birminghammail--2020-04-28--The 10 strange dreams you're having in lockdown and what they mean

Sleep experts suggest that the Covid-19 pandemic could be behind a spike in vivid , and even unusual , dreams and nightmares .
Experts at personalised bedding specialists , nanu , have reported an uplift in customers reporting extreme and unwanted dreams as one of the recent reasons they are seeking a new pillow .
Jamie Moryoussef , spokesperson for nanu , said : “ Dreams are actually a key part of how our brain makes sense of our lives , and the dreams we have are generated for many different reasons ; be it to process our day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to handle stress and trauma .
Dreaming acts like a virtual organiser , consolidating all of these issues for us while we ’ re in the land of nod .
“ Most of us will remember few of our dreams and these dreams are rarely likely to impact how we feel once we wake up .
Sadly , this may not currently be the case as this crisis continues to unfold , and anxieties around health , work , money and the future could be crossing over from our real world into our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nanu is a sleep specialist which creates customised pillows , duvets and pillowcases that help Brits get the best night ’ s sleep possible .
Experts at the brand have researched what 10 of the most common vivid dreams mean .
These include : • Teeth falling out suggests worries about personal appearance and/or worries about others ’ perceptions • Being chased may mean a real-life anxiety – or an anxiety about the dreamer ’ s own personality – is creeping up on them • Being unable to find a toilet may indicate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something • Being naked in public suggests worries about being exposed as a fraud or being wrongly accused of something • Going into an exam with no preparation reflects a lack of self-belief • Fear of flying could mean the dreamer is afraid they can ’ t live up the tough goals they set for themselves • The feeling of falling usually indicates overwhelming anxiety • An out of control vehicle may mean the dreamer is worried about a lack of control in where their life is headed • Finding a brand-new room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new ( and positive ) outlook is just around the corner • Being late suggests the dreamer is worried about time slipping away or that they simply won ’ t achieve what they need to in the time they have left Nanu has also compiled some top tips for improving sleep quality during the Covid-19 crisis .
Jamie Moryoussef , comments : “ The run up to bedtime has a major effect on the quality of our sleep : try to destress before your head to bed , cut back on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stick to a routine if you can .
“ It ’ s also advisable to make your bed a real haven .
Customised bedding that allows you to cocoon yourself , along with a duvet that ’ s the right tog so you sleep at your own ideal temperature , can really have an impact on how comfortable a good night ’ s sleep is.
” Nanu creates personalised pillows according to your favourite sleeping position , height , weight and preferred firmness , ensuring each individual gets their perfect night ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Not duvet ; a split duvet that can offer the individual , ideal temperature for two partners sleeping alongside one another .
Get yours at

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Sleep experts suggest that the Covid-19 pandemic could be behind a spike in vivid, and even unusual, dreams and nightmares.
Experts at personalised bedding specialists, nanu, have reported an uplift in customers reporting extreme and unwanted dreams as one of the recent reasons they are seeking a new pillow.
Jamie Moryoussef, spokesperson for nanu, said: “Dreams are actually a key part of how our brain makes sense of our lives, and the dreams we have are generated for many different reasons; be it to process our day, make sense of something upsetting, or to handle stress and trauma. Dreaming acts like a virtual organiser, consolidating all of these issues for us while we’re in the land of nod.
“Most of us will remember few of our dreams and these dreams are rarely likely to impact how we feel once we wake up. Sadly, this may not currently be the case as this crisis continues to unfold, and anxieties around health, work, money and the future could be crossing over from our real world into our subconscious while we’re asleep.”
Nanu is a sleep specialist which creates customised pillows, duvets and pillowcases that help Brits get the best night’s sleep possible.
Experts at the brand have researched what 10 of the most common vivid dreams mean. These include:
Teeth falling out suggests worries about personal appearance and/or worries about others’ perceptions Being chased may mean a real-life anxiety – or an anxiety about the dreamer’s own personality – is creeping up on them Being unable to find a toilet may indicate holding back true feelings about someone or something Being naked in public suggests worries about being exposed as a fraud or being wrongly accused of something Going into an exam with no preparation reflects a lack of self-belief Fear of flying could mean the dreamer is afraid they can’t live up the tough goals they set for themselves The feeling of falling usually indicates overwhelming anxiety An out of control vehicle may mean the dreamer is worried about a lack of control in where their life is headed Finding a brand-new room in a building you know well suggests a new (and positive) outlook is just around the corner Being late suggests the dreamer is worried about time slipping away or that they simply won’t achieve what they need to in the time they have left
Nanu has also compiled some top tips for improving sleep quality during the Covid-19 crisis.
(Image: Getty Images)
Jamie Moryoussef, comments: “The run up to bedtime has a major effect on the quality of our sleep: try to destress before your head to bed, cut back on social media browsing ahead of turning in and stick to a routine if you can.
“It’s also advisable to make your bed a real haven. Customised bedding that allows you to cocoon yourself, along with a duvet that’s the right tog so you sleep at your own ideal temperature, can really have an impact on how comfortable a good night’s sleep is.”


