birminghammail--2020-03-16--Birmingham scraps coronavirus testing in the community as infections rise

Birmingham health chiefs have announced they are scrapping community testing for coronavirus as cases continue to rise .
The news came on the same day it was revealed a patient at Good Hope Hospital had died after contracting the virus .
The victim , aged in his 80s , had underlying health conditions .
The city council 's public health director Dr Justin Varney outlined the ending of community testing at a briefing today .
Many , many people will now have coronavirus , but will display minor symptons , he said .
Only the most ill will now be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are positive as part of a dramatic shift in the national position , he said .
The community testing process has now stopped , mainly because it is no longer providing valuable information and is taking up a lot of nursing capacity at a time when the focus needs to be on the most unwell , said Dr Varney at a briefing at the Council House in the city centre this afternoon .
Only a small number of positive cases - eight - have emerged in the city since testing began , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city 's residents keeping clean and heeding advice , he said .
Each test takes 20-30 minutes to administer , which equates to a large number of nurses out of the system , when they are needed elsewhere , he said .
Whether testing negative or positive , the treatment for most patients would invariably be the same - self isolate and treat at home , he said .
`` Many people will have this , and have very , very mild symptoms .
It is the minority who will become exceptionally unwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the most vulnerable .
That is why they are our focus . ''
He added : “ I would actively encourage people not to fixate on the numbers .
Within a day or so we will not be releasing local numbers.
” The tests carried out also only reveal if someone is negative or positive at the time of the test and might lead to a false sense of security , he explained .
Someone testing negative today could be positive tomorrow .
Testing would though continue among hospital patients .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 'sentinel ' GP practices around the country which would test every patient , providing a control sample that would illustrate how widespread the virus was , he said .
It 's a method already used to track seasonal flu , he added .
“ Public Health England has been working to set up sentinel practice testing this weekend which will replace community tests .
It won ’ t give us granular data at a local level but will give us the national picture.
” He confirmed : “ From today , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have moved away from community testing .
There will be a couple more days where we get local authority numbers , then we will get national numbers only .
`` We are moving into a different phase of the virus .
`` Testing people who come into hospital will help us keep up surveillance of the most vulnerable and becoming unwell , which is the thing we are tracking most closely . ''
He said he would not speculate how many people in the city were probably positive now for coronavirus - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely widespread .
`` This is no longer an issue specific to certain areas of the country - this is now the entire country affected . ''
He added : “ We are several weeks behind most of Europe - and are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best .
“ I hope our low positive rate in Birmingham reflects that in a city of this size means we are very good at washing our hands and following advice and I would urge people to continue with that.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t touch your face , and if you have a cold please self isolate.
” Cllr Ian Ward , leader of the council , said health , social care , council , voluntary and faith organisations had all played a part so far and it was vital that we all worked together in the months ahead .
“ I would like to thank the NHS , public health staff , council staff , third sector and community groups , faith groups and people keeping our city moving.
” Getting homeless off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleepers off the streets and into hostels and other accommodation is under way across Birmingham in the wake of coronavirus .
Health chiefs met with housing and homeless charities last week to talk through plans to protect homeless people in case they become unwell .
Dr Varney said the aim was to make sure they were in accommodation if they were poorly .
“ Obviously there are some difficulties with this , we are actively encouraging them to get into accommodation .
There are plans to move faster to move people indoors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There will be national guidance for those who are not willing to come in for help but are potentially infectious .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Gurdip Thandi, Jane Haynes)

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Birmingham health chiefs have announced they are scrapping community testing for coronavirus as cases continue to rise.
The news came on the same day it was revealed a patient at Good Hope Hospital had died after contracting the virus.
The victim, aged in his 80s, had underlying health conditions.
The city council's public health director Dr Justin Varney outlined the ending of community testing at a briefing today.
Many, many people will now have coronavirus, but will display minor symptons, he said.
Only the most ill will now be tested in hospital to see if they are positive as part of a dramatic shift in the national position, he said.
The community testing process has now stopped, mainly because it is no longer providing valuable information and is taking up a lot of nursing capacity at a time when the focus needs to be on the most unwell, said Dr Varney at a briefing at the Council House in the city centre this afternoon.
Only a small number of positive cases - eight - have emerged in the city since testing began, which is in part a tribute to the city's residents keeping clean and heeding advice, he said.
Each test takes 20-30 minutes to administer, which equates to a large number of nurses out of the system, when they are needed elsewhere, he said.
(Image: PA)
Whether testing negative or positive, the treatment for most patients would invariably be the same - self isolate and treat at home, he said.
"Many people will have this, and have very, very mild symptoms. It is the minority who will become exceptionally unwell, and of that minority the elderly are the most vulnerable. That is why they are our focus."
He added: “I would actively encourage people not to fixate on the numbers. Within a day or so we will not be releasing local numbers.”
The tests carried out also only reveal if someone is negative or positive at the time of the test and might lead to a false sense of security, he explained. Someone testing negative today could be positive tomorrow.
Testing would though continue among hospital patients.
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This would be supported by a national sample at 'sentinel' GP practices around the country which would test every patient, providing a control sample that would illustrate how widespread the virus was, he said. It's a method already used to track seasonal flu, he added.
“Public Health England has been working to set up sentinel practice testing this weekend which will replace community tests. It won’t give us granular data at a local level but will give us the national picture.”
He confirmed: “From today, one of the changes you will see iis we have moved away from community testing. There will be a couple more days where we get local authority numbers, then we will get national numbers only.
"We are moving into a different phase of the virus.
"Testing people who come into hospital will help us keep up surveillance of the most vulnerable and becoming unwell, which is the thing we are tracking most closely."
He said he would not speculate how many people in the city were probably positive now for coronavirus - but the expectation was that it was likely widespread.
"This is no longer an issue specific to certain areas of the country - this is now the entire country affected."
He added: “We are several weeks behind most of Europe - and are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.
“I hope our low positive rate in Birmingham reflects that in a city of this size means we are very good at washing our hands and following advice and I would urge people to continue with that.”
“The message remains - wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and if you have a cold please self isolate.”
Cllr Ian Ward, leader of the council, said health, social care, council, voluntary and faith organisations had all played a part so far and it was vital that we all worked together in the months ahead.
“I would like to thank the NHS, public health staff, council staff, third sector and community groups, faith groups and people keeping our city moving.”
Getting homeless off the streets
A plan to get rough sleepers off the streets and into hostels and other accommodation is under way across Birmingham in the wake of coronavirus.
Health chiefs met with housing and homeless charities last week to talk through plans to protect homeless people in case they become unwell.
Dr Varney said the aim was to make sure they were in accommodation if they were poorly. “Obviously there are some difficulties with this, we are actively encouraging them to get into accommodation. There are plans to move faster to move people indoors, where they are willing to come.
“There will be national guidance for those who are not willing to come in for help but are potentially infectious.”


birminghammail--2020-03-16--Live updates: How coronavirus is affecting the Black Country

The coronovirus outbreak has led to school closures , a ban on hospital visitors and events being cancelled across the Black Country .
Supermarket shelves have also been emptied as shoppers rush to stock up on essentials .
There have been a total of five Covid-19 related deaths across the region – two in Dudley and three in Wolverhampton- and the number of confirmed cases continues to rise across the country .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to work from home and avoid all unessential travel if possible to help stop the spread of the flu-like illness .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , he told people they they should avoid pubs , cinemas and other social venues .
Anyone who is particularly vulnerable to infection , including people over 70 , will be asked to stay indoors for 12 weeks , starting from this weekend .
This is a live blog and it will be updated .
Head over to Facebook and give the Black Country Live page a like to get access to the latest news .
You can also follow us here on Twitter .
If you are on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring you closer to the latest news where you live .
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you .
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first .

