birminghammail--2020-05-04--Calls for BAME deaths review into Covid-19 to be turned public inquiry

An urgent public inquiry should be held into the rising toll of coronavirus cases among black , Asian and minority people , a city health chief has claimed .
Paulette Hamilton , the city council 's cabinet member for health and social care , said the government 's plan to probe the number of black and minority ethnic ( BAME ) deaths does not go far enough .
It was reported on Friday that the death rate among British Black Africans and British Pakistanis from coronavirus in English hospitals is more than 2.5 times that of the white population .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Whitty has commissioned Public Health England to conduct a review into BAME deaths , which will examine thousands of health records of Covid-19 patients .
But Cllr Hamilton claimed more could have been done earlier to predict the disproportionate impact and protect people from BAME communities .
She called on the investigation being carried out by UK health chiefs to be upgraded into a public inquiry rather than something that is “ held privately ” and “ goes nowhere ” .
Public inquiries , such as the Grenfell Tower Inquiry or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust , are set up by the Government under the Inquiries Act 2005 .
They can be held when there is “ public concern ” about an event or set of events and collect evidence and examine witness testimonies in hearings which are generally open to the public .
Inquiry panels put recommendations to the government with the aim of bringing about changes to prevent recurrence .
Cllr Hamilton said : “ I am asking that this will be a public inquiry , and not something that is held privately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nowhere .
That would be my issue .
“ Should this group have been shielded the way others have been , rather than forced on the frontline and being in danger ?
“ Some of the questions we have been asked by people in the community have been quite simple questions , because people just did not know - the Government guidance kept changing .
” Some of the issues around PPE have been quite disturbing .
It drives this fear and distrust that the Government really is working for the most vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is disproportionately the most vulnerable who have suffered - whether BAME , disabled or elderly .
“ We have been going through one of the toughest times ever .
As a politician I would say the Government has been learning as it goes along .
“ If they have been found to have made some mistakes , I do think they should be held accountable for that .
It ’ s people ’ s lives at the end of the day .
“ The one thing that has stayed in my head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organisation said ‘ test , test , test ’ .
He made it absolutely clear.
” Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : “ Every death from this virus is a tragedy and behind each statistic is a name , a loved one and a family that will never be the same again .
“ As part of our continued effort to reduce health inequalities , we have commissioned Public Health England to consider various factors such as obesity , ethnicity , age , gender and geographical location , and how these may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ susceptibility to the virus , including our brilliant key workers and frontline NHS and social care staff .
“ It ’ s an extremely important and hugely complex task , but we owe it to the nation to find out how this virus may affect different groups in different ways , to protect lives and limit the spread of the disease .
”

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An urgent public inquiry should be held into the rising toll of coronavirus cases among black, Asian and minority people, a city health chief has claimed.
Paulette Hamilton, the city council's cabinet member for health and social care, said the government's plan to probe the number of black and minority ethnic (BAME) deaths does not go far enough.
It was reported on Friday that the death rate among British Black Africans and British Pakistanis from coronavirus in English hospitals is more than 2.5 times that of the white population.
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The Government's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has commissioned Public Health England to conduct a review into BAME deaths, which will examine thousands of health records of Covid-19 patients.
But Cllr Hamilton claimed more could have been done earlier to predict the disproportionate impact and protect people from BAME communities.
She called on the investigation being carried out by UK health chiefs to be upgraded into a public inquiry rather than something that is “held privately” and “goes nowhere”.
Public inquiries, such as the Grenfell Tower Inquiry or the Francis inquiry into failings at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, are set up by the Government under the Inquiries Act 2005.
They can be held when there is “public concern” about an event or set of events and collect evidence and examine witness testimonies in hearings which are generally open to the public.
Inquiry panels put recommendations to the government with the aim of bringing about changes to prevent recurrence.
Cllr Hamilton said: “I am asking that this will be a public inquiry, and not something that is held privately, produces a 1,000-word document and goes nowhere. That would be my issue.
“Should this group have been shielded the way others have been, rather than forced on the frontline and being in danger?
“Some of the questions we have been asked by people in the community have been quite simple questions, because people just did not know - the Government guidance kept changing.
”Some of the issues around PPE have been quite disturbing. It drives this fear and distrust that the Government really is working for the most vulnerable out there in the community.
“It is disproportionately the most vulnerable who have suffered - whether BAME, disabled or elderly.
“We have been going through one of the toughest times ever. As a politician I would say the Government has been learning as it goes along.
“If they have been found to have made some mistakes, I do think they should be held accountable for that. It’s people’s lives at the end of the day.
“The one thing that has stayed in my head is that the man from the World Health Organisation said ‘test, test, test’. He made it absolutely clear.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Every death from this virus is a tragedy and behind each statistic is a name, a loved one and a family that will never be the same again.
“As part of our continued effort to reduce health inequalities, we have commissioned Public Health England to consider various factors such as obesity, ethnicity, age, gender and geographical location, and how these may have an impact on someone’s susceptibility to the virus, including our brilliant key workers and frontline NHS and social care staff.
“It’s an extremely important and hugely complex task, but we owe it to the nation to find out how this virus may affect different groups in different ways, to protect lives and limit the spread of the disease.”


birminghammail--2020-05-04--Driver taken to hospital after car crashes into house

A man has been taken to hospital after a car careered into a house in Cannock .
Firefighters , officers and medics were called to Angelsey Street at around 12pm on Monday , May 4 , following reports the Citroen Picasso collided with a house .
Staffordshire Police said the driver had a 'medical episode at the wheel ' before the smash .
A spokesman for the force said : `` Police were called at noon today ( May 4 ) to a report of a road traffic collision on Anglesey Street in Cannock .
`` A car had collided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought to have suffered a medical episode and has been taken to hospital for further treatment .
Recovery of the vehicle has been arranged . ''
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed two crews from Cannock attended the scene .
A spokesman said : `` They ensured that the vehicle was safe and left the driver in the care of the ambulance service . ''
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman added : `` We were called at 11.56am to reports a car had crashed into a house on Angelsey Street in Cannock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene .
`` On arrival we discovered one patient .
Crews were told the driver of the car , a man , had suffered a medical episode prior to the collision .
`` He received treatment for that at the scene before being taken to County Hospital . ''

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A man has been taken to hospital after a car careered into a house in Cannock.
Firefighters, officers and medics were called to Angelsey Street at around 12pm on Monday, May 4, following reports the Citroen Picasso collided with a house.
Staffordshire Police said the driver had a 'medical episode at the wheel' before the smash.
A spokesman for the force said: "Police were called at noon today (May 4) to a report of a road traffic collision on Anglesey Street in Cannock.
"A car had collided with a house. The driver is thought to have suffered a medical episode and has been taken to hospital for further treatment. Recovery of the vehicle has been arranged."
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed two crews from Cannock attended the scene.
A spokesman said: "They ensured that the vehicle was safe and left the driver in the care of the ambulance service."
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman added: "We were called at 11.56am to reports a car had crashed into a house on Angelsey Street in Cannock. We sent one ambulance to the scene.
"On arrival we discovered one patient. Crews were told the driver of the car, a man, had suffered a medical episode prior to the collision.
"He received treatment for that at the scene before being taken to County Hospital."


birminghammail--2020-05-05--Inside fantastic garden playhouse built in eight days for £400

A DIY dad created a stunning kids ' playhouse for just £400 - after being stunned by £2,500 asking prices in stores .
Builder Ritchie Byrne , from Chelmsley Wood , wanted to create a long-lasting dream house for his wife Toni , 35 , and their four children - Olivia , 14 , Sophia , eight , Scarlett , six and one-year-old Tommy and their pet dog - to enjoy .
He had seen ones which were too expensive at £2,500 , for just one room .
On the first day of the lockdown restrictions , he decided the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-floor , eight-feet-by-eight feet magical bolthole , for just £400 in eight days using mainly leftover materials .
Ritchie said : “ I was on about it last year .
We were going to buy a summer house .
`` I went and looked at a couple but they weren ’ t going to serve the purpose I wanted it for .
I have built a few too .
`` All of them were just one room and they were coming in around £2,500 .
“ I thought I would build it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first day , I thought : 'This time I ’ m going to build it .
“ I had some timber in my van and I built the first wall and it went from there .
“ I wanted to create standing space upstairs more suited for my six-year-old so I measured how tall she was so I could make the roof high enough , within building regulations .
“ I then built a shell , the first floor and stairs and then added windows .
“ I put in a permanent tiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my mate had in his garden .
It ’ s never going to leak .
“ After I built the frame , I wrapped the playhouse in a roll of breathable roofing felt .
I then covered it in feather edge fencing panels.
” Mr Byrne plasterboard it , installed the electrics , perspex windows , a damp proof membrane and then added some timber to the walls to give it a cottage feel .
He said : “ The second I put the carpet in and vacuumed it , the children were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dressing their dolls .
“ The third night , we put beds in there and a TV and slept in there .
“ I ’ m really proud of what I have done.
” It 's the latest dream DIY project completed in lockdown and featured by BirminghamLive .
Last weekend , we told how a father-of-four who had never done any building work stunned his wife - by creating a luxury holiday pad in their own back garden .
And Coventry dad Wayne Mulholland , 38 , a concrete repairer and diamond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building sites he ’ d been working on to create an amazing playhouse .