birminghammail--2020-04-28--UK care home coronavirus death toll reaches 4,000 - and likely far higher

There were 4,343 deaths in care homes involving coronavirus reported by care home providers in England to the Care Quality Commission up to April 24 , the Office for National Statistics said .
The figures have emerged on the same day Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that people in care homes who go to hospital for non-Covid reasons will not be discharged until they are known not to have the virus .
Victor , from Loughton , Essex , who runs a care home , asked the Health Secretary during the LBC phone-in about the virus in care homes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Covid-19 was moved in .
Mr Hancock said : `` I 'm not going to say , you know , it 's a matter for the care home ; it 's actually a matter for all of us , and exactly as Victor says , because you know , when this horrible disease gets into a care home , some of the people who are most vulnerable to it live in care homes .
`` One thing that we 've done is introduced testing for everybody leaving hospital going to care homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about . ''
He also addressed Victor 's concerns about PPE in private care homes and said : `` The responsibility sits on my shoulders .
`` Because of the need to increase the amount of PPE , we 've stepped up and put in place extra processes and allow the access to the NHS PPE distribution and expanded that to care homes . ''

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There were 4,343 deaths in care homes involving coronavirus reported by care home providers in England to the Care Quality Commission up to April 24, the Office for National Statistics said.
The figures have emerged on the same day Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that people in care homes who go to hospital for non-Covid reasons will not be discharged until they are known not to have the virus.
Victor, from Loughton, Essex, who runs a care home, asked the Health Secretary during the LBC phone-in about the virus in care homes after 12 of his residents died when someone with Covid-19 was moved in.
Mr Hancock said: "I'm not going to say, you know, it's a matter for the care home; it's actually a matter for all of us, and exactly as Victor says, because you know, when this horrible disease gets into a care home, some of the people who are most vulnerable to it live in care homes.
"One thing that we've done is introduced testing for everybody leaving hospital going to care homes to avoid the situation that Victor talks about."
He also addressed Victor's concerns about PPE in private care homes and said: "The responsibility sits on my shoulders.
"Because of the need to increase the amount of PPE, we've stepped up and put in place extra processes and allow the access to the NHS PPE distribution and expanded that to care homes."


birminghammail--2020-04-28--McDonald's issue new statement over reopening UK restaurants

McDonald 's has issued a new statement over potentially opening UK restaurants .
The fast food giant , which is renowned for its fries , burgers , chicken nuggets and McFlurry ice creams , closed all branches in March .
McDonald 's has now confirmed it will carry out `` operational tests '' this week to explore what reopening might look like .
Amid the coronavirus crisis , McDonald 's shut every restaurant across the country .
In Birmingham , there are more McDonald 's restaurants than any other UK city - bar London .
Paul Pomroy , McDonald 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the chain will stay closed for now .
In a statement , he said : `` In March , we took the decision to temporarily close our restaurants in the UK and Ireland for the safety of our people and customers .
`` Recently , we began working through a potential and limited reopening .
We have been listening to our employees and customers as well as engaging with government and trade bodies to help ensure we do this responsibly , when the time is right .
“ Restarting our business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening in a limited capacity .
`` We have set ourselves some key criteria for reopening , all of which take time – first and foremost ensuring the wellbeing of our people and creating the right environment for them to return to work ; secondly ensuring we have enough supply of fresh produce ; and finally working in-step with government guidelines to ensure the safety of our customers .
“ This week we are carrying out some operational tests to explore what our reopening might look like ; the restaurant where these tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public .
`` These tests will include exploring social distancing measures for our crew , PPE options and opening in a limited capacity .
`` For now we remain closed , and will only reopen when we are absolutely confident we can have the right measures in place to ensure everyone ’ s wellbeing .
”