The coronovirus outbreak has led to school closures, a ban on hospital visitors and events being cancelled across the Black Country.
Supermarket shelves have also been emptied as shoppers rush to stock up on essentials.
There have been a total of five Covid-19 related deaths across the region – two in Dudley and three in Wolverhampton- and the number of confirmed cases continues to rise across the country.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to work from home and avoid all unessential travel if possible to help stop the spread of the flu-like illness.
As he ramped up the response to the coronavirus pandemic, he told people they they should avoid pubs, cinemas and other social venues.
Anyone who is particularly vulnerable to infection, including people over 70, will be asked to stay indoors for 12 weeks, starting from this weekend.
This is a live blog and it will be updated.
Head over to Facebook and give the Black Country Live page a like to get access to the latest news. You can also follow us here on Twitter.
If you are on the go, the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live.
Available on iPhone and Android, the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.


birminghammail--2020-03-16--Aston Villa issue damning statement over Suso comments

Aston Villa have distanced themselves from comments made by Jesus Garcia Pitarch in a damning statement issued about the sporting director .
Pitarch - also known as Suso - conducted a rare interview with Spanish media this week about the potential impact the coronavirus could have on the Premier League .
In the interview , with newspaper Cope , he claimed there is a consensus among top-flight clubs that no sides will be relegated this season .
He said : “ If the peak of the coronavirus is to occur in May , no one thinks of a competition in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the club will continue to appear every day , there are clubs that do not see an option that the competition possibly resumes on June 30 .
`` The most reasonable solution if the League has to be stopped is that there are no relegations .
There is a certain unanimity that there should be no relegations . ''
He also said that Liverpool must be crowned as champions if it is not possible to fulfil the remaining nine fixtures becuase of the Covid-19 outbreak .
The 20 top-flight clubs are due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks over what should happen next with matches already having been postponed until early April .
And amid what is an unprecedented situation , Villa have released a short statement in response to Pitarch ’ s comments .
It said : “ The views attributed to Mr Garcia Pitarch in the Spanish media are not those of Aston Villa .
Now is not the time to be speculating about future arrangements for Premier League football this season . ''
Pitarch 's position at Villa is thought to be at risk with Dean Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer of heavy investment in the transfer market .

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Aston Villa have distanced themselves from comments made by Jesus Garcia Pitarch in a damning statement issued about the sporting director.
Pitarch - also known as Suso - conducted a rare interview with Spanish media this week about the potential impact the coronavirus could have on the Premier League.
In the interview, with newspaper Cope, he claimed there is a consensus among top-flight clubs that no sides will be relegated this season.
He said: “If the peak of the coronavirus is to occur in May, no one thinks of a competition in which players, coaches, health personnel of the club will continue to appear every day, there are clubs that do not see an option that the competition possibly resumes on June 30.
"The most reasonable solution if the League has to be stopped is that there are no relegations. There is a certain unanimity that there should be no relegations."
He also said that Liverpool must be crowned as champions if it is not possible to fulfil the remaining nine fixtures becuase of the Covid-19 outbreak.
The 20 top-flight clubs are due to meet later this week to hold talks over what should happen next with matches already having been postponed until early April.
And amid what is an unprecedented situation, Villa have released a short statement in response to Pitarch’s comments.
It said: “The views attributed to Mr Garcia Pitarch in the Spanish media are not those of Aston Villa. Now is not the time to be speculating about future arrangements for Premier League football this season."
Pitarch's position at Villa is thought to be at risk with Dean Smith's side in 19th place after a summer of heavy investment in the transfer market.


birminghammail--2020-03-16--Brum families say they 'felt like prisoners in Spanish hotels'

Holidaymakers returning from Spain have spoken of the coronavirus lockdown nightmare which confined them to their hotel rooms `` like prisoners . '
Passengers from Spanish destinations arrived at Birmingham Airport today ( Monday ) , thankful to be back on UK soil .
They described major tourist destinations such as Benidorm and Alicante in Spain and and Palma in Mallorca as being 'ghost towns ' in complete lockdown due to coronavirus .
On Saturday Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had declared a state of emergency and confirmed the country will go into a 15-day nationwide lockdown .
All bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stores selling basic necessities , have been forced to close .
Isobel O'Brien , from Great Barr , went on a three night break to Benidorm with eight family and friends to celebrate a 40th birthday .
She took video from the from the 13th floor of the hotel they were staying in , showing the eerie resort and streets devoid of life .
She told BirminghamLive : `` It has been a complete nightmare .
We only went on a three night weekend break .
They closed all of the bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We had to stay in our hotel but they bumped the prices up .
We were herded in there like cattle .
We were told off by the police officers for going outside and to stay indoors .
`` We are just so relieved that we managed to get a plane ride back home . ''
Melanie Farrell , from Longbridge , was on holiday with 12 members of her family in Santa Ponsa in Mallorca and had just returned from a flight from Palma .
The family took a video of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay indoors .
She said : `` We were like prisoners in our apartments .
The police were patrolling the streets telling us to stay indoors .
`` We were only allowed to go out to get essentials from shops and only one member of the family could go out .
`` We could n't go out in a group .
Bars and restaurants were closed .
Fortunately it was only for the last couple of days of our holiday .
We are all so pleased to get home . ''
Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from Gloucestershire , had enjoyed a holiday in Palma .
Mr Pritchard said : `` It was all very surreal .
All the bars and shops were closed .
`` There were people out walking their dogs and people with toy dogs on the ends of leads .
Only pharmacies , shops which sell essential items and strangely barbers were allowed to open .
It was a very weird experience .
`` The mood is very sombre out there .
One Spanish bar owner was crying .
They rely on tourism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Alicante with his wife Jan .
He said : `` We had enjoyed a lovely two month holiday in a villa .
We were only affected for the last two days of our stay .
`` We were going to stay out there until Thursday but with all that was going on we decided to come back early .
We wanted to go to our favourite restaurant on Saturday night but it had been closed with all the bars and shops .
`` We were having a great holiday up until Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get home . ''
Phil Riley , aged 60 and his wife Jean , 63 , had been on holiday to Palma .
Mr Riley said : `` It was very quiet for this time of year .
The taxi drivers and bar owners were all nervous about the current situation .
We have a villa out there so we were n't in lockdown .
`` There were longer queues than normal .
The mood is pretty miserable .
Mallorca is an island which is reliant on tourism .
It is pretty miserable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Susan Beech had enjoyed a holiday in Palma .
Lorraine told BirminghamLive : `` We were confined to our hotel for the last couple of days but we had really enjoyed our holiday up to that point .
`` You have to feel for the bar and restaurant owners out there . ''

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Holidaymakers returning from Spain have spoken of the coronavirus lockdown nightmare which confined them to their hotel rooms "like prisoners.'
Passengers from Spanish destinations arrived at Birmingham Airport today (Monday), thankful to be back on UK soil.
They described major tourist destinations such as Benidorm and Alicante in Spain and and Palma in Mallorca as being 'ghost towns' in complete lockdown due to coronavirus.
On Saturday Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had declared a state of emergency and confirmed the country will go into a 15-day nationwide lockdown.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
All bars and shops in Spain, except pharmacies and stores selling basic necessities, have been forced to close.
Isobel O'Brien, from Great Barr, went on a three night break to Benidorm with eight family and friends to celebrate a 40th birthday.
She took video from the from the 13th floor of the hotel they were staying in, showing the eerie resort and streets devoid of life.
She told BirminghamLive: "It has been a complete nightmare. We only went on a three night weekend break. They closed all of the bars and shops while we were there.
"We had to stay in our hotel but they bumped the prices up. We were herded in there like cattle. We were told off by the police officers for going outside and to stay indoors.
"We are just so relieved that we managed to get a plane ride back home."
Melanie Farrell, from Longbridge, was on holiday with 12 members of her family in Santa Ponsa in Mallorca and had just returned from a flight from Palma.
The family took a video of police driving down the streets warning people to stay indoors.
She said: "We were like prisoners in our apartments. The police were patrolling the streets telling us to stay indoors.
"We were only allowed to go out to get essentials from shops and only one member of the family could go out.
"We couldn't go out in a group. Bars and restaurants were closed. Fortunately it was only for the last couple of days of our holiday. We are all so pleased to get home."
Mark and Linda Pritchard, both aged 61, from Gloucestershire, had enjoyed a holiday in Palma.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Mr Pritchard said: "It was all very surreal. All the bars and shops were closed.
"There were people out walking their dogs and people with toy dogs on the ends of leads. Only pharmacies, shops which sell essential items and strangely barbers were allowed to open. It was a very weird experience.
"The mood is very sombre out there. One Spanish bar owner was crying. They rely on tourism."
Lou Lowe had been on holiday to Alicante with his wife Jan.
He said: "We had enjoyed a lovely two month holiday in a villa. We were only affected for the last two days of our stay.
"We were going to stay out there until Thursday but with all that was going on we decided to come back early. We wanted to go to our favourite restaurant on Saturday night but it had been closed with all the bars and shops.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
"We were having a great holiday up until Saturday but we are just glad now to get home."
Phil Riley, aged 60 and his wife Jean, 63, had been on holiday to Palma.
Mr Riley said: "It was very quiet for this time of year. The taxi drivers and bar owners were all nervous about the current situation. We have a villa out there so we weren't in lockdown.
"There were longer queues than normal. The mood is pretty miserable. Mallorca is an island which is reliant on tourism. It is pretty miserable out there."
Lorraine Hay and Susan Beech had enjoyed a holiday in Palma.
Lorraine told BirminghamLive: "We were confined to our hotel for the last couple of days but we had really enjoyed our holiday up to that point.
"You have to feel for the bar and restaurant owners out there."