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A DIY dad created a stunning kids' playhouse for just £400 - after being stunned by £2,500 asking prices in stores.
Builder Ritchie Byrne, from Chelmsley Wood, wanted to create a long-lasting dream house for his wife Toni, 35, and their four children - Olivia, 14, Sophia, eight, Scarlett, six and one-year-old Tommy and their pet dog - to enjoy.
He had seen ones which were too expensive at £2,500, for just one room.
On the first day of the lockdown restrictions, he decided the time was right and built an enchanting two-floor, eight-feet-by-eight feet magical bolthole, for just £400 in eight days using mainly leftover materials.
Ritchie said: “I was on about it last year. We were going to buy a summer house.
"I went and looked at a couple but they weren’t going to serve the purpose I wanted it for. I have built a few too.
"All of them were just one room and they were coming in around £2,500.
“I thought I would build it. Then the lockdown started and on the first day, I thought: 'This time I’m going to build it.
“I had some timber in my van and I built the first wall and it went from there.
“I wanted to create standing space upstairs more suited for my six-year-old so I measured how tall she was so I could make the roof high enough, within building regulations.
“I then built a shell, the first floor and stairs and then added windows.
“I put in a permanent tiled roof using a pile of tiles that my mate had in his garden. It’s never going to leak.
“After I built the frame, I wrapped the playhouse in a roll of breathable roofing felt. I then covered it in feather edge fencing panels.”
Mr Byrne plasterboard it, installed the electrics, perspex windows, a damp proof membrane and then added some timber to the walls to give it a cottage feel.
The children's grandmother made some curtains.
He said: “The second I put the carpet in and vacuumed it, the children were in there and straight away they were dressing their dolls.
“They think it’s their house.
“The third night, we put beds in there and a TV and slept in there.
“I’m really proud of what I have done.”
It's the latest dream DIY project completed in lockdown and featured by BirminghamLive.
Last weekend, we told how a father-of-four who had never done any building work stunned his wife - by creating a luxury holiday pad in their own back garden.
And Coventry dad Wayne Mulholland, 38, a concrete repairer and diamond driller, used materials left over from building sites he’d been working on to create an amazing playhouse.


birminghammail--2020-05-05--McDonald's shares update on when rest of UK restaurants will re-open

The boss of McDonald 's has discussed when the rest of the company 's UK outlets will re-open following lockdown .
The fast food giant confirmed the locations of the 15 restaurants set to re-open despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis in a statement today .
Sadly , no Birmingham branches are included in the string of re-openings across the country .
But the fast food giant confirmed they will re-open soon - but its boss issued a stark warning we could be seeing very different eateries upon the return .
Paul Pomfroy said branches will be `` different '' as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal '' .
`` When we return it will be different as we all adjust to this new normal , '' Pomroy explained .
`` I want to apologise in advance if our first wave of reopened restaurants does not serve your area .
`` Rest assured , we are working hard to reopen more restaurants , but I am adamant this must be at the right pace with the wellbeing of our employees , suppliers and customers front of mind , '' he added .
`` We have deliberately taken our time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` On May 13 we will reopen 15 of our restaurants in the UK ; this will be in a limited capacity with delivery only .
The restaurants involved will be announced next week as we work through inviting our employees back to work and supporting our delivery partners to prepare for our gradual return .
`` We will return with much smaller teams in our restaurants and as a result will be returning with a limited menu .
`` This will support social distancing in our kitchens , whilst still providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` To reduce the complexities in our kitchens at menu changeover , we will temporarily not be serving breakfast .
`` We are working with our delivery partner Uber Eats to ensure the wellbeing of our delivery drivers as well as our employees .
Perspex screens , sanitising stations and new social distancing procedures will be introduced as we continue the contact free collections and drop offs we closed with back in March . ''
Which McDonald 's branches are reopening for deliveries ?

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The boss of McDonald's has discussed when the rest of the company's UK outlets will re-open following lockdown.
The fast food giant confirmed the locations of the 15 restaurants set to re-open despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis in a statement today.
Sadly, no Birmingham branches are included in the string of re-openings across the country.
But the fast food giant confirmed they will re-open soon - but its boss issued a stark warning we could be seeing very different eateries upon the return.
Paul Pomfroy said branches will be "different" as the nation adapts to a "new normal".
"When we return it will be different as we all adjust to this new normal," Pomroy explained.
"I want to apologise in advance if our first wave of reopened restaurants does not serve your area.
"Rest assured, we are working hard to reopen more restaurants, but I am adamant this must be at the right pace with the wellbeing of our employees, suppliers and customers front of mind," he added.
"We have deliberately taken our time, we want to get this right.
"On May 13 we will reopen 15 of our restaurants in the UK; this will be in a limited capacity with delivery only. The restaurants involved will be announced next week as we work through inviting our employees back to work and supporting our delivery partners to prepare for our gradual return.
"We will return with much smaller teams in our restaurants and as a result will be returning with a limited menu.
"This will support social distancing in our kitchens, whilst still providing many McDonald's iconic menu items.
"To reduce the complexities in our kitchens at menu changeover, we will temporarily not be serving breakfast.
"We are working with our delivery partner Uber Eats to ensure the wellbeing of our delivery drivers as well as our employees. Perspex screens, sanitising stations and new social distancing procedures will be introduced as we continue the contact free collections and drop offs we closed with back in March."
Which McDonald's branches are reopening for deliveries?


birminghammail--2020-05-05--Christine McGuinness shares how lockdown has 'saved' her marriage to Paddy

Christine McGuinness has spoken out over life in lockdown with husband Paddy .
And the other half of the Bolton comedian has revealed how their marriage has been saved by being cooped up together during the shutdown .
The reality TV star recently opened up in a new interview over how they have adapted to being stuck indoors for over a month .
Christine , 32 , and Top Gear host Paddy , who shot to fame as a star of the likes of Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy 's Road To Nowhere , has revealed all .
Christine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ITVBe reality show Real Housewives of Cheshire , has six-year-old twins Penelope and Leo and three-year-old daughter Felicity with Paddy .
Speaking to Woman 's Own magazine , she explained : `` ' I thought we 'd be killing each other - that we 'd be arguing and bickering - but we 're not .
We 're both putting in 50/50 , so there 's absolutely nothing for us to argue about .
We 're just trying to have a good time and we 're laughing a lot !
`` What we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to bicker about before was always work and who was having the kids , whereas now that 's not happening , we 're absolutely fine .
`` We 're both in the same boat for the first time in our lives , we 're both completely equal , we 're both stay-at-home parents right now .
And that 's it .
No one 's going anywhere . ''
She added : `` Do you know what ?
I feel like arguments are less .
'All that stuff you normally argue about is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is gone .
`` What sort of time do you call this ? ''
That sort of thing . ''

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Christine McGuinness has spoken out over life in lockdown with husband Paddy.
And the other half of the Bolton comedian has revealed how their marriage has been saved by being cooped up together during the shutdown.
The reality TV star recently opened up in a new interview over how they have adapted to being stuck indoors for over a month.
Christine, 32, and Top Gear host Paddy, who shot to fame as a star of the likes of Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy's Road To Nowhere, has revealed all.
Christine, who is a guest star on the ITVBe reality show Real Housewives of Cheshire, has six-year-old twins Penelope and Leo and three-year-old daughter Felicity with Paddy.
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Speaking to Woman's Own magazine, she explained: "'I thought we'd be killing each other - that we'd be arguing and bickering - but we're not. We're both putting in 50/50, so there's absolutely nothing for us to argue about. We're just trying to have a good time and we're laughing a lot!
"What we've realised is the stuff that we used to bicker about before was always work and who was having the kids, whereas now that's not happening, we're absolutely fine.
"We're both in the same boat for the first time in our lives, we're both completely equal, we're both stay-at-home parents right now. And that's it. No one's going anywhere."
She added: "Do you know what? I feel like arguments are less.
'All that stuff you normally argue about is outside your house, all that stuff is gone. "What sort of time do you call this?" That sort of thing."


birminghammail--2020-05-05--Tyrone Mings calls out Dave Kitson over shamed PFA bid

Tyrone Mings has issued a public appeal to track down Dave Kitson to talk through his controversial Professional Footballers ' Association bid .
Ex-Premier League striker Kitson wants to replace Gordon Taylor - chief exec of 38 years - to head up the PFA .
The former Stoke City forward has previous with Mings after the Aston Villa defender refused to appear on talkSPORT shortly after Kitson 's comments directed at Raheem Sterling back in 2018 .
The 40-year-old was accused of excusing racism after suggesting Sterling had made himself a target by saying that the Manchester City forward ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” people .
At the time in December 2018 , Mings said : `` I ’ m meant to be doing an interview with talkSPORT tomorrow which won ’ t be happening .
`` I ’ m fed up of broadcasting channels who have a huge voice allowing this sort of s*** to be said .
`` Like someone or dislike them , there is no ‘ but ’ or grey area when it comes to racism .
`` I will absolutely voice my opinion and play my part for those who do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It has to be in the right way and on the right platforms though .
Silence is deadly for stations and outlets who rely on viewers and listeners . ''
Kitson , meanwhile , has recently criticised the PFA ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic , particularly the decision that has seen Premier League players - including Mings - launch the # playerstogether campaign .
He said : `` That certain Premier League players and the captains of the Premier League clubs , under the banner of the ' # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to act independently of the PFA in their response to the Covid-19 pandemic , is nothing short of embarrassing . ''
Mings , meanwhile , now wants to front up Kitson over the phone , and said today : `` I see Dave Kitson has invited any players who may have an issue , to have a conversation with him .
I ’ ll happily have a chat if someone can get me his contact details .
A series of players , including former West Brom player and coach Steven Reid , continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the PFA .
Reid said : `` Is this the same Dave Kitson that accused the likes of Raheem Sterling of “ bringing it on themselves ” after he was abused ?
Yeah would love him fighting my corner.
” Former Crystal Palace and Millwall striker Paul Ifill also gave the bid a firm thumbs down , claiming : `` Sterling and Mings wouldn ’ t be too keen on Kitson as the top dog . ''