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McDonald's has issued a new statement over potentially opening UK restaurants.
The fast food giant, which is renowned for its fries, burgers, chicken nuggets and McFlurry ice creams, closed all branches in March.
McDonald's has now confirmed it will carry out "operational tests" this week to explore what reopening might look like.
Amid the coronavirus crisis, McDonald's shut every restaurant across the country.
In Birmingham, there are more McDonald's restaurants than any other UK city - bar London.
Paul Pomroy, McDonald's CEO for the UK and Ireland, said that the chain will stay closed for now.
In a statement, he said: "In March, we took the decision to temporarily close our restaurants in the UK and Ireland for the safety of our people and customers.
"Recently, we began working through a potential and limited reopening. We have been listening to our employees and customers as well as engaging with government and trade bodies to help ensure we do this responsibly, when the time is right.
“Restarting our business is not an easy task even when reopening in a limited capacity.
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
"We have set ourselves some key criteria for reopening, all of which take time – first and foremost ensuring the wellbeing of our people and creating the right environment for them to return to work; secondly ensuring we have enough supply of fresh produce; and finally working in-step with government guidelines to ensure the safety of our customers.
“This week we are carrying out some operational tests to explore what our reopening might look like; the restaurant where these tests take place will remain closed to the public.
"These tests will include exploring social distancing measures for our crew, PPE options and opening in a limited capacity.
"For now we remain closed, and will only reopen when we are absolutely confident we can have the right measures in place to ensure everyone’s wellbeing.”


birminghammail--2020-04-28--Nutritionist's top tips for feeding kids in lockdown using easy supermarket buys

A top nutritionist has revealed her top tips for feeding the kids using ingredients found in supermarkets amid the lockdown .
Laura Street , who works for Marks and Spencer , has shared her tricks and tips to keep kids fed and happy as the country faces days at home .
M & S is accepting the £15 food vouchers issued as part of the government 's free school meals scheme in England while schools are closed .
But the chain also understand that coming up with simple , tasty and nutritionally balanced meals three times a day can often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , M & S ’ senior in-house nutritionist , Laura Street , has shared her hints , tips and lunchtime inspiration on the M & S website , including a downloadable meal planner with five simple kids lunches for under £15 ( for two kids ! )
To make it even easier for customers in-store , all products on the meal planner will also be flagged with special “ I ’ m on the shopping list ” signs .
Laura explains , “ Eating a healthy , balanced diet helps keep children healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to concentrate on school work and to be alert .
Although we ’ re facing challenging times , it ’ s worth trying to embed a few healthy habits where you can – and hopefully these tips and recipe ideas will help you do that .
If you ’ re at home more , smaller habits repeated each day can really stick .
But the main thing is not to be too hard on yourself .
The 80/20 rule is a good one to keep in mind – if you can encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 % of the time , you ’ re on to a winner !
” Laura ’ s meal planner of 5 lunches for 2 kids for £15 includes : • Role modelling : While we ’ re at home , we have a unique chance to sit and eat together for at least one meal a day , so use the opportunity to display the kind of eating behaviours you ’ d like to see in your child .
• Get kids involved : If they help prepare meals , they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will be more likely to tuck in .
• Try making fruit and veggies the topic of your dinner time conversation .
Discuss which you ’ ve eaten that day , and how you plan to fit in your five-a-day tomorrow .
• Most schools talk about the environment and food waste – strike up a conversation to see what knowledge your child has of it , and if they have any creative recipe ideas to use up leftovers .
• Get creative !
Presentation has a big impact , so make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can – kids will enjoy helping , too .

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A top nutritionist has revealed her top tips for feeding the kids using ingredients found in supermarkets amid the lockdown.
Laura Street, who works for Marks and Spencer, has shared her tricks and tips to keep kids fed and happy as the country faces days at home.
M&S is accepting the £15 food vouchers issued as part of the government's free school meals scheme in England while schools are closed.
But the chain also understand that coming up with simple, tasty and nutritionally balanced meals three times a day can often be challenging for parents.
(Image: SCU)
To help, M&S’ senior in-house nutritionist, Laura Street, has shared her hints, tips and lunchtime inspiration on the M&S website, including a downloadable meal planner with five simple kids lunches for under £15 (for two kids!)
To make it even easier for customers in-store, all products on the meal planner will also be flagged with special “I’m on the shopping list” signs.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Laura explains, “Eating a healthy, balanced diet helps keep children healthy, gives them energy, and helps them to concentrate on school work and to be alert. Although we’re facing challenging times, it’s worth trying to embed a few healthy habits where you can – and hopefully these tips and recipe ideas will help you do that. If you’re at home more, smaller habits repeated each day can really stick. But the main thing is not to be too hard on yourself. The 80/20 rule is a good one to keep in mind – if you can encourage children to eat a balanced diet around 80% of the time, you’re on to a winner!”
Laura’s meal planner of 5 lunches for 2 kids for £15 includes:
Easy cheesy pasta + banana Tortilla pizzas + salad Tuna pasta salad + crunchy crudité + fromage frais + banana Speedy cheese & tomato toasts + fromage frais Fish Finger sandwiches + fromage frais
Laura’s top tips include:


birminghammail--2020-04-28--Eight arrested as murder victim named by police

Eight men have been arrested following the murder of a man who was stabbed to death in Smethwick .
Two men aged 19 , as well as a 21-year-old and a 20-year-old , were detained on suspicion of murder , while three others , aged 20 , 21 and 22 , were held on suspicion of assisting an offender .
Another man , aged 24 , was arrested on suspicion of obstructing police .
Police today named the victim as Karl Gallagher , aged 31 , of Smethwick , who leaves behind a daughter .
His family said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother , nephew , cousin and partner .
He was also a proud and loving father .
His friends & family are devastated . ''
A spokesman for the force said : `` We were called to West Cross Shopping Centre at 4.40pm on Sunday ( April 26 ) , where Mr Gallagher suffered serious knife injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene .
A post-mortem was being held this morning .
`` Detectives are working tirelessly to piece together the moments leading up to the attack and to identify those responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and continue to examine CCTV and mobile phone footage from the scene of the stabbing . ''
Det Chief Insp Jim Munro , overseeing the investigation , said : “ We ’ ve made significant progress over the past 24 hours and are building up a clearer picture of the events of Sunday afternoon .
`` We ’ re very much aware that video showing the murder of Karl has been widely shared on Twitter .
`` We have contacted them and have asked them to remove it , but to date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visible .
`` I ’ d urge people not to share the footage , and to report it to Twitter whenever they see copies of it .
`` It ’ s very distressing for Karl ’ s family to know that his final moments have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times .
It ’ s also important to remember that proceedings are now active , and that anyone who does share it is potentially committing a criminal offence . ''
Anyone with information has been asked to contact police via Live Chat @ @ @ @ @ @

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Eight men have been arrested following the murder of a man who was stabbed to death in Smethwick.
Two men aged 19, as well as a 21-year-old and a 20-year-old, were detained on suspicion of murder, while three others, aged 20, 21 and 22, were held on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Another man, aged 24, was arrested on suspicion of obstructing police.
Police today named the victim as Karl Gallagher, aged 31, of Smethwick, who leaves behind a daughter.
His family said: "Karl was a very dearly-loved son, brother, nephew, cousin and partner. He was also a proud and loving father. His friends & family are devastated."
(Image: WMP)
A spokesman for the force said: "We were called to West Cross Shopping Centre at 4.40pm on Sunday (April 26), where Mr Gallagher suffered serious knife injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem was being held this morning.
"Detectives are working tirelessly to piece together the moments leading up to the attack and to identify those responsible.
"Officers raided six properties overnight, and continue to examine CCTV and mobile phone footage from the scene of the stabbing."
Det Chief Insp Jim Munro, overseeing the investigation, said: “We’ve made significant progress over the past 24 hours and are building up a clearer picture of the events of Sunday afternoon.
"We’re very much aware that video showing the murder of Karl has been widely shared on Twitter.
"We have contacted them and have asked them to remove it, but to date we know that the footage remains publically visible.
"I’d urge people not to share the footage, and to report it to Twitter whenever they see copies of it.
"It’s very distressing for Karl’s family to know that his final moments have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times. It’s also important to remember that proceedings are now active, and that anyone who does share it is potentially committing a criminal offence."
Anyone with information has been asked to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-04-28--ITV announces Loose Women return date after coronavirus forced show off air

ITV 's Loose Women will return to screens on May 4 , the broadcaster has announced .
The daytime panel show has been off air for six weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic but will resume live studio shows .
The show 's editor , Sally Shelford , said : `` At Loose Women we have made it our mission to stop the stigma and start a conversation about mental health , covering issues from postnatal depression to anxiety and addiction .
`` With many of our viewers struggling with lockdown , speaking openly and honestly about mental health worries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt more important . ''
The series returned for a special episode on April 16 to mark NHS Day .
Christine Lampard , Brenda Edwards , Stacey Solomon and Nadia Sawalha broadcasted from their homes for a pre-recorded special as part of ITV ’ s NHS Day .
Emma Gormley , Managing Director , ITV Daytime said : `` Like everyone else in the country we want to say a massive thank you to our NHS heroes .
`` We look forward to a day of extra special programmes in celebration and gratitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they continue to do for us . ''
The series was taken off air in March .
Loose Women will be back on ITV1 on May 4 .

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ITV's Loose Women will return to screens on May 4, the broadcaster has announced.
The daytime panel show has been off air for six weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic but will resume live studio shows.
The show's editor, Sally Shelford, said: "At Loose Women we have made it our mission to stop the stigma and start a conversation about mental health, covering issues from postnatal depression to anxiety and addiction.
"With many of our viewers struggling with lockdown, speaking openly and honestly about mental health worries to offer comfort and advice has never felt more important."
The series returned for a special episode on April 16 to mark NHS Day.
Christine Lampard, Brenda Edwards, Stacey Solomon and Nadia Sawalha broadcasted from their homes for a pre-recorded special as part of ITV’s NHS Day.
Emma Gormley, Managing Director, ITV Daytime said: "Like everyone else in the country we want to say a massive thank you to our NHS heroes.
"We look forward to a day of extra special programmes in celebration and gratitude for our amazing NHS staff and all they continue to do for us."
The series was taken off air in March.
Loose Women will be back on ITV1 on May 4.


