming in the opposite direction so me and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other in a little line and I was just trying to keep on top of my emotions .
`` I wanted to protect my son and by the time I got to the bread , I 'd had enough .
`` There was a woman doing her shop and she was pushing her trolley towards me in one direction and I said : 'The arrows are there for a reason ' .
`` I was n't effing and jeffing .
I wanted to scream at people but I did n't and she called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I told her to leave it out .
`` Then there was another woman in the middle of the aisle who was going the wrong way and I said : 'Sorry love , can you just follow the arrows and then we are not going into each other ' .
Then she called me a miserable b**** .
`` It really ground me down and by the time I 'd finished the shop I was trying to remember what was going in the trolley and in the basket and I felt like I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The mum says she enlisted her son 's help as she was also shopping for an elderly couple in their 70s who are classed as vulnerable and can not leave the house .
She said another customer was ignoring the social distancing rules in the queue to get into the supermarket .
The mum says she was shocked by how many people were blatantly not following the arrows laid out on the floor of the store .
`` I do try and move out of people 's way and be kind to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point where being kind just does n't work .
I should n't have anxiety about going to the supermarket . ''
She wrote to the CEO of Asda about the issues .
She said : `` I emailed the CEO of Asda and said 'Can you do me a massive favour ?
Can you speak to customer services so that when people come in they can tell them that there are arrows and give them a verbal reminder to look down ? '
`` He said that they do announcements every 15 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow the guidelines themselves and that they ca n't enforce them , but no one has forced this pandemic on us , therefore a little gentle reminder from members of staff would not go amiss . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alex Grove, David Bentley)

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A mum has contacted Asda bosses after other shoppers hurled abuse when she called them out for ignoring store signs.
The 40-year-old was called a f****** b**** in Asda by one customer who was not following the store's one-way system.
She was doing her weekly food shopping with her son when she kept encountering people going the wrong way with their trolleys at Asda in Handsworth Road, Sheffield.
(Image: PA)
She told our sister title Yorkshire Live: "I went down one aisle and there were 20 people coming in the opposite direction so me and my son were tucked in behind each other in a little line and I was just trying to keep on top of my emotions.
"I wanted to protect my son and by the time I got to the bread, I'd had enough.
(Image: Getty Images)
"There was a woman doing her shop and she was pushing her trolley towards me in one direction and I said: 'The arrows are there for a reason'.
"I wasn't effing and jeffing. I wanted to scream at people but I didn't and she called me a 'f****** b****'. I told her to leave it out.
"Then there was another woman in the middle of the aisle who was going the wrong way and I said: 'Sorry love, can you just follow the arrows and then we are not going into each other'. Then she called me a miserable b****.
"It really ground me down and by the time I'd finished the shop I was trying to remember what was going in the trolley and in the basket and I felt like I'd done a day's work."
The mum says she enlisted her son's help as she was also shopping for an elderly couple in their 70s who are classed as vulnerable and cannot leave the house.
She said another customer was ignoring the social distancing rules in the queue to get into the supermarket.
The mum says she was shocked by how many people were blatantly not following the arrows laid out on the floor of the store.
"I do try and move out of people's way and be kind to them but it has got to the point where being kind just doesn't work. I shouldn't have anxiety about going to the supermarket."
She wrote to the CEO of Asda about the issues.
She said: "I emailed the CEO of Asda and said 'Can you do me a massive favour? Can you speak to customer services so that when people come in they can tell them that there are arrows and give them a verbal reminder to look down?'
"He said that they do announcements every 15 minutes and it's up to people to follow the guidelines themselves and that they can't enforce them, but no one has forced this pandemic on us, therefore a little gentle reminder from members of staff would not go amiss."


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Victoria Beckham reverses decision to furlough staff at her fashion label

Victoria Beckham has reversed her decision to furlough staff at her fashion label during the coronavirus pandemic .
The company had been planning to make use of Government assistance to furlough a `` small number '' of employees , however it is now planning to proceed without state help , according to their spokeswoman .
Despite the U-turn the spokeswoman maintained that the company 's original decision `` was made in the best interests of trying to protect our staff , and that is still our absolute focus '' .
The decision `` seemed the most appropriate option in keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , adding : `` The situation is dynamic and , with the support of our shareholders , we now believe we can navigate through this crisis without drawing from the Government furlough scheme . ''
Victoria Beckham Ltd is now `` doing everything we can '' to ensure they can proceed `` without using Government assistance '' , according to the spokeswoman .
The company has been `` working hard to protect its people '' , her statement said .
Victoria Beckham founded her fashion label in 2008 and it became known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in London and New York , a flagship store in Mayfair and another store in central Hong Kong , the brand has won critical acclaim alongside multiple industry awards , including Best Designer Brand and Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards .
In addition , the Victoria Beckham brand is carried in more than 450 stores in 50 countries worldwide , according to the company website .
Victoria had visited Birmingham 's Selfridges store in the Bullring in May 2019 to showcase her new collection .
Good Morning Britain presenter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to furlough 30 staff from her fashion business , despite their family being worth in excess of £340million .
He said : `` How nice it was at the weekend , with all the selfless acts , to hear Victoria Beckham is furloughing 30 staff of her failing business .
`` Lost money year after year .
Been bailed out by her famously rich husband David Beckham . ''
He said : `` Sorry , this furlough scheme was not for prima donna millionaires like you .
Running a vanity project like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