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Tyrone Mings has issued a public appeal to track down Dave Kitson to talk through his controversial Professional Footballers' Association bid.
Ex-Premier League striker Kitson wants to replace Gordon Taylor - chief exec of 38 years - to head up the PFA.
The former Stoke City forward has previous with Mings after the Aston Villa defender refused to appear on talkSPORT shortly after Kitson's comments directed at Raheem Sterling back in 2018.
The 40-year-old was accused of excusing racism after suggesting Sterling had made himself a target by saying that the Manchester City forward’s social media posts had “antagonised” people.
At the time in December 2018, Mings said: "I’m meant to be doing an interview with talkSPORT tomorrow which won’t be happening.
"I’m fed up of broadcasting channels who have a huge voice allowing this sort of s*** to be said.
"Like someone or dislike them, there is no ‘but’ or grey area when it comes to racism.
"I will absolutely voice my opinion and play my part for those who do not have as much of a reach.
"It has to be in the right way and on the right platforms though. Silence is deadly for stations and outlets who rely on viewers and listeners."
Kitson, meanwhile, has recently criticised the PFA’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, particularly the decision that has seen Premier League players - including Mings - launch the #playerstogether campaign.
He said: "That certain Premier League players and the captains of the Premier League clubs, under the banner of the '#PlayersTogether' initiative, felt the need to act independently of the PFA in their response to the Covid-19 pandemic, is nothing short of embarrassing."
Mings, meanwhile, now wants to front up Kitson over the phone, and said today: "I see Dave Kitson has invited any players who may have an issue, to have a conversation with him. I’ll happily have a chat if someone can get me his contact details.
"This isn’t a witch-hunt, I’d genuinely welcome a chat."
A series of players, including former West Brom player and coach Steven Reid, continue to slam Kitson's bid to head up the PFA.
Reid said: "Is this the same Dave Kitson that accused the likes of Raheem Sterling of “bringing it on themselves” after he was abused? Yeah would love him fighting my corner.”
Former Crystal Palace and Millwall striker Paul Ifill also gave the bid a firm thumbs down, claiming: "Sterling and Mings wouldn’t be too keen on Kitson as the top dog."


birminghammail--2020-05-05--NHS Nightingale Hospital at NEC put on 'standby' after not having any patients

The new NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham has been put on `` standby '' from today ( May 5 ) after no patients were admitted since it opened three weeks ago .
The pop-up hospital , run by the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust ( UHB ) , was set up as a contingency measure if other Midlands hospitals reached full capacity during the coronavirus outbreak .
But a UHB spokesman confirmed no patients had been admitted to the hospital based at the National Exhibition Centre , near Birmingham International Airport , and its operation had been halted .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to use the facility it would be operational again within 72-hours .
The development follows the same standby measure at the Nightingale hospital in London `` due to limited demand . ''
“ The Trust is on standby to step up the NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham within 72 hours should it be needed to create capacity for Trusts across the Midlands , '' a Trust spokesman told BirminghamLive .
It had offered 500 fully-equipped beds to support patients with COVID-19 , who may no longer need intensive hospital care .
It could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,000 beds .
The hospital is not technically `` stepping down '' the Nightingale as they have not had patients admitted there .
A spokesman said : `` It 's far better to have and not need than to need and not have in this situation .
The peak and capacity is very closely monitored .
If we need it back we can get it ready to admit patients within 72 hours with supplies and staffing . ''
The hospital was operational four days before it was officially declared open by Prince William @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that Birmingham 's Nighingale was always set up as a `` worst case scenario . ''
The Birmingham hospital was built within eight days .
The new hospital was to be used for general medical COVID-19 patients , leaving existing hospitals with more capacity to provide specialist intensive care for the most serious cases .
Interserve Group Limited - the international support services , construction and equipment group - also said it had completed the second phase of NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham with the handover of a further 390 beds .

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The new NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham has been put on "standby" from today (May 5) after no patients were admitted since it opened three weeks ago.
The pop-up hospital, run by the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), was set up as a contingency measure if other Midlands hospitals reached full capacity during the coronavirus outbreak.
But a UHB spokesman confirmed no patients had been admitted to the hospital based at the National Exhibition Centre, near Birmingham International Airport, and its operation had been halted.
However, the Trust said if it does need to use the facility it would be operational again within 72-hours.
The development follows the same standby measure at the Nightingale hospital in London "due to limited demand."
“The Trust is on standby to step up the NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham within 72 hours should it be needed to create capacity for Trusts across the Midlands," a Trust spokesman told BirminghamLive.
It had offered 500 fully-equipped beds to support patients with COVID-19, who may no longer need intensive hospital care. It could have also been scaled up quickly to 4,000 beds.
(Image: Getty Images)
The hospital is not technically "stepping down" the Nightingale as they have not had patients admitted there.
A spokesman said: "It's far better to have and not need than to need and not have in this situation. The peak and capacity is very closely monitored. If we need it back we can get it ready to admit patients within 72 hours with supplies and staffing."
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The hospital was operational four days before it was officially declared open by Prince William on April 16.
We have previously reported that Birmingham's Nighingale was always set up as a "worst case scenario."
The Birmingham hospital was built within eight days.
The new hospital was to be used for general medical COVID-19 patients, leaving existing hospitals with more capacity to provide specialist intensive care for the most serious cases.
Interserve Group Limited - the international support services, construction and equipment group - also said it had completed the second phase of NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham with the handover of a further 390 beds.


birminghammail--2020-05-05--Cinemas in UK could open by mid July according to Vue boss

UK cinemas could reopen as early as mid-July , the boss of Vue has said .
Tim Richards , chief executive of the Vue Cinemas chain , said he is `` hopeful '' that cinemas can be open in time for the release date of Christopher Nolan 's new film , Tenet , on July 17 .
He told the BBC : `` What we are trying to do is work with the Government to demonstrate that we are not like sporting fixtures or music concerts .
`` We can actually control how many people go into our cinema at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ability to schedule our films separately and we have the ability to control entrances and exits for customers .
`` We have operating systems in place today which allow social distancing and cocooning within the cinema for couples , individuals or families who want to watch a movie . ''
Mr Richards said the chain is prepared for `` every possible eventuality , ranging from social distancing to restricted access '' .
He said there will be a `` demand like we 've never seen before '' for cinemas when they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Minions , Mulan and the latest James Bond film , No Time To Die , later this year .
Last week , Odeon-owner AMC Cinemas said it will refuse to screen any Universal Pictures films in a row over the company 's decision to release Trolls World Tour on streaming services after its theatrical release was disrupted by the pandemic .
However , the Vue boss said he had a `` lot of sympathy '' for the film studio , but stressed he did not believe this was a turning point towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We are not seeing any change - in fact we are seeing the opposite .
`` We are seeing an incredible amount of support from all the studios .
They want their movies released on big screens and our customers want to see those movies on big screens . ''

UK cinemas could reopen as early as mid-July, the boss of Vue has said.
Tim Richards, chief executive of the Vue Cinemas chain, said he is "hopeful" that cinemas can be open in time for the release date of Christopher Nolan's new film, Tenet, on July 17.
He told the BBC: "What we are trying to do is work with the Government to demonstrate that we are not like sporting fixtures or music concerts.
"We can actually control how many people go into our cinema at any given time.
"We have the ability to schedule our films separately and we have the ability to control entrances and exits for customers.
"We have operating systems in place today which allow social distancing and cocooning within the cinema for couples, individuals or families who want to watch a movie."
Mr Richards said the chain is prepared for "every possible eventuality, ranging from social distancing to restricted access".
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
He said there will be a "demand like we've never seen before" for cinemas when they are reopened, highlighting the releases of Tenet, Minions, Mulan and the latest James Bond film, No Time To Die, later this year.
Last week, Odeon-owner AMC Cinemas said it will refuse to screen any Universal Pictures films in a row over the company's decision to release Trolls World Tour on streaming services after its theatrical release was disrupted by the pandemic.
However, the Vue boss said he had a "lot of sympathy" for the film studio, but stressed he did not believe this was a turning point towards more on-demand releases.
Mr Richards said: "We are not seeing any change - in fact we are seeing the opposite.
"We are seeing an incredible amount of support from all the studios. They want their movies released on big screens and our customers want to see those movies on big screens."


birminghammail--2020-05-05--The seven plans to transform Birmingham submitted during lockdown