birminghammail--2020-04-28--Concern for vulnerable as Birmingham adopts new care rules

Birmingham City Council will no longer be legally obliged to assess people to find out about their care and support needs .
And the council will also not be required to assess the carers of people requiring care or carry out financial assessments , it has been revealed , after choosing to enact 'Care Act easements ' .
The decision is in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , with councils given the option by government to relax their duties for the foreseeable future .
Only six authorities have taken the decision so far under the Coronavirus Act , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority says will help 'streamline ' the process .
The 'easement ' also means that the council will no longer be required to do a financial assessment of people needing care and , if they do do one , will no longer be obliged to provide a package of care to someone who refuses it because of the costs involved .
These changes to the act will apply to people currently receiving care as well as those with new care needs .
Under the new rules , local authorities will only be legally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breach of human rights , such as the right to life or the prevention of torture .
And Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care , Cllr Matt Bennett ( Edgbaston , Cons ) says he is concerned about the use of such powers .
“ I have raised concerns with Councillor Hamilton about the use of these powers and have been assured that they are only being used to speed up discharge from hospital and ease the pressure on the NHS , '' he said .
`` Whilst I can understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned about the increase in power and weakening of accountability that this entails .
I have asked Cllr Hamilton for assurances on safeguards , to make sure that what starts out as a well-intentioned and pragmatic easing of bureaucracy doesn ’ t end up as a cost cutting reduction of provision which could have a real impact on vulnerable people .
`` I am also concerned that this decision , its scope and the rationale behind it has not been communicated to service users and other partners , despite this being a requirement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential for public bodies to get away with an awful lot under the cover of a national emergency .
I don ’ t suggest that this is the intention here , but it is our duty as elected members to guard against “ mission creep ” and ensure that the interests of residents are protected at all times.
” In a statement on their website , Birmingham City Council said : `` Due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic , it has become necessary to change the way the City Council provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 April the Acting Director of Adult Social Care took the decision to implement powers provided to Local Authorities in respect of their duties under the Care Act 2014 introduced by the Coronavirus Act 2020 which came into force on 31 March 2020 .
`` This means that the local authority will now be streamlining processes under Care Act easement Stage 3 .
`` Please be assured that the City Council will continue to provide services to those who have an eligible need for care and support .
`` If you need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care matter , you should continue to do so .
`` You can ring us on 0121 303 1234 . ''

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Birmingham City Council will no longer be legally obliged to assess people to find out about their care and support needs.
And the council will also not be required to assess the carers of people requiring care or carry out financial assessments, it has been revealed, after choosing to enact 'Care Act easements'.
The decision is in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with councils given the option by government to relax their duties for the foreseeable future.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Only six authorities have taken the decision so far under the Coronavirus Act, with Birmingham being one, something which the authority says will help 'streamline' the process.
The 'easement' also means that the council will no longer be required to do a financial assessment of people needing care and, if they do do one, will no longer be obliged to provide a package of care to someone who refuses it because of the costs involved.
These changes to the act will apply to people currently receiving care as well as those with new care needs.
Under the new rules, local authorities will only be legally required to provide care to avoid a breach of human rights, such as the right to life or the prevention of torture.
And Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Cllr Matt Bennett (Edgbaston, Cons) says he is concerned about the use of such powers.
“I have raised concerns with Councillor Hamilton about the use of these powers and have been assured that they are only being used to speed up discharge from hospital and ease the pressure on the NHS," he said.
"Whilst I can understand the intentions behind that, I am concerned about the increase in power and weakening of accountability that this entails. I have asked Cllr Hamilton for assurances on safeguards, to make sure that what starts out as a well-intentioned and pragmatic easing of bureaucracy doesn’t end up as a cost cutting reduction of provision which could have a real impact on vulnerable people.
"I am also concerned that this decision, its scope and the rationale behind it has not been communicated to service users and other partners, despite this being a requirement.
"The coronavirus legislation has the potential for public bodies to get away with an awful lot under the cover of a national emergency. I don’t suggest that this is the intention here, but it is our duty as elected members to guard against “mission creep” and ensure that the interests of residents are protected at all times.”
In a statement on their website, Birmingham City Council said: "Due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, it has become necessary to change the way the City Council provides adult social care services. On the 14 April the Acting Director of Adult Social Care took the decision to implement powers provided to Local Authorities in respect of their duties under the Care Act 2014 introduced by the Coronavirus Act 2020 which came into force on 31 March 2020.
"This means that the local authority will now be streamlining processes under Care Act easement Stage 3.
"Please be assured that the City Council will continue to provide services to those who have an eligible need for care and support.
"If you need to contact the Council about any adult social care matter, you should continue to do so.
"You can ring us on 0121 303 1234."