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Victoria Beckham has reversed her decision to furlough staff at her fashion label during the coronavirus pandemic.
The company had been planning to make use of Government assistance to furlough a "small number" of employees, however it is now planning to proceed without state help, according to their spokeswoman.
Despite the U-turn the spokeswoman maintained that the company's original decision "was made in the best interests of trying to protect our staff, and that is still our absolute focus".
The decision "seemed the most appropriate option in keeping with many other businesses", she said, adding: "The situation is dynamic and, with the support of our shareholders, we now believe we can navigate through this crisis without drawing from the Government furlough scheme."
Victoria Beckham Ltd is now "doing everything we can" to ensure they can proceed "without using Government assistance", according to the spokeswoman.
The company has been "working hard to protect its people", her statement said.
Victoria Beckham founded her fashion label in 2008 and it became known for its modern minimalism.
With offices in London and New York, a flagship store in Mayfair and another store in central Hong Kong, the brand has won critical acclaim alongside multiple industry awards, including Best Designer Brand and Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards.
In addition, the Victoria Beckham brand is carried in more than 450 stores in 50 countries worldwide, according to the company website.
Victoria had visited Birmingham's Selfridges store in the Bullring in May 2019 to showcase her new collection.
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan recently slammed the star's decision to furlough 30 staff from her fashion business, despite their family being worth in excess of £340million.
He said: "How nice it was at the weekend, with all the selfless acts, to hear Victoria Beckham is furloughing 30 staff of her failing business.
"Lost money year after year. Been bailed out by her famously rich husband David Beckham."
He said: "Sorry, this furlough scheme was not for prima donna millionaires like you. Running a vanity project like her fashion business that makes no money."


birminghammail--2020-04-30--The super Aston Villa video that's guaranteed to make you smile

She 's the red-haired Aston Villa-mad supporter who 's lifted spirits with a brilliant rendition of Sweet Caroline .
Joanne Dodds simply melted fellow Villa fans with a video of herself playing the violin and trumpet to Neil Diamond 's classic anthem .
The qualified teacher donned her favourite Aston Villa attire during her music video which featured a guest appearance from her dog , Alfie .
The video starts off with Joanne playing the trumpet in her front room in front of her settee featuring Mark Bosnich and Paul McGrath cushions .
Joanne then puts on a fancy frock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a claret fastener to boot before finely playing her violin , watch the video at the top of this page .
The video does n't stop there , though , with Joanne - again in a different Villa shirt - opting to blast out the trumpet on her front lawn .
Joanne got her Staffie-cross companion Alfie in on the act , too , who had his very-own Villa shirt on for good measure .
Good boy !
It 's time for more trumpet blowing and violin playing with Joanne - dancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sweet Caroline finale .
The talented violinist brings the three-minute long Villa-inspired music video to an emotional end with a beaming smile .
The video was incredibly well received - and here 's just some of the glittering feedback , with Villa legend Brian Little also re-tweeting the video : @ eccles742 : This is incredible !
Love it .
@ Barrandj : Definitely brightened up my morning .
@ Wayne851054 : Should have invited Nigel Kennedy to join in !
@ leydon_john : Brilliant .
Talented .
I 've got a big @ @ @ @ @