The city may be on lockdown but that doesn ’ t mean the planning process has ground to a halt .
Birmingham City Council has received 536 planning applications since the national lockdown was announced on March 23 .
Among the most striking are plans for 28 , 39 and 47-storey towers , developments in the city ’ s Jewellery Quarter , a factory at Aston University and refurbishment of the Chamberlain Memorial .
These will be decided on either by the council 's planning committee or by officers over the coming months .
Birmingham-based Glancy Nicholls Architects have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s tallest if they go ahead - 100 Broad Street and One Eastside .
Now the firm has worked with developers Regal Property Group to put forward plans for a 28-storey tower including 154 apartments to be built at the corner of Essex Street and Bristol Street , city centre .
The plans feature one , two and three-bedroom apartments , a rooftop garden , sky cinema and gym .
If approved , it would join other tall buildings in the area such as Raddison Blu in Queensway and the Orion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has put forwarded plans for a reported £258 million scheme to regenerate Ludgate Hill Car Park with three new blocks ranging from six to 39 storeys .
The company is seeking to build 722 apartments in the development , the firm ’ s second development in the city after the 42-storey Mercian in Broad Street , which is currently being built .
The project , designed by Ryder Architecture , is called Great Charles Square and also features plans for a gym , cinema room and roof terraces .
Property developers Argent have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 47-storey tower at land next to Paradise Circus and Great Charles Street Queensway as part of the Paradise project .
The reported £700 million project also includes office blocks which are already under way and a 22-storey , four-star replacement for the Copthorne Hotel containing around 250 bedrooms .
A detailed planning application for the 47-storey tower is expected to be submitted in June , but an Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report has now been received by the council .
Argent ’ s plans will include 337 new home and flexible leisure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ square meters .
Also as part of Argent ’ s Paradise plans , the city ’ s 19th century Chamberlain Memorial could be refurbished .
The grade II-listed structure was unveiled in 1880 to honour city businessman , mayor and MP Joseph Chamberlain and lies next to the Town Hall and Council House , within the Paradise development site .
The application proposes cleaning and masonry repair , fountain bowl mosaic repair , extending the existing fountain bowl and addition of feature lighting .
Plans submitted last month propose a simulated factory based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College , Aston University , Birmingham City University and the University of Birmingham have come together to form a new company called the Greater Birmingham & Solihull ( GBS ) Institute of Technology .
The group state it has funding from the Department of Education for a new building which would be used for teaching students how to programme specialist industrial equipment .
The Cyber Physical Factory would be built on a site currently taken up by a sports pitch off Holt Street .
The Space Studio have designed plans for a five-storey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic St Paul ’ s Square .
The ground floor would contain a retail unit while the four floors above would contain two-bed apartments .
Another Jewellery Quarter planning application proposes demolishing existing buildings at Northwood Street and Mary Street and building three and four storey buildings .
The development is intended to provide space for 20 small and medium-sized businesses and 27 differing apartments and duplexes .

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
The city may be on lockdown but that doesn’t mean the planning process has ground to a halt.
Birmingham City Council has received 536 planning applications since the national lockdown was announced on March 23.
Among the most striking are plans for 28, 39 and 47-storey towers, developments in the city’s Jewellery Quarter, a factory at Aston University and refurbishment of the Chamberlain Memorial.
These will be decided on either by the council's planning committee or by officers over the coming months.
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Essex Street Tower
(Image: Glancy Nicholls Architects)
Birmingham-based Glancy Nicholls Architects have already designed two buildings which will be the city’s tallest if they go ahead - 100 Broad Street and One Eastside.
Now the firm has worked with developers Regal Property Group to put forward plans for a 28-storey tower including 154 apartments to be built at the corner of Essex Street and Bristol Street, city centre.
The plans feature one, two and three-bedroom apartments, a rooftop garden, sky cinema and gym.
If approved, it would join other tall buildings in the area such as Raddison Blu in Queensway and the Orion building in Navigation Street.
Great Charles Square
(Image: Ryder Architecture)
Moda Living has put forwarded plans for a reported £258 million scheme to regenerate Ludgate Hill Car Park with three new blocks ranging from six to 39 storeys.
The company is seeking to build 722 apartments in the development, the firm’s second development in the city after the 42-storey Mercian in Broad Street, which is currently being built.
The project, designed by Ryder Architecture, is called Great Charles Square and also features plans for a gym, cinema room and roof terraces.
Paradise - Phase 3
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Property developers Argent have hinted at plans to come for a 47-storey tower at land next to Paradise Circus and Great Charles Street Queensway as part of the Paradise project.
The reported £700 million project also includes office blocks which are already under way and a 22-storey, four-star replacement for the Copthorne Hotel containing around 250 bedrooms.
A detailed planning application for the 47-storey tower is expected to be submitted in June, but an Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report has now been received by the council.
Argent’s plans will include 337 new home and flexible leisure, café or retail floorspace floorspace of 800 square meters.
The Chamberlain Memorial
(Image: Argent)
Also as part of Argent’s Paradise plans, the city’s 19th century Chamberlain Memorial could be refurbished.
The grade II-listed structure was unveiled in 1880 to honour city businessman, mayor and MP Joseph Chamberlain and lies next to the Town Hall and Council House, within the Paradise development site.
The application proposes cleaning and masonry repair, fountain bowl mosaic repair, extending the existing fountain bowl and addition of feature lighting.
Cyber Physical Factory
(Image: Robothams)
Plans submitted last month propose a simulated factory based at the Aston University campus.
Solihull College, Aston University, Birmingham City University and the University of Birmingham have come together to form a new company called the Greater Birmingham & Solihull (GBS) Institute of Technology.
The group state it has funding from the Department of Education for a new building which would be used for teaching students how to programme specialist industrial equipment.
The Cyber Physical Factory would be built on a site currently taken up by a sports pitch off Holt Street.
24/25 St Paul’s Square
(Image: The Space Studio)
The Space Studio have designed plans for a five-storey building in the Jewellery Quarter’s historic St Paul’s Square.
The ground floor would contain a retail unit while the four floors above would contain two-bed apartments.
51 Northwood Street
(Image: D5 Architects)
Another Jewellery Quarter planning application proposes demolishing existing buildings at Northwood Street and Mary Street and building three and four storey buildings.
The development is intended to provide space for 20 small and medium-sized businesses and 27 differing apartments and duplexes.


birminghammail--2020-05-05--50 general knowledge quiz questions and answers for kids of all ages