birminghammail--2020-04-28--Victoria Beckham's clothing brand sued by ex-employee over 'hand injury'

Victoria Beckham 's clothing brand is being sued by a former employee who allegedly suffered a hand injury .
Pattern cutter Kristina Kubiliene worked for Victoria Beckham Limited at its studio in Hammersmith , west London , for nearly eight years but left after developing carpal tunnel syndrome , her lawyer said .
She allegedly worked up to 15 hours a day for seven days a week in the run-up to New York Fashion Week , handling heavy fabrics and equipment .
Eventually , she needed surgery and has been left barely able to open her handbag , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from Slater and Gordon , said : `` Kristina worked for Victoria Beckham Limited from November 2011 to August 2019 and absolutely loved her job working at the London studio in Hammersmith .
`` She was a pattern cutter and very good at this job , but because she was good she was tasked with working for long periods and with heavy fabrics .
`` It was these repetitive , awkward and sustained movements which cause carpel tunnel syndrome to advance rapidly in her hands and wrists .
`` When I last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handbag .
`` She is unable to work and has had to undergo surgery to have any kind movement in her hands . ''
Ms Moyeed said her client 's job had involved lifting rolls of fabric , weighing between 44lb ( 20kg ) and 77lb ( 35kg ) , then laying out and pinning the fabric to patterns .
Once pinned , she would shrink the fabric with a heavy industrial iron , said Ms Moyeed .
The whole procedure would take 30 to 60 minutes .
Ms Kubiliene would then cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accuracy , holding with her left hand and cutting with her right , which took up to three hours .
Her lawyer said : `` Normally she worked 10am to 6pm , but twice a year for two weeks she attended New York Fashion Week .
`` For a month beforehand her workload increased to up to 15 hours a day , seven days a week , without regular breaks or rest .
`` During these times her hands and wrists were so sore she needed painkillers to work .
`` Victoria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to look after Kristina and prevent this from happening . ''
Last year , Ms Kubiliene had an operation to relieve her carpel tunnel syndrome .
But she could not work after the surgery and she left her role .
Ms Moyeed said : `` She is still unable to work and has such a weak grip she needs help around the home to do basic tasks .
`` It is not known when , if ever , she will be able to return to a similar role , or any kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wish to make any further comment at this time . ''
The PA news agency has contacted Victoria Beckham Limited for a response to Ms Kubiliene 's claims .
Victoria Beckham founded her fashion label in 2008 and it became known for its modern minimalism .
With offices in London and New York , a flagship store in Mayfair and another store in central Hong Kong , the brand has won critical acclaim alongside multiple industry awards , including Best Designer Brand and Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beckham brand is carried in more than 450 stores in 50 countries worldwide , according to the company website .

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Victoria Beckham's clothing brand is being sued by a former employee who allegedly suffered a hand injury.
Pattern cutter Kristina Kubiliene worked for Victoria Beckham Limited at its studio in Hammersmith, west London, for nearly eight years but left after developing carpal tunnel syndrome, her lawyer said.
She allegedly worked up to 15 hours a day for seven days a week in the run-up to New York Fashion Week, handling heavy fabrics and equipment.
Eventually, she needed surgery and has been left barely able to open her handbag, it was claimed.
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On Tuesday, Natasha Moyeed, from Slater and Gordon, said: "Kristina worked for Victoria Beckham Limited from November 2011 to August 2019 and absolutely loved her job working at the London studio in Hammersmith.
"She was a pattern cutter and very good at this job, but because she was good she was tasked with working for long periods and with heavy fabrics.
"It was these repetitive, awkward and sustained movements which cause carpel tunnel syndrome to advance rapidly in her hands and wrists.
"When I last saw her she could barely open her handbag.
"She is unable to work and has had to undergo surgery to have any kind movement in her hands."
(Image: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images)
Ms Moyeed said her client's job had involved lifting rolls of fabric, weighing between 44lb (20kg) and 77lb (35kg), then laying out and pinning the fabric to patterns.
Once pinned, she would shrink the fabric with a heavy industrial iron, said Ms Moyeed.
The whole procedure would take 30 to 60 minutes.
Ms Kubiliene would then cut the fabric, which required significant pressure and accuracy, holding with her left hand and cutting with her right, which took up to three hours.
Her lawyer said: "Normally she worked 10am to 6pm, but twice a year for two weeks she attended New York Fashion Week.
"For a month beforehand her workload increased to up to 15 hours a day, seven days a week, without regular breaks or rest.
"During these times her hands and wrists were so sore she needed painkillers to work.
"Victoria Beckham Limited failed to put measures in place to look after Kristina and prevent this from happening."
Last year, Ms Kubiliene had an operation to relieve her carpel tunnel syndrome.
But she could not work after the surgery and she left her role.
Ms Moyeed said: "She is still unable to work and has such a weak grip she needs help around the home to do basic tasks.
"It is not known when, if ever, she will be able to return to a similar role, or any kind of employment.
"Kristina does not wish to make any further comment at this time."
(Image: AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
The PA news agency has contacted Victoria Beckham Limited for a response to Ms Kubiliene's claims.
Victoria Beckham founded her fashion label in 2008 and it became known for its modern minimalism.
With offices in London and New York, a flagship store in Mayfair and another store in central Hong Kong, the brand has won critical acclaim alongside multiple industry awards, including Best Designer Brand and Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards.
In addition, victoriabeckham.com, the Victoria Beckham brand is carried in more than 450 stores in 50 countries worldwide, according to the company website.