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She's the red-haired Aston Villa-mad supporter who's lifted spirits with a brilliant rendition of Sweet Caroline.
Joanne Dodds simply melted fellow Villa fans with a video of herself playing the violin and trumpet to Neil Diamond's classic anthem.
The qualified teacher donned her favourite Aston Villa attire during her music video which featured a guest appearance from her dog, Alfie.
The video starts off with Joanne playing the trumpet in her front room in front of her settee featuring Mark Bosnich and Paul McGrath cushions.
Joanne then puts on a fancy frock complete with this year's home shirt and a claret fastener to boot before finely playing her violin, watch the video at the top of this page .
The video doesn't stop there, though, with Joanne - again in a different Villa shirt - opting to blast out the trumpet on her front lawn.
Joanne got her Staffie-cross companion Alfie in on the act, too, who had his very-own Villa shirt on for good measure. Good boy!
It's time for more trumpet blowing and violin playing with Joanne - dancing along - building up to the big Sweet Caroline finale.
The talented violinist brings the three-minute long Villa-inspired music video to an emotional end with a beaming smile.
The video was incredibly well received - and here's just some of the glittering feedback, with Villa legend Brian Little also re-tweeting the video:
@eccles742 : This is incredible! Love it.
@trevor_mouat : brilliant utv.
@mossy_d : That's proper class.
@Barrandj : Definitely brightened up my morning.
@seanybaker87 : A talented lady, good on you, UTV.
@Wayne851054 : Should have invited Nigel Kennedy to join in!
@leydon_john : Brilliant. Talented. I've got a big smile after that performance.
@AVFCFansForum : That's pretty cool, love it.


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Families praised for sticking to lockdown and warned of three key Ramadan risks

Worshippers have been praised for keeping to social distancing rules - and urged not to become complacent as the lockdown continues through the holy month and beyond .
Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre ( GLMCC ) in Birmingham says families have risen to the challenge of a very different Ramadan this year .
The community had done `` exceptionally well '' with its response to Covid-19 , it said , adding that there were critical messages on the implications of lockdown for Ramadan and Eid .
In a statement , GLMCC said : `` The benefits of social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bear fruit .
`` Social distancing usually takes several weeks to take effect and there are now early signs of a plateauing in the number of infected and deceased .
However , as a community , we need to be conscious that we don ’ t harm progress by becoming complacent about the rules .
`` Ramadan is a month of blessings and much worship for Muslims .
We have a special attachment to the many community activities that place over this period , from community iftars , congregational taraweeh/qiyam ( night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of Ramadan .
With the current situation , these practices wo n't be possible this year .
`` As a community we have done exceptionally well to rapidly close our masajid ( mosques ) , to stay at home , to initiate projects to support the NHS , to help the vulnerable and to take care of our elderly .
The Muslim community has stepped up and is truly demonstrating the benefits of faith in practice within communities . ''
The GLMCC added that it was `` highly unlikely that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by June , as advised by the medical professionals . ''
It has worked with other mosques and with public health authorities to agree some `` critical messages '' for the holy month .
It said the main message to everyone was still 'Stay at home , Protect the NHS , Save Lives ' but the current situation had `` a few specific implications '' for the Islamic community .
There were three specific risks , warned the GLMCC .
It said : '' Some may believe that they can pray taraweeh together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings still pose a risk of spreading the virus house to house .
`` The advice to everyone is to pray taraweeh at home with other household members .
General Government guidance is that no one should even congregate in groups as small as two people . ''
`` Attending iftars at each other ’ s houses presents the same risk .
We all enjoy the social interaction over Ramadan but this will have the same impact of spreading the virus between houses .
`` Why not donate the money that you would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local foodbank or those in need .
See places to donate at www.Greenlanemasjid.org/donate '' '' We have become accustomed to our large outdoor Eid gatherings .
With thousands coming together , there would be a serious risk of the virus spreading at such events .
`` At GLMCC , we have already cancelled the annual Eid in the Park celebration .
It would also be careless to gather in small groups outdoors on Eid .
The current advice is again for everyone to pray at home . ''
It said further advice on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Marking the end of Ramadan , Eid al-Fitr is this year expected to fall towards the end of May , with the date confirmed by a sighting of the moon .
The GLMCC statement concluded : `` If we fail to adhere to the social distancing rules , in just a short space of time , we could undo all the progress made in tackling the virus and be facing a new spike in the number of infected and deceased .
We have a duty to protect ourselves , our families and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly the NHS , are doing an amazing job to contain and manage the pandemic .
Many of them are laying down their lives in the struggle .
May Allah have mercy on their souls .
We need to support their work and protect everyone .
`` We pray that Allah allows us to truly benefit from the month of Ramadan . ''