Keeping the kids entertained when it feels like the world outside is falling apart is n't easy .
Balancing the challenges of daily life - cooking , cleaning , the endless pile of washing - along with homeschooling is n't easy .
CambridgshireLive has come up with a fun general knowledge quiz for kids , testing their brains on everything from animals to books , rivers and space .
Not to mention a whole round dedicated to dinosaurs ( that 's our favourite one ! )
.
It 's both educational and fun - which is always a winner in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulty so you might need to use your discretion when it comes to dropping hints .
We 've included all the answers divided up by round at the end of the quiz .
These 50 general knowledge questions should be good for kids of all ages ( and grown-ups too ) .
And if your little one found these questions a breeze or you want to try something out for yourself we 've got a whole selection of quizzes linked at the end .
1 .
What is the largest big cat in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legs does an octopus have ?
3 .
Yes or no ?
Is a dolphin a mammal ?
4 .
What is a group of lions called ?
6 .
What type of animal is a poodle ?
7 .
What do camels store in their humps ?
8 .
What is the only mammal which can fly ?
9 .
The world feline relates to what type of animal ?
10 .
What is the slowest animal in the world ?
11 .
What is the largest country in the world ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ River Thames ?
13 .
Which country is also known as the Netherlands ?
14 .
In which country would you find the Leaning Tower of Pisa ?
15 .
Where would you find the Eiffel Tower ?
16 .
Which is the biggest desert in the world ?
17 .
What is the longest river in the world ?
18 .
What is the capital city of Spain ?
20 .
What is the hottest continent on Earth ?
21 .
Which planet is nearest to the Earth ?
22 .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bone ?
23 .
The wire inside an electric bulb is known as the what ?
24 .
When light bends as it enters a different medium the process is known as what ?
25 .
What is the first name of the famous scientist who gave us Newton ’ s three laws of motion ?
26 .
Earth is located in which galaxy ?
28 .
Botnay is the study of what ?
29 .
Is the sun a star or a planet ?
30 .
What planet is known as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The name dinosaur means ‘ terrible lizard ’ .
32 .
Which came first , the Jurassic or Triassic Period ?
34 .
Which dinosaur is thought to have the largest bite of them all ?
35 .
What name do we give to the study of fossils ?
36 .
True or false .
The dinosaurs died out about 65 million years ago ?
37 .
What animal alive today is even bigger than a dinosaur ?
38 .
What dinosaur themed book was turned into a blockbuster movie in 1993 ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the big dinosaur which used to stand in the entrance hall of the Natural History Museum in London ?
40 .
Which dinosaur had three horns on its head ?
41 .
What are the names of Harry Potter ’ s parents ?
42 .
What is the name of the Snowman in the film “ Frozen ” ?
43 .
In which forest do Robin Hood and his Merry Men live ?
44 .
What sort of animal is the video game character Sonic ?
45 .
In “ The Jungle Book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baloo ?
46 .
In the film “ The Lion King ” , what kind of animal is Timon ?
47 .
Which of Snow White 's seven dwarves did n't have a beard ?
48 .
What is the name of the lion in “ The Lion , The Witch and the Wardrobe ” ?
49 .
What is the name of Peter Pan ’ s pirate enemy ?
50 .
What does the gruffalo say is his favourite food ?
Would you like more tips on how to keep the kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chipper Club .
Go to the link here to join for free .
Chipper Club is also on Facebook , so be sure to follow on social media for more lockdown ideas and inspiration too .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Abigail Rabbett, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Keeping the kids entertained when it feels like the world outside is falling apart isn't easy.
Balancing the challenges of daily life - cooking, cleaning, the endless pile of washing - along with homeschooling isn't easy.
CambridgshireLive has come up with a fun general knowledge quiz for kids, testing their brains on everything from animals to books, rivers and space.
Not to mention a whole round dedicated to dinosaurs (that's our favourite one!).
It's both educational and fun - which is always a winner in our book!
The questions range in difficulty so you might need to use your discretion when it comes to dropping hints.
We've included all the answers divided up by round at the end of the quiz.
These 50 general knowledge questions should be good for kids of all ages (and grown-ups too).
And if your little one found these questions a breeze or you want to try something out for yourself we've got a whole selection of quizzes linked at the end.
Round one: animals
1. What is the largest big cat in the world?
2. How many legs does an octopus have?
3. Yes or no? Is a dolphin a mammal?
4. What is a group of lions called?
5. What are baby goats called?
6. What type of animal is a poodle?
7. What do camels store in their humps?
8. What is the only mammal which can fly?
9. The world feline relates to what type of animal?
10. What is the slowest animal in the world?
(Image: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos)
Round two: Geography
11. What is the largest country in the world?
12. Where would you find the River Thames?
13. Which country is also known as the Netherlands?
14. In which country would you find the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
15. Where would you find the Eiffel Tower?
16. Which is the biggest desert in the world?
17. What is the longest river in the world?
18. What is the capital city of Spain?
19. Mount Everest lies in which mountain range?
20. What is the hottest continent on Earth?
Round three: Science
21. Which planet is nearest to the Earth?
22. What is the proper term for your funny bone?
23. The wire inside an electric bulb is known as the what?
24. When light bends as it enters a different medium the process is known as what?
25. What is the first name of the famous scientist who gave us Newton’s three laws of motion?
26. Earth is located in which galaxy?
27.Which famous scientist introduced the idea of natural selection?
28. Botnay is the study of what?
29. Is the sun a star or a planet?
30. What planet is known as the red planet?
Round four: Dinosaurs
31.True or false? The name dinosaur means ‘terrible lizard’.
32. Which came first, the Jurassic or Triassic Period?
33. Was Diplodocus a carnivore or herbivore?
34. Which dinosaur is thought to have the largest bite of them all?
35. What name do we give to the study of fossils?
36. True or false. The dinosaurs died out about 65 million years ago?
37. What animal alive today is even bigger than a dinosaur?
38. What dinosaur themed book was turned into a blockbuster movie in 1993?
39. What is the name of the big dinosaur which used to stand in the entrance hall of the Natural History Museum in London?
40. Which dinosaur had three horns on its head?
Want free family lockdown tips? How's the lockdown going for your family? For daily survival tips sign up to our new newsletter Lemon-Aid here.
From toddlers prone to temper tantrums, to teenagers struggling to adapt to the abrupt closure of schools and separation from their friends - we’ve got it covered.
Round five: Books and films
41. What are the names of Harry Potter’s parents?
42. What is the name of the Snowman in the film “Frozen”?
43. In which forest do Robin Hood and his Merry Men live?
44. What sort of animal is the video game character Sonic?
45. In “The Jungle Book”, what kind of animal is Baloo?
46. In the film “The Lion King”, what kind of animal is Timon?
47. Which of Snow White's seven dwarves didn't have a beard?
48. What is the name of the lion in “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe”?
49. What is the name of Peter Pan’s pirate enemy?
50. What does the gruffalo say is his favourite food?
Answers
Round one
1. Tiger
2. Eight
3. Yes
4. A pride
5. Kids
6. Dog
7. Fat
8. Bat
9. Cat
10. Three-toed sloth
Round two
11. Russia
12. London
13. Holland
14. Italy
15. Paris, France
16. Sahara
17. River Nile
18. Madrid
19. The Himalayas
20. Africa
Round three
21.Venus
22. Humerus
23. Filament
24. Refraction
25.Issac
26. The Milky Way galaxy
27. Charles Darwin
28. Plants
29. A star
30. Mars
Round four
31. True
32. The Triassic Period
33. Herbivore
34. T-Rex
35. Palaeontology
36. True
37. Blue Whale
38. Jurrassic Park
39. Dippy
40. Triceratops
Round five
41. Lily and James Potter
42. Olaf
43. Sherwood
44. Hedgehog
45. Bear
46. Meerkat
47. Dopey
48. Aslan
49. Captain Hook
50. Roasted fox
Would you like more tips on how to keep the kids busy during lockdown? Then join our Chipper Club. Go to the link here to join for free. Chipper Club is also on Facebook, so be sure to follow on social media for more lockdown ideas and inspiration too.


birminghammail--2020-05-05--Jet2's crucial update to customers with July, August, September flights

Jet2 has issued guidance for customers with flights booked this summer as the coronavirus pandemic continues .
The airline has shut down all flights but says it will recommence from mid-June .
The airline , which operates routes from Birmingham Airport to a variety of destinations , has issued advice to passengers .
If you have a flight booked after June 17 , which will no doubt be countless Brummies , the airline has an update for you .
The airline stressed it is continuously reviewing the situation , so if you want to cancel or amend a booking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject to Jet2 's normal terms , conditions and cancellation policy .
Jet2 bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable , so you will not be able to change your booking to later in the year , and you will not be entitled to your money back .
If you know someone who may wish to travel in your place , you can make one name change per booking for a fee of £35 per person , per one-way flight .
Any subsequent name changes will be charged the £35 fee plus the difference in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fare on the day you make the change .
Jet2 is continuously reviewing the situation , and the travel advice may change for customers who have holidays booked for late June , July , August and September .

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Jet2 has issued guidance for customers with flights booked this summer as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The airline has shut down all flights but says it will recommence from mid-June.
The airline, which operates routes from Birmingham Airport to a variety of destinations, has issued advice to passengers.
If you have a flight booked after June 17, which will no doubt be countless Brummies, the airline has an update for you.
The airline stressed it is continuously reviewing the situation, so if you want to cancel or amend a booking for 17 June onwards, you will be subject to Jet2's normal terms, conditions and cancellation policy.
Jet2 bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable, so you will not be able to change your booking to later in the year, and you will not be entitled to your money back.
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If you know someone who may wish to travel in your place, you can make one name change per booking for a fee of £35 per person, per one-way flight.
Any subsequent name changes will be charged the £35 fee plus the difference in price between the original fare, and the fare on the day you make the change.
Jet2 is continuously reviewing the situation, and the travel advice may change for customers who have holidays booked for late June, July, August and September.


birminghammail--2020-05-05--This is Dean Smith's 250-word assessment of Aston Villa this season

Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith has given a frank assessment of his first season managing in the top flight .
After an up-and-down start to life in the Premier League , Villa are currently wedged in 19th place and two points from safety .
Smith has lost his last five games as manager - including the cup final - before the season was ground to an abrupt halt due to the Covid-19 .
Villa have won seven of their 28 Premier League games , drawing four and have lost 17 .
They 've also conceded a league-high 56 goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports today : `` I 've been pleased with parts of it .
My biggest disappointment is we 've shown a lot of inconsistency .
`` We 've been in most games , OK Leicester we were n't at it ; Southampton away stands out , Watford away and we got turned over massively by Manchester City at home .
`` It 's the inconsistency .
We 're bottom of the table for chances against us so we know we 've been too open , certainly away from home .
`` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we knew we were entering the Premier League with a lot of players who have not tasted Premier League football before .
It was a case of having to .
`` Our transfer policy , we had 13 players in the squad so we had to add 12/13 and we wanted players with ( PL ) experience but we ended up getting Tom Heaton from Burnley as pretty much the only one who 's experienced the Premier League , because of the market and how expensive it was to bring in them top-class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay in the Premier League for two , three years to be able to get a strong , experienced squad .
Our players will be better for it , though , because it will be like a new season for them ( when play resumes ) .
It 's like an extended break now like they would have at the end of a season . ''
Smith concluded : `` We 've had some bad luck .
We lost Tyrone Mings for six weeks , we lost John McGinn , Tom Heaton and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 've struggled to cope without them sometimes . ''