birminghammail--2020-04-28--Two teens charged with attempted murder over Solihull double stabbing

Two teenagers have been charged with attempted murder over a stabbing incident in a park .
The incident , which happened in Marston Green Park , near Chapelhouse Road in Solihull on Sunday afternoon , April 26 , involved a fight where a 16-year-old was stabbed in the back .
He was rushed to hospital with a serious wound to his back and he remained in a stable condition today , Tuesday April 28 .
A 19 year old was also stabbed .
Police arrested one teenager at the scene and a second was detained later at his home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kinghurst Way in Kingshurst , and Connor Sheedy , aged 19 and from Schofield Road , also in Kingshurst have now been charged with attempted murder and grievous bodily harm .
They are due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates ' Court today .
A 14-year-old boy , also from Kingshurst , was also arrested in connection with the incident and was bailed to return for further questioning next month .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` We ’ ve charged two teenagers with attempted murder over a fight in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Officers were called to Chapelhouse Road , Solihull , at 2.40pm on Sunday ( 26 April ) following reports of a nearby disorder .
`` A 16-year-old boy was found with a serious knife wound to the back ; he remains in hospital in a stable condition .
`` One man was arrested at the scene while another was detained later at his home address .
`` Last night we charged Tobias Hollingsworth ( 18 ) from Kinghurst Way and 19-year-old Connor Sheedy from Schofield Road – both in Kingshurst – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court today .
He added : `` A 14-year-old boy , from Kingshurst , was also arrested in connection with the violence ; he has been bailed to return for more questioning next month . ''
Enquiries continue and anyone with information is asked to contact the police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote log 2087 26/4 .

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Two teenagers have been charged with attempted murder over a stabbing incident in a park.
The incident, which happened in Marston Green Park, near Chapelhouse Road in Solihull on Sunday afternoon, April 26, involved a fight where a 16-year-old was stabbed in the back.
He was rushed to hospital with a serious wound to his back and he remained in a stable condition today, Tuesday April 28. A 19 year old was also stabbed.
Police arrested one teenager at the scene and a second was detained later at his home.
Tobias Hollingsworth, aged 18 and from Kinghurst Way in Kingshurst, and Connor Sheedy, aged 19 and from Schofield Road, also in Kingshurst have now been charged with attempted murder and grievous bodily harm.
They are due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court today. A 14-year-old boy, also from Kingshurst, was also arrested in connection with the incident and was bailed to return for further questioning next month.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We’ve charged two teenagers with attempted murder over a fight in which a boy was stabbed in the back.
"Officers were called to Chapelhouse Road, Solihull, at 2.40pm on Sunday (26 April) following reports of a nearby disorder.
"A 16-year-old boy was found with a serious knife wound to the back; he remains in hospital in a stable condition.
"One man was arrested at the scene while another was detained later at his home address.
"Last night we charged Tobias Hollingsworth (18) from Kinghurst Way and 19-year-old Connor Sheedy from Schofield Road – both in Kingshurst – with attempted murder and grievous bodily harm. They are due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court today.
He added: "A 14-year-old boy, from Kingshurst, was also arrested in connection with the violence; he has been bailed to return for more questioning next month."
Enquiries continue and anyone with information is asked to contact the police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote log 2087 26/4.


birminghammail--2020-04-28--Ramadan 2019 prayer timetable - Day 6 dua plus suhoor, maghrib, iftar times