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Worshippers have been praised for keeping to social distancing rules - and urged not to become complacent as the lockdown continues through the holy month and beyond.
Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC) in Birmingham says families have risen to the challenge of a very different Ramadan this year.
The community had done "exceptionally well" with its response to Covid-19, it said, adding that there were critical messages on the implications of lockdown for Ramadan and Eid.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
In a statement, GLMCC said: "The benefits of social distancing over the past few weeks are starting to bear fruit.
"Social distancing usually takes several weeks to take effect and there are now early signs of a plateauing in the number of infected and deceased. However, as a community, we need to be conscious that we don’t harm progress by becoming complacent about the rules.
"Ramadan is a month of blessings and much worship for Muslims. We have a special attachment to the many community activities that place over this period, from community iftars, congregational taraweeh/qiyam (night prayers) and the outdoor Eid celebrations at the end of Ramadan. With the current situation, these practices won't be possible this year.
(Image: PA)
"As a community we have done exceptionally well to rapidly close our masajid (mosques), to stay at home, to initiate projects to support the NHS, to help the vulnerable and to take care of our elderly. The Muslim community has stepped up and is truly demonstrating the benefits of faith in practice within communities."
The GLMCC added that it was "highly unlikely that we will be out of this lockdown by June, as advised by the medical professionals."
It has worked with other mosques and with public health authorities to agree some "critical messages" for the holy month.
It said the main message to everyone was still 'Stay at home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives' but the current situation had "a few specific implications" for the Islamic community.
There were three specific risks, warned the GLMCC. It said:
1. Taraweeh/Qiyam:
"Some may believe that they can pray taraweeh together in smaller groups. Unfortunately, small gatherings still pose a risk of spreading the virus house to house.
"The advice to everyone is to pray taraweeh at home with other household members. General Government guidance is that no one should even congregate in groups as small as two people."
2. Iftar gatherings
"Attending iftars at each other’s houses presents the same risk. We all enjoy the social interaction over Ramadan but this will have the same impact of spreading the virus between houses.
"Why not donate the money that you would usually spend on an iftar to the local foodbank or those in need. See places to donate at www.Greenlanemasjid.org/donate"
3. Eid al-Fitr
"We have become accustomed to our large outdoor Eid gatherings. With thousands coming together, there would be a serious risk of the virus spreading at such events.
"At GLMCC, we have already cancelled the annual Eid in the Park celebration. It would also be careless to gather in small groups outdoors on Eid. The current advice is again for everyone to pray at home."
It said further advice on Eid would be issued nearer the time.
Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is this year expected to fall towards the end of May, with the date confirmed by a sighting of the moon.
The GLMCC statement concluded: "If we fail to adhere to the social distancing rules, in just a short space of time, we could undo all the progress made in tackling the virus and be facing a new spike in the number of infected and deceased. We have a duty to protect ourselves, our families and others.
"Our dedicated frontline workers, particularly the NHS, are doing an amazing job to contain and manage the pandemic. Many of them are laying down their lives in the struggle. May Allah have mercy on their souls. We need to support their work and protect everyone.
"We pray that Allah allows us to truly benefit from the month of Ramadan."


birminghammail--2020-04-30--Leonardo Dendoncker tracked for 'two years' by Serie A giants - report

Lazio are interested in Wolves ’ defensive midfielder Leander Dendoncker , according to reports .
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport the Serie A outfit have identified the Belgian as a successor to former Liverpool workhorse Lucas Leiva .
But they are attracted to his versatility and believe the 25-year-old could operate as a defender – just as he has done under Nuno Espirito Santo .
However , the story claims Wolves would want €25m-€30million to even countenance the deal , a fee that would represent a huge profit on the €15m they paid Anderlecht when they made his loan permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overcome a slow start to his Wolves career and has become an important part of Nuno ’ s tight-knit squad .
So far this season 43 times , split almost equally between midfield and defence .
The facts that Joao Moutinho will be 34 next season and that Wolves have such a small squad make the prospect of cashing in on him unlikely .
The report claims Lazio ’ s sporting director Igli Tare has been tracking Dendoncker for two years and refers to the fact he was targeted by Atalanta in 2018 @

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Lazio are interested in Wolves ’ defensive midfielder Leander Dendoncker, according to reports.
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport the Serie A outfit have identified the Belgian as a successor to former Liverpool workhorse Lucas Leiva.
But they are attracted to his versatility and believe the 25-year-old could operate as a defender – just as he has done under Nuno Espirito Santo.
However, the story claims Wolves would want €25m-€30million to even countenance the deal, a fee that would represent a huge profit on the €15m they paid Anderlecht when they made his loan permanent in 2019.
Since then Dendoncker has overcome a slow start to his Wolves career and has become an important part of Nuno’s tight-knit squad.
So far this season 43 times, split almost equally between midfield and defence.
The facts that Joao Moutinho will be 34 next season and that Wolves have such a small squad make the prospect of cashing in on him unlikely.
The report claims Lazio’s sporting director Igli Tare has been tracking Dendoncker for two years and refers to the fact he was targeted by Atalanta in 2018.