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Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith has given a frank assessment of his first season managing in the top flight.
After an up-and-down start to life in the Premier League, Villa are currently wedged in 19th place two points from safety.
Smith has lost his last five games as manager - including the cup final - before the season was ground to an abrupt halt due to Covid-19.
Villa have won seven of their 28 Premier League games, drawing four and have lost 17. They've also conceded a league-high 56 goals.
(Image: Tim Easthope/BirminghamLive)
Looking back, Smith told Sky Sports today: "I've been pleased with parts of it. My biggest disappointment is we've shown a lot of inconsistency.
"We've been in most games, OK Leicester we weren't at it; Southampton away stands out, Watford away and we got turned over massively by Manchester City at home.
"It's the inconsistency. We're bottom of the table for chances against us so we know we've been too open, certainly away from home.
"We've made the highest individual mistakes, but we knew we were entering the Premier League with a lot of players who have not tasted Premier League football before. It was a case of having to.
"Our transfer policy, we had 13 players in the squad so we had to add 12/13 and we wanted players with (PL) experience but we ended up getting Tom Heaton from Burnley as pretty much the only one who's experienced the Premier League, because of the market and how expensive it was to bring in them top-class players.
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"You really need to stay in the Premier League for two, three years to be able to get a strong, experienced squad. Our players will be better for it, though, because it will be like a new season for them (when play resumes). It's like an extended break now like they would have at the end of a season."
Smith concluded: "We've had some bad luck. We lost Tyrone Mings for six weeks, we lost John McGinn, Tom Heaton and Wesley, four massive players for us and we've struggled to cope without them sometimes."


birminghammail--2020-05-05--'Brave' care home workers have moved in among sick residents to save lives

‘ Remarkable ’ carers moved in to live alongside potentially-infected elderly residents to keep them safe – a move described today by a health chief as a sign of ‘ incredible bravery.
’ Sandwell ’ s director of public health Lisa McNally spoke as the full impact of coronavirus on care homes in the region was revealed in new data .
She said some care workers – many of them among the lowest paid workers in society – were sacrificing lockdown life with their own loved ones as they battle to keep vulnerable residents safe from coronavirus infection .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live inside a care home , so they can reduce the risk of infection .
That is a remarkable sacrifice to make .
They have no down time – they are living at work , not able to go home , or switch off , ” said Dr McNally .
It ’ s just one example of the mammoth , heroic effort that has been under way for two months to reduce severe cases and death in care settings from the misery of coronavirus , she said .
Dr McNally spoke as new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reveals 92 residents in care homes in Birmingham and the Black Country died in the last week of April from Covid-19 - the equivalent of 13 people a day .
In Birmingham , the virus contributed to the deaths of 40 people in that week ( April 25-May1 ) .
In neighbouring Sandwell , the death toll that week was ten ; in Dudley , nine ; in Walsall 18 ; and in Wolverhampton , 15 .
About a third of care homes in the region are understood to still have outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Office of National Statistics and the care homes regulator the CQC ( Care Quality Commission ) , gives a breakdown of the deaths that have occurred each day since April 10 and shows that deaths peaked in the last week of April into May , even as hospitals reported a continued decline in deaths .
Said Dr McNally : “ We will also see ( when more analysis of data is done ) many people who have gone from care homes into hospital during this pandemic , and dying there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks has been akin to contacting the frontline in a war , she said .
“ I have never experienced some of the online meetings I have sat in on these past few weeks in care homes , with staff in tears as they go through the names of the people affected in their homes . ''
'Inside care homes it has been a battleground' “ It is breaking their hearts to see people whose homes they share , who have been part of their lives perhaps for some years , overtaken by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I will never again , and I hope nor will anyone else , walk past a care home in my community without giving them a thought .
They are there , aren ’ t they , in all our streets , our neighbourhoods , these unremarkable buildings with well kept gardens - and inside it has been a battle ground .
“ The people inside have been incredibly brave , they are grieving and suffering , and they need as much support as we are able to give them , now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For me , that will be the abiding thought from this pandemic , I will think of the care homes and the staff in them , and also the social carers who are visiting people in their homes .
“ They certainly tell us they have felt hidden away and forgotten by the wider world while the focus has been on the hospitals , '' she added .
“ On a call with one care home the tears started when I started to say what an amazing job they were doing .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had nothing to apologise for , but said she had not heard anyone say that for so long .
“ The impact is not just on the staff – they are trying to maintain a sense of calm and happiness while also being constantly mindful of what could happen any moment .
The residents too have been hidden away from the physical touch of their families ... the hug of a grandchild can ’ t be replaced , ” said Dr McNally .
She added : “ There will be lessons from this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be that society will view care homes and the caring professions differently .
“ If we come out of this recognising them as part of our community , as brave and heroic , that will be long overdue .
They are literally saving lives every day.
” Among care home organisations , there has been considerable dissent about the speed of the national response , the level of support given , a shortage of PPE , a lack of testing for staff and residents , and a lack of focus on their needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoken to two Birmingham care home organisations who told us how ‘ abandoned ’ they felt , while relatives of two people who have died condemned the national response , particularly around access to PPE and lack of testing .
While all eyes are now on those care homes , public health directors like McNally and her counterpart in Birmingham , Dr Justin Varney , say it has been ‘ all about care homes ’ from the start of the pandemic .
“ To be honest , we have been shouting about care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from other countries , stories emerged that showed the worst impact was in care homes , ” said Dr McNally .
“ These were the places that would likely be hotbeds for infection.
” Populated by groups of highly vulnerable people , living together , sharing communal areas , where it is not easy to shut people away from each other , especially in smaller settings or those with high numbers of residents with dementia illnesses , the care sector was destined to be in the line of fire .
“ In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we did not wait for national guidance , '' she added .
“ We advised homes to close their doors to visitors before the national advice to do so , and set up health protection cells very early on too .
We liaised with homes immediately .
“ We were seeing this rising attention to what was happening in the NHS and certainly our council , and others around us , were trying to shout back a lot to say ‘ it ’ s not just about hospitals ’ .
Hospitals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and need to be treated equally , as one system .
“ The NHS was being instructed to discharge people as fast as possible ; they got very close to exceeding capacity , so it was important to do that .
“ However , we were saying they needed to ensure the knock-on effect was not negative on the care homes people were discharged into , '' she said .
“ That worry was shared .
We were alive to that .
It became clear very early on that our carers needed us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great expertise in this area , including infection control consultants and nurses who know the challenges .
Our role was to work side by side to help the homes snuff out the virus as quickly as possible.
” This included working in multi-agency cells with the GP-led clinical commissioning groups , Public Health England and NHS colleagues to manage outbreaks .
A shortage of PPE for staff has been one of the themes of the pandemic – and though difficulties are easing , it ’ s a situation that remains sporadic in both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ There is no doubt there was a shortage of PPE for some weeks .
The way we got round this in Sandwell was to go out and buy it – we literally got out our credit card and got them what they needed .
“ There was no way we could have staff in care homes with suspected or confirmed cases working without masks and gowns – the risk was too great .
“ So we offered support over PPE , and support around isolating and infection control .
The whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creating a barrier between the infected and the non-infected .
“ Our role was not to impose our way on them , we can not be piling more wrong on them .
If we have a care home that ’ s reached out for support we would be there side by side with them , on the phone , online , giving them whatever they said they need , '' she added .
“ Our nurses call homes proactively , all the time .
Some homes may be so caught up in dealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have time to reach out – that ’ s why it ’ s so important we go to them .
“ We very quickly set up a seven day service - infections sadly don ’ t just crop up during office hours so its important we are there at weekends and evenings too .
“ Our care homes have been incredible – they have listened to what we are saying , and we have listened and learned from their years of experience keeping people safe , so it has been a two way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created in Birmingham and Solihull , with twice weekly ‘ ringaround ’ of care homes to check in with staff .
Birmingham City Council also announced a £5m package of help for care homes and community care organisations in mid-April , with incentives to care homes to take patients discharged from hospital , and pledges to cover the costs of extra staffing and PPE .
Said the council 's Dr Varney : “ We have 301 care facilities in Birmingham but we have taken the approach of wanting to help everyone , irrespective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are private or charitably run .
“ The homes are doing an amazing job to try to protect their residents , who number in their thousands across the city .
The homes are moving heaven and earth .
“ Given the large number of people involved , and the number of care homes we have , every life lost is a devastation to a family and one we would hope would not be lost , but it could be a hell of a lot worse .
”