birminghammail--2020-03-16--Patient with confirmed coronavirus dies at Birmingham hospital

A patient has died at a Sutton Coldfield hospital after testing positive for coronavirus .
The man , in his 80s , was being treated at the Rectory Road site , having been confirmed as having COVID-19 .
The spokesman for University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust said : “ Sadly , we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at Good Hope Hospital , and had tested positive for COVID-19 , has died .
“ The patient , who died on [ Saturday ] March14 , 2020 , was in his 80s and had underlying health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.
” The sad news came as the Government announced stringent news measures in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus .
Now if anyone has a persistent cough or a high temperature - everyone in the household should stay at home for 14 days Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in his first daily press conference at Downing Street .
People are advised to work from home where they can and avoid going to pubs and restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at-risk groups , people over 70 , those adults who would normally be advised to have the flu vaccine , and pregnant women , will be asked to remain at home for 12 weeks - starting in a matter of days .
The new recommendations given are guidelines and not strict law at present .
Although those that can are being asked to comply .
The number of deaths in the UK has jumped to 53 , up 18 in a day .
As at 9am on Monday ( March 16 ) the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , up 152 on yesterday .
Of those 15 are said to be in Birmingham .

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A patient has died at a Sutton Coldfield hospital after testing positive for coronavirus.
The man, in his 80s, was being treated at the Rectory Road site, having been confirmed as having COVID-19.
The spokesman for University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust said: “Sadly, we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at Good Hope Hospital, and had tested positive for COVID-19, has died.
(Image: Nick Horner)
“The patient, who died on [Saturday] March14, 2020, was in his 80s and had underlying health conditions.
“His family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.”
The sad news came as the Government announced stringent news measures in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus.
Now if anyone has a persistent cough or a high temperature - everyone in the household should stay at home for 14 days Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in his first daily press conference at Downing Street.
People are advised to work from home where they can and avoid going to pubs and restaurants and non-essential travel.
Also those in at-risk groups, people over 70, those adults who would normally be advised to have the flu vaccine, and pregnant women, will be asked to remain at home for 12 weeks - starting in a matter of days.
The new recommendations given are guidelines and not strict law at present. Although those that can are being asked to comply.
The number of deaths in the UK has jumped to 53, up 18 in a day. As at 9am on Monday (March 16) the UK had 1,543, confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, up 152 on yesterday. Of those 15 are said to be in Birmingham.


birminghammail--2020-03-16--Actor Idris Elba tests positive for coronavirus

The musician , who says he has 'no symptoms ' has gone into immediate self-isolation .
He shared a video on Twitter and wrote : `` This morning I tested positive for Covid 19 .
`` I feel ok , I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus .
`` Stay home people and be pragmatic .
I will keep you updated on how I ’ m doing .
No panic . ''
This is a breaking news story .
We will be updating it .
Follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest news .
We are also on Instagram .
If you are on the go , the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live .
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you .
Breaking news , the latest on your football club , the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you .
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iPhone and Android .

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Actor Idris Elba has tested positive for coronavirus.
The musician, who says he has 'no symptoms' has gone into immediate self-isolation.
He shared a video on Twitter and wrote: "This morning I tested positive for Covid 19.
"I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus.
"Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing. No panic."
This is a breaking news story. We will be updating it.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram.
If you are on the go, the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live.
Available on iPhone and Android, the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you.
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.
Download it on iPhone and Android.


birminghammail--2020-03-16--Schools instructed to remain open in coronavirus outbreak

Schools are being instructed to remain open amid the coronavirus pandemic despite further social distancing measures announced by the Government .
The Prime Minister said all people in the UK should avoid pubs , clubs and theatres , stop all non-essential contact and travel , and work from home if they can .
But Boris Johnson stopped short of announcing school closures - telling a press briefing that although the measures will remain `` under review '' , it is `` much better '' they currently stay open .
It comes as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson holds talks with unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to discuss the implications of schools being closed and exams being postponed due to the Covid-19 outbreak .
Mr Johnson said : `` We 're keeping all measures under review and particularly obviously people will be thinking about school closures , there is an argument about school closures .
`` We think at the moment , on balance , it 's much better if we can keep schools open for all sorts of reasons .
`` But I appreciate that this is again something that we need to keep under review .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance told the briefing on Monday ( March 16 ) it needed to be done `` at the right time '' .
`` It is also possible , as laid out in the plan , that other measures may be necessary , including at some point , as we 've said , it may be necessary to think about things like school closures , '' he said .
`` But those things again need to be done at the right time , in the right way , at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Williamson is due to meet representatives from the NAHT school leaders ' union , the Association of School and College Leaders ( ASCL ) and the Confederation of School Trusts ( CST ) on Monday .
Ahead of the meeting , NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said that although teachers are concerned about the impact on exams and assessments , the `` main priority '' is keeping children safe .
He said : `` For some children , a day at school is a place of sanctuary and nourishment as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the immediate issues are under control , I am confident that school leaders and their teams will do all that they can to support children and young people throughout the remainder of the crisis . ''
Geoff Barton , general secretary of the ASCL , said he would be raising with the Education Secretary the challenges of keeping schools open amid staff shortages , and the potential for disruption during exam season .
He said : `` We aim to work through these issues in order to arrive at constructive solutions about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders are showing calm and assured leadership in these difficult times and we can reassure the public that everything that can be done to support young people will be done . ''

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Schools are being instructed to remain open amid the coronavirus pandemic despite further social distancing measures announced by the Government.
The Prime Minister said all people in the UK should avoid pubs, clubs and theatres, stop all non-essential contact and travel, and work from home if they can.
But Boris Johnson stopped short of announcing school closures - telling a press briefing that although the measures will remain "under review", it is "much better" they currently stay open.
It comes as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson holds talks with unions and school leaders, where they are expected to discuss the implications of schools being closed and exams being postponed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Mr Johnson said: "We're keeping all measures under review and particularly obviously people will be thinking about school closures, there is an argument about school closures.
"We think at the moment, on balance, it's much better if we can keep schools open for all sorts of reasons.
"But I appreciate that this is again something that we need to keep under review."
On potential school closures, chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance told the briefing on Monday (March 16) it needed to be done "at the right time".
"It is also possible, as laid out in the plan, that other measures may be necessary, including at some point, as we've said, it may be necessary to think about things like school closures," he said.
"But those things again need to be done at the right time, in the right way, at the right stage of the outbreak."
Mr Williamson is due to meet representatives from the NAHT school leaders' union, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) on Monday.
Ahead of the meeting, NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said that although teachers are concerned about the impact on exams and assessments, the "main priority" is keeping children safe.
He said: "For some children, a day at school is a place of sanctuary and nourishment as well as a place of education.
"Once the immediate issues are under control, I am confident that school leaders and their teams will do all that they can to support children and young people throughout the remainder of the crisis."
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the ASCL, said he would be raising with the Education Secretary the challenges of keeping schools open amid staff shortages, and the potential for disruption during exam season.
He said: "We aim to work through these issues in order to arrive at constructive solutions about the way ahead.
"School and college leaders are showing calm and assured leadership in these difficult times and we can reassure the public that everything that can be done to support young people will be done."