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‘Remarkable’ carers moved in to live alongside potentially-infected elderly residents to keep them safe – a move described today by a health chief as a sign of ‘incredible bravery.’
Sandwell’s director of public health Lisa McNally spoke as the full impact of coronavirus on care homes in the region was revealed in new data.
She said some care workers – many of them among the lowest paid workers in society – were sacrificing lockdown life with their own loved ones as they battle to keep vulnerable residents safe from coronavirus infection.
“They have left their own families to live inside a care home, so they can reduce the risk of infection. That is a remarkable sacrifice to make. They have no down time – they are living at work, not able to go home, or switch off,” said Dr McNally.
It’s just one example of the mammoth, heroic effort that has been under way for two months to reduce severe cases and death in care settings from the misery of coronavirus, she said.
Dr McNally spoke as new data, released today (Tuesday), reveals 92 residents in care homes in Birmingham and the Black Country died in the last week of April from Covid-19 - the equivalent of 13 people a day.
In Birmingham, the virus contributed to the deaths of 40 people in that week (April 25-May1).
In neighbouring Sandwell, the death toll that week was ten; in Dudley, nine; in Walsall 18; and in Wolverhampton, 15.
About a third of care homes in the region are understood to still have outbreaks of the virus.
The new data from the Office of National Statistics and the care homes regulator the CQC (Care Quality Commission), gives a breakdown of the deaths that have occurred each day since April 10 and shows that deaths peaked in the last week of April into May, even as hospitals reported a continued decline in deaths.
Said Dr McNally: “We will also see (when more analysis of data is done) many people who have gone from care homes into hospital during this pandemic, and dying there."
Speaking to care homes in recent weeks has been akin to contacting the frontline in a war, she said.
“I have never experienced some of the online meetings I have sat in on these past few weeks in care homes, with staff in tears as they go through the names of the people affected in their homes."
'Inside care homes it has been a battleground'
“It is breaking their hearts to see people whose homes they share, who have been part of their lives perhaps for some years, overtaken by this virus," said Dr McNally.
“I will never again, and I hope nor will anyone else, walk past a care home in my community without giving them a thought. They are there, aren’t they, in all our streets, our neighbourhoods, these unremarkable buildings with well kept gardens - and inside it has been a battle ground.
“The people inside have been incredibly brave, they are grieving and suffering, and they need as much support as we are able to give them, now and for months to come.
“For me, that will be the abiding thought from this pandemic, I will think of the care homes and the staff in them, and also the social carers who are visiting people in their homes.
“They certainly tell us they have felt hidden away and forgotten by the wider world while the focus has been on the hospitals," she added.
“On a call with one care home the tears started when I started to say what an amazing job they were doing. She emailed after to apologise, obviously she had nothing to apologise for, but said she had not heard anyone say that for so long.
“The impact is not just on the staff – they are trying to maintain a sense of calm and happiness while also being constantly mindful of what could happen any moment. The residents too have been hidden away from the physical touch of their families...the hug of a grandchild can’t be replaced,” said Dr McNally.
She added: “There will be lessons from this and hopefully one of the positives will be that society will view care homes and the caring professions differently.
“If we come out of this recognising them as part of our community, as brave and heroic, that will be long overdue. They are literally saving lives every day.”
Among care home organisations, there has been considerable dissent about the speed of the national response, the level of support given, a shortage of PPE, a lack of testing for staff and residents, and a lack of focus on their needs.
In the last fortnight we have spoken to two Birmingham care home organisations who told us how ‘abandoned’ they felt, while relatives of two people who have died condemned the national response, particularly around access to PPE and lack of testing.
While all eyes are now on those care homes, public health directors like McNally and her counterpart in Birmingham, Dr Justin Varney, say it has been ‘all about care homes’ from the start of the pandemic.
“To be honest, we have been shouting about care homes from the start. Early on, from other countries, stories emerged that showed the worst impact was in care homes,” said Dr McNally.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
“These were the places that would likely be hotbeds for infection.”
Populated by groups of highly vulnerable people, living together, sharing communal areas, where it is not easy to shut people away from each other, especially in smaller settings or those with high numbers of residents with dementia illnesses, the care sector was destined to be in the line of fire.
“In Sandwell, we moved early on this, we did not wait for national guidance," she added.
“We advised homes to close their doors to visitors before the national advice to do so, and set up health protection cells very early on too. We liaised with homes immediately.
“We were seeing this rising attention to what was happening in the NHS and certainly our council, and others around us, were trying to shout back a lot to say ‘it’s not just about hospitals’. Hospitals and social care are not separate systems, and need to be treated equally, as one system.
“The NHS was being instructed to discharge people as fast as possible; they got very close to exceeding capacity, so it was important to do that.
“However, we were saying they needed to ensure the knock-on effect was not negative on the care homes people were discharged into," she said.
“That worry was shared. We were alive to that. It became clear very early on that our carers needed us.
“My team in Sandwell has great expertise in this area, including infection control consultants and nurses who know the challenges. Our role was to work side by side to help the homes snuff out the virus as quickly as possible.”
This included working in multi-agency cells with the GP-led clinical commissioning groups, Public Health England and NHS colleagues to manage outbreaks.
A shortage of PPE for staff has been one of the themes of the pandemic – and though difficulties are easing, it’s a situation that remains sporadic in both Sandwell and Birmingham.
Added Dr McNally: “There is no doubt there was a shortage of PPE for some weeks. The way we got round this in Sandwell was to go out and buy it – we literally got out our credit card and got them what they needed.
(Image: PA)
“There was no way we could have staff in care homes with suspected or confirmed cases working without masks and gowns – the risk was too great.
“So we offered support over PPE, and support around isolating and infection control. The whole focus in care homes has been around creating a barrier between the infected and the non-infected.
“Our role was not to impose our way on them, we cannot be piling more wrong on them. If we have a care home that’s reached out for support we would be there side by side with them, on the phone, online, giving them whatever they said they need," she added.
“Our nurses call homes proactively, all the time. Some homes may be so caught up in dealing with problems that they don’t have time to reach out – that’s why it’s so important we go to them.
“We very quickly set up a seven day service - infections sadly don’t just crop up during office hours so its important we are there at weekends and evenings too.
“Our care homes have been incredible – they have listened to what we are saying, and we have listened and learned from their years of experience keeping people safe, so it has been a two way partnership.”
A similar set up was created in Birmingham and Solihull, with twice weekly ‘ringaround’ of care homes to check in with staff.
Birmingham City Council also announced a £5m package of help for care homes and community care organisations in mid-April, with incentives to care homes to take patients discharged from hospital, and pledges to cover the costs of extra staffing and PPE.
Said the council's Dr Varney: “We have 301 care facilities in Birmingham but we have taken the approach of wanting to help everyone, irrespective of whether we commission them or they are private or charitably run.
“The homes are doing an amazing job to try to protect their residents, who number in their thousands across the city. The homes are moving heaven and earth.
“Given the large number of people involved, and the number of care homes we have, every life lost is a devastation to a family and one we would hope would not be lost, but it could be a hell of a lot worse.”


birminghammail--2020-05-05--Martin Lewis warning over bank account which is 'deader than dead duck'

Martin Lewis has spoken out after news emerged Santander is chopping the rate on its flagship 123 Current Account again - this time to 0.6 % .
It means a double rate drop for customers this year - as the bank made the announcement on the day that a previously-announced rate cut from 1.5 % to 1 % came into force .
From August 3 , Santander will be reducing the in-credit interest rate for its 123 , Select and Private Current Accounts , from 1 % to 0.6 % on balances up to £20,000 .
Santander used to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its 123 deal - making it popular with savers looking for decent returns in the low interest rate environment .
The rate was previously halved to 1.5 % in 2016 .
On Twitter , Mr Lewis fumed : `` News .
The once great Santander 123 current account dropping interest rates AGAIN now down to 0.6 % , making it a deadder than a dead duck account - ditch it NOW .
Pls share with anyone who has it . ''
In January this year , Santander said rates would be cut from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 5 .
Since that announcement was made , the Bank of England base rate has been slashed to 0.1 % , as part of the emergency response to the coronavirus crisis .
Santander said its latest rate cut is a response to this move - and that it also takes account of the ongoing financial impact of regulatory changes in the banking industry .
Rachel Springall , a finance expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk , said Santander 's latest announcement follows similar news from other providers .
She said : `` This is disappointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current accounts to earn a competitive return on their cash .
`` A rate of 0.6 % could easily be beaten by a standard easy access account .
Customers will now need to consider carefully if the monthly fee and cashback offer is still the best choice for them in light of the credit interest rate cut .
`` In fact , customers could earn twice as much interest based on the top rate today of 1.2 % from RCI Bank UK .
However , interest rates are being cut across the market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long the top rates will last .
It is crucial savers act quickly to snap up the best deals .
`` So far this month , Nationwide has cut its 5 % rate down to 2 % on its FlexDirect account ( and ) TSB has cut its rate on the Classic Plus in half from 3 % to 1.5 % . ''
Santander said there will be no changes to the cashback benefits provided on its 123 , Select and Private Current Accounts , with customers able to earn a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household bills paid through these accounts .
There will also be no change to Santander 's monthly account fee , which will remain at £5 per month .
This means that , in total , customers could receive up to £299.60 per year in interest and cashback for a £5 monthly fee , equivalent to £60 per year .
Susan Allen , head of retail banking at Santander , said : `` While we have had to make a difficult decision in light of the current interest rate environment , our 123 Current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to customers . ''
Santander will be contacting customers in May to explain the change .
The bank said it will also be contacting a `` small number '' of those for whom the change to the interest rate may mean their earnings on the account no longer meet the monthly fee .
These customers will be provided with alternative current account options ; for instance , the 123 Lite Current Account , which offers the same cashback on household bills as the 123 Current Account , for a lower fee of £1 @ @ @