birminghammail--2020-03-16--In full: Boris Johnson's coronavirus statement

In a press conference about coronavirus on Monday March 16 , Boris Johnson said : Good afternoon everybody , thank you very much for coming .
I wanted to bring everyone up to date with the national fight back against the new coronavirus and the decisions that we ’ ve just taken in COBR for the whole of the UK .
As we said last week , our objective is to delay and flatten the peak of the epidemic by bringing forward the right measures at the right time , so that we minimise suffering and save lives .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best scientific advice .
Last week we asked everyone to stay at home if you had one of two key symptoms : a high temperature or a new and continuous cough .
Today , we need to go further , because according to SAGE [ the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ] it looks as though we ’ re now approaching the fast growth part of the upward curve .
And without drastic action , cases could double every 5 or 6 days .
So , first , we need to ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone in your household has one of those two symptoms , then you should stay at home for fourteen days .
That means that if possible you should not go out even to buy food or essentials , other than for exercise , and in that case at a safe distance from others .
If necessary , you should ask for help from others for your daily necessities .
And if that is not possible , then you should do what you can to limit your social contact when you leave the house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you don ’ t have symptoms and if no one in your household has symptoms , there is more that we need you to do now .
So , second , now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel .
We need people to start working from home where they possibly can .
And you should avoid pubs , clubs , theatres and other such social venues .
It goes without saying , we should all only use the NHS when we really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than ringing NHS 111 .
Now , this advice about avoiding all unnecessary social contact , is particularly important for people over 70 , for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions .
And if you ask , why are we doing this now , why now , why not earlier , or later ?
Why bring in this very draconian measure ?
The answer is that we are asking people to do something that is difficult and disruptive of their lives .
And the right moment , as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it when it is most effective , when we think it can make the biggest difference to slowing the spread of the disease , reducing the number of victims , reducing the number of fatalities .
And as we take these steps we should be focusing on the most vulnerable .
So third , in a few days ’ time – by this coming weekend – it will be necessary to go further and to ensure that those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for doing this in the next few days , rather than earlier or later , is that this is going to be very disruptive for people who have such conditions , and difficult for them , but , I believe , it ’ s now necessary .
And we want to ensure that this period of shielding , this period of maximum protection coincides with the peak of the disease .
And it ’ s now clear that the peak of the epidemic is coming faster in some parts of the country than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though London is now a few weeks ahead .
So , to relieve the pressure on the London health system and to slow the spread in London , it ’ s important that Londoners now pay special attention to what we are saying about avoiding non-essential contact , and to take particularly seriously the advice about working from home , and avoiding confined spaces such as pubs and restaurants .
Lastly , it remains true as we have said in the last few weeks that risks of transmission of the disease at mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low .
But obviously , logically as we advise against unnecessary social contact of all kinds , it is right that we should extend this advice to mass gatherings as well .
And so we ’ ve also got to ensure that we have the critical workers we need , that might otherwise be deployed at those gatherings , to deal with this emergency .
So from tomorrow , we will no longer be supporting mass gatherings with emergency workers in the way that we normally do .
So mass gatherings , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And I know that many people – including millions of fit and active people over 70 – may feel , listening to what I have just said , that there is something excessive about these measures .
But I have to say , I believe that they are overwhelmingly worth it to slow the spread of the disease , to reduce the peak , to save life , minimise suffering and to give our NHS the chance to cope .
Over the last few days , I have been comparing notes and talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can tell you that the UK is now leading a growing global campaign amongst all our friends and allies , whether in the G7 , the G20 , the UN , the IMF - all those bodies in which we play a significant role .
We ’ re leading a campaign to fight back against this disease .
To keep the economy growing , to make sure that humanity has access to the drugs and the treatments that we all need , and the UK is also at the front of the effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy , to make sure that we get through it .
I know that today we are asking a lot of everybody .
It is far more now than just washing your hands - though clearly washing your hands remains important .
But I can tell you that across this country , people and businesses in my experience are responding with amazing energy and creativity to the challenge that we face , and I want to thank everybody for the part that you are playing and are going to play .

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In a press conference about coronavirus on Monday March 16, Boris Johnson said:
Good afternoon everybody, thank you very much for coming. I wanted to bring everyone up to date with the national fight back against the new coronavirus and the decisions that we’ve just taken in COBR for the whole of the UK.
As we said last week, our objective is to delay and flatten the peak of the epidemic by bringing forward the right measures at the right time, so that we minimise suffering and save lives. And everything we do is based scrupulously on the best scientific advice.
Last week we asked everyone to stay at home if you had one of two key symptoms: a high temperature or a new and continuous cough.
Today, we need to go further, because according to SAGE [the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies] it looks as though we’re now approaching the fast growth part of the upward curve.
And without drastic action, cases could double every 5 or 6 days.
So, first, we need to ask you to ensure that if you or anyone in your household has one of those two symptoms, then you should stay at home for fourteen days.
That means that if possible you should not go out even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise, and in that case at a safe distance from others. If necessary, you should ask for help from others for your daily necessities. And if that is not possible, then you should do what you can to limit your social contact when you leave the house to get supplies.
And even if you don’t have symptoms and if no one in your household has symptoms, there is more that we need you to do now.
So, second, now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel.
We need people to start working from home where they possibly can. And you should avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues.
It goes without saying, we should all only use the NHS when we really need to. And please go online rather than ringing NHS 111.
Now, this advice about avoiding all unnecessary social contact, is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions.
And if you ask, why are we doing this now, why now, why not earlier, or later? Why bring in this very draconian measure?
The answer is that we are asking people to do something that is difficult and disruptive of their lives.
And the right moment, as we’ve always said, is to do it when it is most effective, when we think it can make the biggest difference to slowing the spread of the disease, reducing the number of victims, reducing the number of fatalities.
And as we take these steps we should be focusing on the most vulnerable.
So third, in a few days’ time – by this coming weekend – it will be necessary to go further and to ensure that those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks.
And again the reason for doing this in the next few days, rather than earlier or later, is that this is going to be very disruptive for people who have such conditions, and difficult for them, but, I believe, it’s now necessary.
And we want to ensure that this period of shielding, this period of maximum protection coincides with the peak of the disease.
And it’s now clear that the peak of the epidemic is coming faster in some parts of the country than in others.
And it looks as though London is now a few weeks ahead.
So, to relieve the pressure on the London health system and to slow the spread in London, it’s important that Londoners now pay special attention to what we are saying about avoiding non-essential contact, and to take particularly seriously the advice about working from home, and avoiding confined spaces such as pubs and restaurants.
Lastly, it remains true as we have said in the last few weeks that risks of transmission of the disease at mass gatherings such as sporting events are relatively low.
But obviously, logically as we advise against unnecessary social contact of all kinds, it is right that we should extend this advice to mass gatherings as well.
And so we’ve also got to ensure that we have the critical workers we need, that might otherwise be deployed at those gatherings, to deal with this emergency.
So from tomorrow, we will no longer be supporting mass gatherings with emergency workers in the way that we normally do. So mass gatherings, we are now moving emphatically away from.
And I know that many people – including millions of fit and active people over 70 – may feel, listening to what I have just said, that there is something excessive about these measures.
But I have to say, I believe that they are overwhelmingly worth it to slow the spread of the disease, to reduce the peak, to save life, minimise suffering and to give our NHS the chance to cope.
Over the last few days, I have been comparing notes and talking to leaders around the world and I can tell you that the UK is now leading a growing global campaign amongst all our friends and allies, whether in the G7, the G20, the UN, the IMF - all those bodies in which we play a significant role.
We’re leading a campaign to fight back against this disease.
To keep the economy growing, to make sure that humanity has access to the drugs and the treatments that we all need, and the UK is also at the front of the effort to back business, to back our economy, to make sure that we get through it.
I know that today we are asking a lot of everybody. It is far more now than just washing your hands - though clearly washing your hands remains important.
But I can tell you that across this country, people and businesses in my experience are responding with amazing energy and creativity to the challenge that we face, and I want to thank everybody for the part that you are playing and are going to play.


birminghammail--2020-03-16--Aston Villa chief sends Premier League title message to Liverpool

Liverpool must be crowned as champions if the Premier League season is cut short because of coronavirus , Aston Villa chief Jesus Garcia Pitarch has said .
Jurgen Klopp ’ s side are currently 25 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City and need just two more wins to secure the title .
But fixtures have been suspended until April 3 and there are fears the remaining matches may not be played at all as the virus continues to spread across the UK .
Pitarch says if those concerns become reality , Liverpool should be awarded the title .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European positions based on the previous season or as it stands this current season , '' Villa 's sporting director told Spanish media .
“ The logical thing is that with a 25 point advantage , the title would be given to Liverpool , but this is a personal opinion . ''
Premier League clubs will meet later this week to decide on their next move .
Pitarch added : `` We have a meeting this Thursday in which we will know where we are and what happens .
`` With so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League , everything must be considered in a competition that generates a lot of money and I think it will not be able to conclude .
”

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Liverpool must be crowned as champions if the Premier League season is cut short because of coronavirus, Aston Villa chief Jesus Garcia Pitarch has said.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently 25 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City and need just two more wins to secure the title.
But fixtures have been suspended until April 3 and there are fears the remaining matches may not be played at all as the virus continues to spread across the UK.
Pitarch says if those concerns become reality, Liverpool should be awarded the title.
“The biggest discussion is whether to determine the European positions based on the previous season or as it stands this current season," Villa's sporting director told Spanish media.
“The logical thing is that with a 25 point advantage, the title would be given to Liverpool, but this is a personal opinion."
Premier League clubs will meet later this week to decide on their next move.
Pitarch added: "We have a meeting this Thursday in which we will know where we are and what happens.
"With so many economic interests that there are in the Premier League, everything must be considered in a competition that generates a lot of money and I think it will not be able to conclude.”