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Martin Lewis has spoken out after news emerged Santander is chopping the rate on its flagship 123 Current Account again - this time to 0.6%.
It means a double rate drop for customers this year - as the bank made the announcement on the day that a previously-announced rate cut from 1.5% to 1% came into force.
From August 3, Santander will be reducing the in-credit interest rate for its 123, Select and Private Current Accounts, from 1% to 0.6% on balances up to £20,000.
Santander used to pay as much as 3% interest on its 123 deal - making it popular with savers looking for decent returns in the low interest rate environment. The rate was previously halved to 1.5% in 2016.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
On Twitter, Mr Lewis fumed: "News. The once great Santander 123 current account dropping interest rates AGAIN now down to 0.6%, making it a deadder than a dead duck account - ditch it NOW. Pls share with anyone who has it."
(Image: Laura Lean/PA Wire)
In January this year, Santander said rates would be cut from 1.5% to 1% from Tuesday May 5.
Since that announcement was made, the Bank of England base rate has been slashed to 0.1%, as part of the emergency response to the coronavirus crisis.
Santander said its latest rate cut is a response to this move - and that it also takes account of the ongoing financial impact of regulatory changes in the banking industry.
Rachel Springall, a finance expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said Santander's latest announcement follows similar news from other providers.
(Image: Rui Vieira/PA Wire)
She said: "This is disappointing news for savers who use high interest current accounts to earn a competitive return on their cash.
"A rate of 0.6% could easily be beaten by a standard easy access account. Customers will now need to consider carefully if the monthly fee and cashback offer is still the best choice for them in light of the credit interest rate cut.
"In fact, customers could earn twice as much interest based on the top rate today of 1.2% from RCI Bank UK. However, interest rates are being cut across the market, so there is no telling how long the top rates will last. It is crucial savers act quickly to snap up the best deals.
"So far this month, Nationwide has cut its 5% rate down to 2% on its FlexDirect account (and) TSB has cut its rate on the Classic Plus in half from 3% to 1.5%."
Santander said there will be no changes to the cashback benefits provided on its 123, Select and Private Current Accounts, with customers able to earn a total of £180 per year in cashback on their household bills paid through these accounts.
There will also be no change to Santander's monthly account fee, which will remain at £5 per month. This means that, in total, customers could receive up to £299.60 per year in interest and cashback for a £5 monthly fee, equivalent to £60 per year.
Susan Allen, head of retail banking at Santander, said: "While we have had to make a difficult decision in light of the current interest rate environment, our 123 Current Account continues to provide good ongoing value to customers."
Santander will be contacting customers in May to explain the change.
The bank said it will also be contacting a "small number" of those for whom the change to the interest rate may mean their earnings on the account no longer meet the monthly fee.
These customers will be provided with alternative current account options; for instance, the 123 Lite Current Account, which offers the same cashback on household bills as the 123 Current Account, for a lower fee of £1 per month.


birminghammail--2020-05-05--Man attacked as he walked along street

Man attacked as he walked along street

A man was taken to hospital after a broad daylight attack in Dudley .
The 31-year-old was assaulted as he walked along Dibdale Road , near a Costcutter store in Milking Bank , on Monday , May 4 .
Police and medics were called to the scene at around 5.20pm .
The victim was treated for his injuries - which were not believed to be serious - before being taken to hospital for further assessment .
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` We were called to reports of an assault on Dibdale Road , Dudley , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we discovered one patient , a man , who was treated for injuries not believed to be serious before being taken to hospital for further assessment . ''
To be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area , join our Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group .
West Midlands Police said an investigation was under way and officers were currently looking at CCTV footage .
Anyone with information is asked to contact the force via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight .
People are asked to quote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jordan Coussins, Kelly Ashmore)

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A man was taken to hospital after a broad daylight attack in Dudley.
The 31-year-old was assaulted as he walked along Dibdale Road, near a Costcutter store in Milking Bank, on Monday, May 4.
Police and medics were called to the scene at around 5.20pm.
The victim was treated for his injuries - which were not believed to be serious - before being taken to hospital for further assessment.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called to reports of an assault on Dibdale Road, Dudley, at 5.21pm yesterday.
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"One ambulance attended the scene.
"On arrival we discovered one patient, a man, who was treated for injuries not believed to be serious before being taken to hospital for further assessment."
To be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area, join our Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group.
West Midlands Police said an investigation was under way and officers were currently looking at CCTV footage.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the force via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight.
Alternatively, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
People are asked to quote crime reference 20DY/104112F/20 when passing on information.


birminghammail--2020-05-05--EFL chairman warns Aston Villa ahead of high-level talks

EFL chairman Rick Parry has confirmed he still expects Premier League relegation to be implemented as usual this season .
Parry was giving evidence to the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport committee about the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on football and warned of legal challenges if the relegation and promotion process is scrapped .
Aston Villa are 19th in the table with another 10 matches to play including a game in hand on their rivals at the bottom .
Football bosses remain in discussions about how to complete the campaign with the Premier League considering staging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We expect three Championship clubs to be promoted - the Premier League are aware of our position on that , '' Parry said .
`` The Premier League expects three clubs to be relegated . ''
Some top-flight clubs reportedly want the threat of relegation removed in order to agree to plans for restarting the season with another meeting scheduled for next week .
The Mirror named Villa as one of the six clubs who are n't on board with the plans .
They reported chief executive Christian Purslow aired concerns over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said to be frustrated with the idea of finishing the season on neutral grounds .
Asked what would happen if the Premier League 's position changed , Parry said : `` The lawyers are going to get wealthy if that happens .
There would be a degree of outrage from a number of clubs in our Championship , and it would be a breach of the tripartite agreement .
`` The safe answer is that it would get very messy .
Our expectation is there would be three clubs promoted from the @ @ @

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EFL chairman Rick Parry has confirmed he still expects Premier League relegation to be implemented as usual this season.
Parry was giving evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee about the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on football and warned of legal challenges if the relegation and promotion process is scrapped.
Aston Villa are 19th in the table with another 10 matches to play including a game in hand on their rivals at the bottom.
Football bosses remain in discussions about how to complete the campaign with the Premier League considering staging the remaining fixtures at neutral venues.
"We expect three Championship clubs to be promoted - the Premier League are aware of our position on that," Parry said. "The Premier League expects three clubs to be relegated."
Some top-flight clubs reportedly want the threat of relegation removed in order to agree to plans for restarting the season with another meeting scheduled for next week.
The Mirror named Villa as one of the six clubs who aren't on board with the plans. They reported chief executive Christian Purslow aired concerns over player welfare, while the club are also said to be frustrated with the idea of finishing the season on neutral grounds.
Asked what would happen if the Premier League's position changed, Parry said: "The lawyers are going to get wealthy if that happens. There would be a degree of outrage from a number of clubs in our Championship, and it would be a breach of the tripartite agreement.
"The safe answer is that it would get very messy. Our expectation is there would be three clubs promoted from the Championship."


birminghammail--2020-05-05--This Morning 'fat shaming' guest tells obese people they're on 'death row'

Phillip Schofield has been embroiled in a fierce `` fat shaming '' row on This Morning today .
The ITV1 daytime favourite saw Phil presenting alongside co-host Holly Willoughby , 39 , on Tuesday , May 5 .
Phil and Holly , 39 , spoke to Dr Philippa and dieting expert Steve , over links between obesity and coronavirus .
Health expert Philippa said : `` Association does n't mean causation .
We are noticing people with obesity have more difficulties with the virus ... but we need to look at the evidence , which is still emerging , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... and how best people can be treated . ''
But Steve said : `` People can take action to lose weight and manage their health so unfortunately if they do get Covid and go into hospital , they 've taken steps .
`` ...
I do n't think we should blame our genes ... yes , support people , it 's not about being horrible but ... weight loss is a state of mind .
`` The reason this country is getting fatter is because we suffer from `` I ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to add : `` The blunt message I should say is , if you are fat , you are on death row .
`` We need to put out the message that you need to take responsibility for your body .
`` ... if you 're not doing something about your weight , you 're going to pay a premium for your healthcare . ''
This Morning viewers flocked to have their say with one fuming : `` Stop this , it ’ s the last thing the public need .
Schofield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` You really need to start screening people on the tv , '' added a second .
`` This judgemental sarcastic `` expert '' claiming people overweight are on death row .
Fear mongering .
Irresponsible broadcasting . ''
`` Scaring fat overweight people , everyone is at risk ! ''
another wrote .
`` This is an awful conversation and please make it stop ! ''
another chipped in .

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Phillip Schofield has been embroiled in a fierce "fat shaming" row on This Morning today.
The ITV1 daytime favourite saw Phil presenting alongside co-host Holly Willoughby, 39, on Tuesday, May 5.
Phil and Holly, 39, spoke to Dr Philippa and dieting expert Steve, over links between obesity and coronavirus.
Health expert Philippa said: "Association doesn't mean causation. We are noticing people with obesity have more difficulties with the virus... but we need to look at the evidence, which is still emerging, to try and see what is going on... and how best people can be treated."
(Image: This Morning/ITV)
But Steve said: "People can take action to lose weight and manage their health so unfortunately if they do get Covid and go into hospital, they've taken steps.
"... I don't think we should blame our genes... yes, support people, it's not about being horrible but... weight loss is a state of mind.
"The reason this country is getting fatter is because we suffer from "I can't be bothereditis"."
He went on to add: "The blunt message I should say is, if you are fat, you are on death row.
"We need to put out the message that you need to take responsibility for your body.
"... if you're not doing something about your weight, you're going to pay a premium for your healthcare."
This Morning viewers flocked to have their say with one fuming: "Stop this, it’s the last thing the public need. Schofield don’t support fat shaming!"
"You really need to start screening people on the tv," added a second.
"This judgemental sarcastic "expert" claiming people overweight are on death row. Fear mongering. Irresponsible broadcasting."
"Scaring fat overweight people, everyone is at risk!" another wrote.
"This is an awful conversation and please make it stop!" another chipped in.