birminghammail--2020-03-16--Tackling coronavirus - Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces 6 key measures

The Prime Minister has announced further measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus .
Boris Johnson gave his first of what will now be daily press conferences led by either the PM or senior cabinet ministers .
He revealed the battle to stop the virus spreading was entering a new stage in the first of the planned daily coronavirus press conferences .
Speaking on Monday , following an emergency Cobra meeting , there were key measures that were announced .
He said it was now time to `` go further '' .
The UK is approaching a period when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Without drastic action , cases could double every five or six days .
The virus was spreading fastest in London , he said .
He said : `` Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others .
And to stop all unnecessary travel . ''
He added that 'We need people to start working from home where they possibly can .
2 .
Those in vulnerable groups to avoid contact by isolating Anyone who is particularly vulnerable to infection , including people over 70 , will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , starting from this weekend .
And the most vulnerable people , whether they are ill or not , will be asked to stay at home for 12 weeks .
Mr Johnson said : `` This advice about avoiding all social contact is particularly important for people over 70 , for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions . ''
Pregnant women will be told to stay at home for 12 weeks after being added to the 'at risk ' list in new coronavirus guidance issued by the government .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially grouped pregnant women with the elderly and more vulnerable .
4 .
People should avoid pubs , cinemas and other social venues .
5 .
Anyone in a household where someone has the covid-19 coronavirus should go into isolation He also said that anyone in a household where someone has the covid-19 coronavirus should go into isolation and remain at home for 14 days .
They should find someone else to do their shopping or deliver supplies to their home , he said .
Previously , this measure only applied to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their homes .
The Government also effectively banned major crowd events such as football matches , by saying the police would no longer attend in the way they usually do .
He announced that police will no longer attend events such as football matches or concerts .
Mr Johnson said : `` From tomorrow we will no longer be supporting mass gatherings with emergency workers in the way that we normally do '' .
While the Prime Minister did not spell it out , the announcement effectively makes it impossible for these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events could theoretically take place without spectators ) .
... Schools will not be closed Schools will not be closed - but the Government 's scientific advisers said that may change in the future .
Mr Johnson said the Government 's policy was `` to minimise suffering and save life '' , in what may have been an attempt to counter claims from critics that the Government had a deliberate policy of allowing people to catch the disease .
And everything the Government did `` is based scrupulously on the best scientific advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that last week the government asked people to stay at home if they had a high temperature or a new , continuous cough .
Also speaking at the Number 10 press conference were Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance It was the first of the new daily press conferences the Government plans to hold , in an bid to keep the public informed and improve confidence in its plans to deal with the virus .
Mr Johnson is to take part in most of them , alongside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another Minister will take over when he is not available .
It follows criticism over the weekend that the Government is failing to communicate clearly with the public .
The Government says the UK is leading international efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and produce the medical equipment needed to help people recover .
Earlier today , Mr Johnson spoke to British manufacturers including Unipart Group to ask them to support production of essential medical equipment for the NHS .
He also chaired a meeting of COBR , the Government committee that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Prime Minister has spoken with world leaders including President Trump , Germany 's leader Chancellor Merkel , Prime Minister Abe of Japan , Prime Minister Conte of Italy and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia .
On Tuesday , the leaders of the G7 group of the world 's largest economies will participate in a call to discuss international efforts .
Germany closed its borders with neighbouring countries as European nations attempted to stem the spread of the coronavirus .
Separately , the Ministry of Defence has said it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Defence Minister James Heappey said : “ The Ministry of Defence plans for all things , whether it be for flooding , or indeed for pandemic .
We are planning for all eventualities in response to Covid-19 and we ’ re content that we have what we need within our resources to meet the likely requirements for government.
” Retailers have reported a rise in abuse of staff amid coronavirus panic-buying , despite supermarkets calling for calm from shoppers .
It comes after a chaotic weekend for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of essential items such as toilet rolls , cleaning products , dried pasta and tinned food , after the virus outbreak was classified as a pandemic .
Supermarket websites and online grocers including Ocado are also suffering from huge surges in orders , with some key items being rationed per customer .
Chief executives are in discussions with the Government about limiting products to ensure key lines remain in stock , although the prevailing view is that supply chains are holding up .
The British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) said staff have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , but retailers are working with the police to keep stores “ running as smoothly as possible ” .
Andrew Opie , director of food and sustainability at the BRC , said : “ Even when circumstances are difficult , retailers are well versed in providing effective security measures .
”

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The Prime Minister has announced further measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Boris Johnson gave his first of what will now be daily press conferences led by either the PM or senior cabinet ministers.
He revealed the battle to stop the virus spreading was entering a new stage in the first of the planned daily coronavirus press conferences.
Speaking on Monday, following an emergency Cobra meeting, there were key measures that were announced.
He said it was now time to "go further". The UK is approaching a period when cases will rise quickly, he said.
"Without drastic action, cases could double every five or six days. The virus was spreading fastest in London, he said.
He said: "Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others. And to stop all unnecessary travel."
1. Work from home
He added that 'We need people to start working from home where they possibly can.
2. Those in vulnerable groups to avoid contact by isolating
Anyone who is particularly vulnerable to infection, including people over 70, will be asked to stay indoors for 12 weeks, starting from this weekend.
And the most vulnerable people, whether they are ill or not, will be asked to stay at home for 12 weeks.
Mr Johnson said: "This advice about avoiding all social contact is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions."
Pregnant women will be told to stay at home for 12 weeks after being added to the 'at risk' list in new coronavirus guidance issued by the government.
It is the first time the government have officially grouped pregnant women with the elderly and more vulnerable.
3. Stop all unnecessary travel
4. People should avoid pubs, cinemas and other social venues.
5. Anyone in a household where someone has the covid-19 coronavirus should go into isolation
He also said that anyone in a household where someone has the covid-19 coronavirus should go into isolation and remain at home for 14 days. They should find someone else to do their shopping or deliver supplies to their home, he said.
Previously, this measure only applied to people with symptoms - not the other people in their homes.
6. Mass gatherings
The Government also effectively banned major crowd events such as football matches,by saying the police would no longer attend in the way they usually do. He announced that police will no longer attend events such as football matches or concerts.
Mr Johnson said: "From tomorrow we will no longer be supporting mass gatherings with emergency workers in the way that we normally do".
While the Prime Minister did not spell it out, the announcement effectively makes it impossible for these events to take place (though sporting events could theoretically take place without spectators).
...Schools will not be closed
Schools will not be closed - but the Government's scientific advisers said that may change in the future.
Mr Johnson said the Government's policy was "to minimise suffering and save life", in what may have been an attempt to counter claims from critics that the Government had a deliberate policy of allowing people to catch the disease.
And everything the Government did "is based scrupulously on the best scientific advice", he said.
He said that last week the government asked people to stay at home if they had a high temperature or a new, continuous cough.
Also speaking at the Number 10 press conference were Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance
It was the first of the new daily press conferences the Government plans to hold, in an bid to keep the public informed and improve confidence in its plans to deal with the virus.
Mr Johnson is to take part in most of them, alongside the Chief Medical Office and Chief Scientific Adviser. Another Minister will take over when he is not available.
It follows criticism over the weekend that the Government is failing to communicate clearly with the public.
The Government says the UK is leading international efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and produce the medical equipment needed to help people recover.
Earlier today, Mr Johnson spoke to British manufacturers including Unipart Group to ask them to support production of essential medical equipment for the NHS. He also chaired a meeting of COBR, the Government committee that deals with emergencies.
In recent days the Prime Minister has spoken with world leaders including President Trump, Germany's leader Chancellor Merkel, Prime Minister Abe of Japan, Prime Minister Conte of Italy and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.
On Tuesday, the leaders of the G7 group of the world's largest economies will participate in a call to discuss international efforts.
Germany closed its borders with neighbouring countries as European nations attempted to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Separately, the Ministry of Defence has said it is planning for “all eventualities” in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Defence Minister James Heappey said: “The Ministry of Defence plans for all things, whether it be for flooding, or indeed for pandemic. We are planning for all eventualities in response to Covid-19 and we’re content that we have what we need within our resources to meet the likely requirements for government.”
Retailers have reported a rise in abuse of staff amid coronavirus panic-buying, despite supermarkets calling for calm from shoppers.
It comes after a chaotic weekend for retailers, which saw their shelves emptied of essential items such as toilet rolls, cleaning products, dried pasta and tinned food, after the virus outbreak was classified as a pandemic.
Supermarket websites and online grocers including Ocado are also suffering from huge surges in orders, with some key items being rationed per customer.
Chief executives are in discussions with the Government about limiting products to ensure key lines remain in stock, although the prevailing view is that supply chains are holding up.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said staff have been the victims of abuse in recent days, but retailers are working with the police to keep stores “running as smoothly as possible”.
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the BRC, said: “Even when circumstances are difficult, retailers are well versed in providing effective security measures.”


birminghammail--2020-03-16--A secret look inside The World Of David Walliams at Alton Towers resort

Not content with taking over the world of comedy and Children 's literature , David Walliams is coming to a theme park near you .
Alton Towers Resort is celebrating it 's 40th anniversary as a theme park this year , and to mark the occasion they are launching 'The World Of David Walliams ' .
Taking over the area of the resort that was previously 'Cloud Cuckoo Land ' , the new attraction is a themed land based on the literature of the popular author .
The characters and novels of Walliams were seen as a perfect base for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sneak peak to see what 's in store for guests .
Here 's all you need to know ahead of the launch - from Gangsta Granny : The Ride to what else you can expect from the attraction .
Gangsta Granny was just one of the books that endeared Walliams to millions of keen readers .
The daft characters , the fun , the excitement and the adventure .
Everything that a children 's book should be and a book that set him firmly in place as the Roal Dahl of his generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years and takes visitors on a thrilling ride through the storyline that sees Ben discover his Granny is secretly an international jewel thief .
The ride has a right royal flavour as the duo attempt to steal the Queen 's Crown Jewels and visitors are thrown right into the heart of the adventure thanks to a fantastic 4D ride experience .
Speaking of the new development , David Walliams said : “ Gangsta Granny is really an adventure story so it suits a ride .
Most of us are never going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it is quite exciting isn ’ t it ?
“ I wanted the ride to reflect the book as much as possible and have had a lot of input into the ride.I am thrilled and I was really overwhelmed to be asked .
I just can ’ t wait to experience it for myself.
” The ride is a complex project that uses state of the art technology and effects to deliver the drama .
The five minute ride runs on a 68m track that uses 13,200 QR codes to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.5 tonne carriages seat eight guests and thanks to the sensors on the track , they know exactly when to stop , start , twist and turn .
The carriages also ave built in speakers so the voices of the characters and the sound effects are piped through the ride to add to the effect .
Again , all this is precisely synched with the track to make sure guests hear , see and feel the right things at exactly the right time .
Leading manufacturer of rides and attractions , Garmendale Engineering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sales director Kelvin Ensor said : “ A hell of a lot of work has gone into making this happen .
Thirteen months of hard graft has gone into it , that includes designers , fabricators , welders , electrical engineers , mechanical engineers and programming engineers , it has been a good task .
“ Families can expect something that is totally unique to ride systems with the special effects and the level of complexity that is involved in this ride .
It ’ s something different and I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together before.
” As I was taken on a tour of the new ride , the first thing that struck me was just how much work had gone into this .
The level of theming was simply stunning .
Wallpapers and flooring had been designed from scratch , illustrations had all been hand painted and the Tony Ross illustration style is prevalent throughout the waiting areas and the ride itself .
I was told that a team of over 100 staff at the resort 's creative hub had put months and months worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minute details .
That includes creating hundreds of coins .
It was explained that every area of the new attraction has it 's own themed music and that played together , they create a soundtrack that combine together .
Everywhere you look there is something you will miss , such is the attention to detail , you will see those things the next time you take a ride .
From 3D mapping and animation to wind effects , bubbles , and putrid fart smells .
Gangsta Granny : The Ride has it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the story in front of you and heighten the experience .
Part of creating the magic is highlighted in the final section of the ride where the Queen witnesses her crown disappear in full sight of herself and the riders .
A member of the magic circle actually helped to ensure that it leaves guests spellbound at the end .
As with any Alton Towers ride , there are lots of little secrets and hidden extras .
The regal wallpaper bears Her Majesty 's Crown design , look a little closer and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alton Towers 'skyline ' logo .
You will also see a nod back to the original owners of the iconic Towers themselves .
The Earl Of Shrewsbury 's crest can be found outside the ride .
There are some fantastic little additions to the pre-ride experience , but I wo n't spoil those , and even when you leave the ride there is a bit of an after-story thrown in for comedic effect .
Squeezing a book into a five minute ride is no mean feat , but it 's one that John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park , took on enthusiastically .
He has spent the last two years discussing the project with David Walliams and the publisher of the nooks , Harper Collins .
These meetings shaped a vision for the storyline , and the design of the ride .
“ David was brilliant , he added so much along the way in terms of humour and his own personality .
He was brilliant , and he trusted me to add my flair aswell .
I think fans of his books will appreciate the humour from the rides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Raj ’ s shop , it ’ s a very immersive experience .
“ David loves the Queen which is why the carousel has been given a regal overhaul .
I am really excited and I can ’ t wait to see the reaction of people when they see the ride and when they get off it .
Fans of the books will see that we have actually attempted to catch the colour scheme of all of the books in the surrounding buildings .
“ Everything we have done we have fed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the stickers to the ride itself .
He has been very involved .
He actually found it very refreshing to bring his characters even more to life , as he told us , writing is a very solitary experience so to allow others to take his ideas and build on them was very refreshing . ''
Guaranteed to delight visitors is the brilliant Raj 's Shop at the end of the ride .
The only thing to appear in all of the Walliams novels , I was guided around a wonderfully themed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and brilliant humour throughout .
From the signs on the noticeboard to the 45-minute radio show that runs in the background .
A radio show that you will notice that is Walliams himself , at one point interviewing himself .
Throughout the shop you will see nods to all of his novels through unusual classified ads and you will also see the same daft discount offers that you witness in the books and the TV programmes .
Roma Swords-McDonnell is the Lead Creative behind Raj ’ s Shop , she explained what people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was great fun looking at your quintessential newsagents shop in this country and trying to find ways to have fun with that .
We have added lots of little in-jokes from the books and also things that Alton Towers fans will know and love .
“ It will be a gift shop , but you will also find things you would find in a normal newsagent style shop .
The staff have all been trained to know phrases from the book.
” It 's not all about Gangsta Granny , this revamped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will know it as the former Frog Hopper ride , but now it is all about flatulence rather than frogs .
Riders now get the whoopee cushion effect when they are going up and down on the drop tower ride .
It makes for a hysterical experience for riders and onlookers as the sounds trumpet from the ride .
The much loved carousel has also had a regal makeover with white stallions taking riders on a gentle and enjoyable gallop .
There are four themed hotel rooms for guests wanting to enjoy the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a separate 'Tower Of London ' area for kids to sleep in , and the parents get their own room watched over by Ben and Granny .
The rooms are completely hand illustrated which brings to life the illustrations of Tony Ross and immerses guests into the book .
Secrets are included as kids get to try and unlock the crown jewels .
The rooms even come with their own mirrorball and mobility scooters .
The carpet is a real treat , even if it did take some poor soul 12 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to add to the experience .
Edward Neville , lead creative for the rooms said : “ The children can hunt around the room for a magical code , unlock the vault and get rewarded with some sweets from Raj ’ s shop .
“ There is a mobility scooter in each of the four rooms .
It is very iconic to the book and you always have a reading chair in a hotel room , so why not turn the dial up a bit and get the guests to sit on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there being continuous things children can discover is a key feature because you want to keep them intrigued .
We want to make the child the hero of the bedroom.
” Prices for a family of four to stay in themed hotel rooms start from £281.50 per night for bed and breakfast .
The minimum height restriction for the Gangsta Granny ride is 0.9m and children between 0.9m and 1.1m must be accompanied by an adult .
Book your Gangsta Granny adventure at Alton Towers Resort here .
Who is it aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ride has a minimum height restriction of 0.9m and is aimed firmly at families , especially those with children aged 6-12 years old .
I 'll be honest , you will like it whatever the age .
It 's great fun .
It is currently due to open on Saturday , March 21st .

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Not content with taking over the world of comedy and Children's literature, David Walliams is coming to a theme park near you.
Alton Towers Resort is celebrating it's 40th anniversary as a theme park this year, and to mark the occasion they are launching 'The World Of David Walliams'.
Taking over the area of the resort that was previously 'Cloud Cuckoo Land', the new attraction is a themed land based on the literature of the popular author.
The characters and novels of Walliams were seen as a perfect base for the new development and I went for sneak peak to see what's in store for guests.
Here's all you need to know ahead of the launch - from Gangsta Granny: The Ride to what else you can expect from the attraction.
Gansta Granny: The Ride
(Image: Publicity Picture)
Gangsta Granny was just one of the books that endeared Walliams to millions of keen readers. The daft characters, the fun, the excitement and the adventure.
Everything that a children's book should be and a book that set him firmly in place as the Roal Dahl of his generation.
It has been in development for two years and takes visitors on a thrilling ride through the storyline that sees Ben discover his Granny is secretly an international jewel thief.
The ride has a right royal flavour as the duo attempt to steal the Queen's Crown Jewels and visitors are thrown right into the heart of the adventure thanks to a fantastic 4D ride experience.
Speaking of the new development, David Walliams said: “Gangsta Granny is really an adventure story so it suits a ride. Most of us are never going to go on a heist, the idea of it is quite exciting isn’t it?
“I wanted the ride to reflect the book as much as possible and have had a lot of input into the ride.I am thrilled and I was really overwhelmed to be asked. I just can’t wait to experience it for myself.”
(Image: Stephen Bould, Stoke Sentinel)
A feat of engineering
The ride is a complex project that uses state of the art technology and effects to deliver the drama. The five minute ride runs on a 68m track that uses 13,200 QR codes to make sure the rides runs to precision. The 2.5 tonne carriages seat eight guests and thanks to the sensors on the track, they know exactly when to stop, start, twist and turn.
The carriages also ave built in speakers so the voices of the characters and the sound effects are piped through the ride to add to the effect. Again, all this is precisely synched with the track to make sure guests hear, see and feel the right things at exactly the right time.
Leading manufacturer of rides and attractions, Garmendale Engineering, created the main Gangsta Granny ride. Sales director Kelvin Ensor said: “A hell of a lot of work has gone into making this happen. Thirteen months of hard graft has gone into it, that includes designers, fabricators, welders, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers and programming engineers, it has been a good task.
“Families can expect something that is totally unique to ride systems with the special effects and the level of complexity that is involved in this ride. It’s something different and I don't think they have brought all these elements together before.”
Attention to detail
As I was taken on a tour of the new ride, the first thing that struck me was just how much work had gone into this. The level of theming was simply stunning. Wallpapers and flooring had been designed from scratch, illustrations had all been hand painted and the Tony Ross illustration style is prevalent throughout the waiting areas and the ride itself.
I was told that a team of over 100 staff at the resort's creative hub had put months and months worth of time into painstakingly creating the most minute details. That includes creating hundreds of coins.
It was explained that every area of the new attraction has it's own themed music and that played together, they create a soundtrack that combine together. Everywhere you look there is something you will miss, such is the attention to detail, you will see those things the next time you take a ride.
(Image: Stephen Bould, Stoke Sentinel)
Special effects
From 3D mapping and animation to wind effects, bubbles, and putrid fart smells. Gangsta Granny: The Ride has it all. The effects all tied in with the story in front of you and heighten the experience.
Part of creating the magic is highlighted in the final section of the ride where the Queen witnesses her crown disappear in full sight of herself and the riders. A member of the magic circle actually helped to ensure that it leaves guests spellbound at the end.
Easter Eggs
As with any Alton Towers ride, there are lots of little secrets and hidden extras. The regal wallpaper bears Her Majesty's Crown design, look a little closer and you will see the odd one featuring the Alton Towers 'skyline' logo.
You will also see a nod back to the original owners of the iconic Towers themselves. The Earl Of Shrewsbury's crest can be found outside the ride.
There are some fantastic little additions to the pre-ride experience, but I won't spoil those, and even when you leave the ride there is a bit of an after-story thrown in for comedic effect.
Adapting the literature
(Image: Ayrshire Post)
Squeezing a book into a five minute ride is no mean feat, but it's one that John Burton, the Creative Director for the park, took on enthusiastically.
He has spent the last two years discussing the project with David Walliams and the publisher of the nooks, Harper Collins.
These meetings shaped a vision for the storyline, and the design of the ride.
“David was brilliant, he added so much along the way in terms of humour and his own personality. He was brilliant, and he trusted me to add my flair aswell. I think fans of his books will appreciate the humour from the rides and the attraction. From the rides to Raj’s shop, it’s a very immersive experience.
“David loves the Queen which is why the carousel has been given a regal overhaul. I am really excited and I can’t wait to see the reaction of people when they see the ride and when they get off it. Fans of the books will see that we have actually attempted to catch the colour scheme of all of the books in the surrounding buildings.
“Everything we have done we have fed in to David, from the jokes on the stickers to the ride itself. He has been very involved.
He actually found it very refreshing to bring his characters even more to life, as he told us, writing is a very solitary experience so to allow others to take his ideas and build on them was very refreshing."
Raj's shop
(Image: Stephen Bould, Stoke Sentinel)
Guaranteed to delight visitors is the brilliant Raj's Shop at the end of the ride. The only thing to appear in all of the Walliams novels, I was guided around a wonderfully themed newsagents shop with some fantastic design work and brilliant humour throughout.
From the signs on the noticeboard to the 45-minute radio show that runs in the background. A radio show that you will notice that is Walliams himself, at one point interviewing himself.
Throughout the shop you will see nods to all of his novels through unusual classified ads and you will also see the same daft discount offers that you witness in the books and the TV programmes.
Roma Swords-McDonnell is the Lead Creative behind Raj’s Shop, she explained what people can expect.
She stated: “It was great fun looking at your quintessential newsagents shop in this country and trying to find ways to have fun with that. We have added lots of little in-jokes from the books and also things that Alton Towers fans will know and love.
“It will be a gift shop, but you will also find things you would find in a normal newsagent style shop.
The staff have all been trained to know phrases from the book.”
Raj's Bottom Burp
(Image: Stephen Bould, Stoke Sentinel)
It's not all about Gangsta Granny, this revamped attraction will definitely delight visitors. Guests will know it as the former Frog Hopper ride, but now it is all about flatulence rather than frogs. Riders now get the whoopee cushion effect when they are going up and down on the drop tower ride.
It makes for a hysterical experience for riders and onlookers as the sounds trumpet from the ride.
Royal Carousel
The much loved carousel has also had a regal makeover with white stallions taking riders on a gentle and enjoyable gallop.
The rooms
There are four themed hotel rooms for guests wanting to enjoy the ultimate Gangsta Granny getaway. These come with a separate 'Tower Of London' area for kids to sleep in, and the parents get their own room watched over by Ben and Granny. The rooms are completely hand illustrated which brings to life the illustrations of Tony Ross and immerses guests into the book.
Secrets are included as kids get to try and unlock the crown jewels. The rooms even come with their own mirrorball and mobility scooters. The carpet is a real treat, even if it did take some poor soul 12 weeks to produce the bespoke Gangsta Granny design to add to the experience.
Edward Neville, lead creative for the rooms said: “The children can hunt around the room for a magical code, unlock the vault and get rewarded with some sweets from Raj’s shop.
“There is a mobility scooter in each of the four rooms. It is very iconic to the book and you always have a reading chair in a hotel room, so why not turn the dial up a bit and get the guests to sit on a mobility scooter?
“That idea of there being continuous things children can discover is a key feature because you want to keep them intrigued. We want to make the child the hero of the bedroom.”
Prices for a family of four to stay in themed hotel rooms start from £281.50 per night for bed and breakfast. The minimum height restriction for the Gangsta Granny ride is 0.9m and children between 0.9m and 1.1m must be accompanied by an adult. Book your Gangsta Granny adventure at Alton Towers Resort here.
Who is it aimed at and when is it open?
The ride has a minimum height restriction of 0.9m and is aimed firmly at families, especially those with children aged 6-12 years old. I'll be honest, you will like it whatever the age. It's great fun.
It is currently due to open on Saturday, March 21st.


birminghammail--2020-03-16--Pregnant women now in 'at risk group' for coronavirus along with people over 70

The Government has issued new advice on coronavirus today - highlighting the most vulnerable groups and how they should take extra care .
Chief medical officer for England professor Chris Whitty said people in their 70s and also pregnant women need to take extra care over the coming weeks .
Prime Minister said those with serious health conditions need to ensure they are shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks .
Mr Johnson added : `` This advice about avoiding all social contact is particularly important for people over 70 , for pregnant women and for those with some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The group of people who we would want to take this advice particularly seriously are older people above 70 , people who in adult life would normally be advised to have the flu vaccination , so these are people with chronic diseases such as chronic heart disease or chronic kidney disease , and also - as a precautionary measure because we are early in our understanding and we want to be sure - women who are pregnant .
`` Those are the groups we want to take particular care to minimise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have very significant risks for them . ''
All people in the UK should avoid pubs , clubs and theatres , stop all non-essential contact and travel , and work from home if they can , Boris Johnson has said .
As part of the measures , anyone living in a household with somebody who has either a persistent cough or fever must now also isolate themselves for 14 days .
Prof Whitty added : `` If one person in the household has symptoms the whole household stays at home .
Now there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , if there is a very vulnerable person in the household , for example , people will need to take that into account . ''
He said : `` The reason for this is because they are helping to stop it be transmitted onto the rest of the community and these people - the trouble is if you are actually in a household with someone who has got coronavirus , there is a reasonably high chance you will be infected and will go on to get it . ''

The Government has issued new advice on coronavirus today - highlighting the most vulnerable groups and how they should take extra care.
Chief medical officer for England professor Chris Whitty said people in their 70s and also pregnant women need to take extra care over the coming weeks.
Prime Minister said those with serious health conditions need to ensure they are shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks.
Mr Johnson added: "This advice about avoiding all social contact is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions."
Prof Whitty said: "The group of people who we would want to take this advice particularly seriously are older people above 70, people who in adult life would normally be advised to have the flu vaccination, so these are people with chronic diseases such as chronic heart disease or chronic kidney disease, and also - as a precautionary measure because we are early in our understanding and we want to be sure - women who are pregnant.
"Those are the groups we want to take particular care to minimise their social contact which of course will have very significant risks for them."
All people in the UK should avoid pubs, clubs and theatres, stop all non-essential contact and travel, and work from home if they can, Boris Johnson has said.
As part of the measures, anyone living in a household with somebody who has either a persistent cough or fever must now also isolate themselves for 14 days.
Prof Whitty added: "If one person in the household has symptoms the whole household stays at home. Now there has to be some common sense around this, if there is a very vulnerable person in the household, for example, people will need to take that into account."
He said: "The reason for this is because they are helping to stop it be transmitted onto the rest of the community and these people - the trouble is if you are actually in a household with someone who has got coronavirus, there is a reasonably high chance you will be infected and will go on to get it."


birminghammail--2020-03-16--Moseley murders: Everything we know so far

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two women died from fatal stab wounds in Moseley .
The victims , aged 43 and 52 , were discovered at neighbouring houses in Belle Walk .
Detectives are tonight quizzing a 40-year-old man on suspicion of murder .
We have a reporter at the scene who is filing live updates .
Police were called to a house in Belle Walk at around 11am today ( March 16 ) where a woman , aged 43 , was found with stab injuries .
She was pronounced dead at the scene .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was found at a house next door with serious injuries and despite the efforts of medical staff died shortly after .
A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder .
WHAT HAVE POLICE SAID Detective Inspector Nick Barnes , from West Midlands Police 's homicide team , said : “ The tragic events of this morning appear to be domestic related as it ’ s thought the suspect and the two victims are known to each other .
“ We ’ ve closed the area while forensic examinations are carried out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting the families at this devastating time .
“ Two women have lost their lives and we ’ re doing all we can to understand the circumstances of this tragedy.
” How ambulance crews tried to save victims West Midlands Ambulance Service sent two ambulances , a paramedic officer , a critical care car with an advanced paramedic on board and the West Midlands CARE Team medics to the scene .
A spokeswoman said : “ On arrival crews found one woman who was sadly confirmed deceased on scene .
`` A second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a critical condition .
She was given advanced life support before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to hospital .
`` Sadly , despite the best efforts , nothing could be done to save her , and she was confirmed dead at hospital a short time later.
” What have locals said ?
Residents had told how police and forensics officers swooped on scene at around 10.30am on Monday morning .
One said he had heard a succession of sirens and seen people gathered in the street with a visibly distressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One local said : `` I saw about seven or eight police cars ad three ambulances .
`` A lady told me two women had been stabbed .
I do n't know them as they keep themselves to themselves . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Tony Larner,  birminghammail.co.uk)

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two women died from fatal stab wounds in Moseley.
The victims, aged 43 and 52, were discovered at neighbouring houses in Belle Walk.
Detectives are tonight quizzing a 40-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
We have a reporter at the scene who is filing live updates.
WHAT HAPPENED:
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Police were called to a house in Belle Walk at around 11am today (March 16) where a woman, aged 43, was found with stab injuries.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second woman, aged 52, was found at a house next door with serious injuries and despite the efforts of medical staff died shortly after.
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A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.
WHAT HAVE POLICE SAID
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Detective Inspector Nick Barnes, from West Midlands Police's homicide team, said: “The tragic events of this morning appear to be domestic related as it’s thought the suspect and the two victims are known to each other.
“We’ve closed the area while forensic examinations are carried out and we’ve got specially trained officers supporting the families at this devastating time.
“Two women have lost their lives and we’re doing all we can to understand the circumstances of this tragedy.”
How ambulance crews tried to save victims
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a critical care car with an advanced paramedic on board and the West Midlands CARE Team medics to the scene.
A spokeswoman said: “On arrival crews found one woman who was sadly confirmed deceased on scene.
"A second woman sustained serious injuries and was in a critical condition. She was given advanced life support before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to hospital.
"Sadly, despite the best efforts, nothing could be done to save her, and she was confirmed dead at hospital a short time later.”
What have locals said?
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Residents had told how police and forensics officers swooped on scene at around 10.30am on Monday morning.
One said he had heard a succession of sirens and seen people gathered in the street with a visibly distressed woman being led away by officers.
One local said: "I saw about seven or eight police cars ad three ambulances.
"A lady told me two women had been stabbed. I don't know them as they keep themselves to themselves."


birminghammail--2020-03-16--Player makes puzzling claim about Aston Villa January target

Aston Villa were keen on Leicester City striker Islam Slimani in the January transfer window .
Slimani is currently on loan at French side Monaco but he was chased by a number of Premier League sides in January with Villa among them .
He was reportedly willing to cut his season-long loan short to return to England , despite enjoying an impressive campaign in Ligue 1 with eight goals and seven assists in 14 appearances , but could n't agree a move back five months after leaving Leicester .
The 31-year-old cost the Foxes a whopping £28m from Sporting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight Premier League goals since then , with the spell at Monaco his third loan away from the King Power Stadium in as many seasons .
Yet Slimani ’ s former Leicester team-mate Yohan Benalouane has sensationally claimed he has justified that fee - which was a club-record price tag at the time .
“ He 's a serial killer in front of the goal , ” Benalouane told France Football .
” In Leicester , when he arrived , we could see all of his scoring qualities .
He also tires the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asset , both in attack and defence .
He immediately justified the money the club had spent for him .
“ He 's a real warrior .
He was much appreciated for that .
As soon as he arrived , he did us a lot of good .
“ He made us laugh a lot , he talks a lot , he 's funny .
He is generous , always there to want to help his team-mates .
“ For him , it was never easy .
We always had to fight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all his merit because he really fought .
I 'm really proud that he has become one of the best strikers in Ligue 1.
” Villa brought in attacking reinforcements for Dean Smith in January by spending £8.5m on Mbwana Samatta from Belgian champions Genk and snapping up Borja Baston on a free transfer from Swansea City .

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Aston Villa were keen on Leicester City striker Islam Slimani in the January transfer window.
Slimani is currently on loan at French side Monaco but he was chased by a number of Premier League sides in January with Villa among them.
He was reportedly willing to cut his season-long loan short to return to England, despite enjoying an impressive campaign in Ligue 1 with eight goals and seven assists in 14 appearances, but couldn't agree a move back five months after leaving Leicester.
The 31-year-old cost the Foxes a whopping £28m from Sporting in 2016 but he’s scored just eight Premier League goals since then, with the spell at Monaco his third loan away from the King Power Stadium in as many seasons.
Yet Slimani’s former Leicester team-mate Yohan Benalouane has sensationally claimed he has justified that fee - which was a club-record price tag at the time.
“He's a serial killer in front of the goal,” Benalouane told France Football. ”In Leicester, when he arrived, we could see all of his scoring qualities. He also tires the defences a lot. It is an asset, both in attack and defence. He immediately justified the money the club had spent for him.
“He's a real warrior. He was much appreciated for that. As soon as he arrived, he did us a lot of good.
“He made us laugh a lot, he talks a lot, he's funny. He is generous, always there to want to help his team-mates.
“For him, it was never easy. We always had to fight. Getting to where he is today is all his merit because he really fought. I'm really proud that he has become one of the best strikers in Ligue 1.”
Villa brought in attacking reinforcements for Dean Smith in January by spending £8.5m on Mbwana Samatta from Belgian champions Genk and snapping up Borja Baston on a free transfer from Swansea City.