Ramadan means fasting from early in the morning until sunset but is being observed very differently this year .
The coronavirus pandemic has meant a lockdown including the closure of all mosques where group prayers , communal meals and itikaf ( a period of retreat ) all usually take place during the holy month .
This year it will all have to be done in people 's homes .
So timetables will come in handy for making sure people can structure their day and follow a good routine for prayers and fasting during the holy month .
A pre-dawn meal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eaten before fasting begins .
At the end of the day , the fast is broken with an evening meal called iftar , iftaari or fatoor .
With Ramadan moving back by 10 or 11 days a year , the daylight hours of fasting are n't quite as long as in recent years when Ramadan included the longest summer days .
But more than 16 hours of fasting will still be required this year between the suhoor and iftar meals .
That 's a long time without food and drink so Muslims observing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast properly according to expert advice and by following the rules of Ramadan There are five prayers ( salat or namaz ) in every day of Muslim life , including during Ramadan .
During the blessed month of Ramadan the first prayer ( Fajr ) after the morning meal marks the beginning of the obligatory daily fasting .
The five prayer times in Ramadan are : A form of prayer known as dua - in which a person calls upon Allah and seeks his blessing - is recited by each individual worshipper at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The prophet Muhammad is reported to have said : `` Dua is the very essence of worship . ''
According to IslamiCity , the dua at the start of fasting could be something like : ' I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan ' or ' I intend to do obligatory fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan this year because of Allah' The dua at the end of fasting could be something like : '' O Allah !
I fasted for You and I believe in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You and I break my fast with Your sustenance . '
As an alternative , Quran Reading has come up with 30 different daily dua prayers for each day of Ramadan and you can find those here .

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Ramadan means fasting from early in the morning until sunset but is being observed very differently this year.
The coronavirus pandemic has meant a lockdown including the closure of all mosques where group prayers, communal meals and itikaf (a period of retreat) all usually take place during the holy month.
This year it will all have to be done in people's homes.
So timetables will come in handy for making sure people can structure their day and follow a good routine for prayers and fasting during the holy month.
A pre-dawn meal called sehri, suhoor or suhur is eaten before fasting begins.
At the end of the day, the fast is broken with an evening meal called iftar, iftaari or fatoor.
With Ramadan moving back by 10 or 11 days a year, the daylight hours of fasting aren't quite as long as in recent years when Ramadan included the longest summer days.
But more than 16 hours of fasting will still be required this year between the suhoor and iftar meals.
That's a long time without food and drink so Muslims observing the fast need to know how to fast properly according to expert advice and by following the rules of Ramadan
Dua prayers for Ramadan
There are five prayers (salat or namaz) in every day of Muslim life, including during Ramadan.
During the blessed month of Ramadan the first prayer (Fajr) after the morning meal marks the beginning of the obligatory daily fasting.
The five prayer times in Ramadan are:
1. Fajr (which means dawn)
2. Zuhr or Dhuhr (midday).
3. Asr (afternoon)
4. Maghrib (sunset)
5. Isha (night)
A form of prayer known as dua - in which a person calls upon Allah and seeks his blessing - is recited by each individual worshipper at the start and end of fasting.
The prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: "Dua is the very essence of worship."
According to IslamiCity, the dua at the start of fasting could be something like:
'I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan' or 'I intend to do obligatory fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan this year because of Allah'
The dua at the end of fasting could be something like:
"O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance.'
As an alternative, Quran Reading has come up with 30 different daily dua prayers for each day of Ramadan and you can find those here.
Green Lane Masjid Ramadan Calendar
Day 8 (Friday, May 1)
Suhoor meal eaten by 3.56am, Fajr prayers start, fasting begins
Sunrise 5.36am
Dhuhr prayers 1.05pm
Asr prayers 5.07pm
Iftar meal and Maghrib prayers 8.34pm
Isha prayers 9.59pm


birminghammail--2020-04-28--Missing teen who got train to Birmingham New Street found

A missing girl who sparked a nationwide manhunt after heading on a train to Birmingham has been found .
The appeal - which saw 100 police officers search woodland - came as police launched an initiative to find Rawan Hussain .
The teen sparked the search after she got off a train at New Street station .
West Yorkshire Police conducted a huge sweep of Gledhow Valley Woods in Leeds on Monday , April 27 after 16-year-old Rawan Hussain was reported missing by her family .
Rawan Hussain has been found in Oxford , two days after she disappeared from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police have tonight posted on Facebook Rawan , 16 , has been located in Oxford .
The post says : `` Rawan Hussain , who was reported missing from Chapel Allerton on Sunday , has been located in Oxford .
`` Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal and to everyone who contacted the Force with information . ''
It comes after a detective said officers were `` very concerned '' for her welfare and `` urgently '' needed to satisfy themselves she was safe .
The West Yorkshire force said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have seen her , particularly in either the Birmingham or Oxford areas .
Rawan was described as Asian , 4ft 9ins tall , medium build , with curly dark brown hair .
She was reported missing from her home at 1pm on Sunday after last being seen there at about 5am that day .
Earlier Detective Inspector Richard Holmes , of Leeds District CID , appealed for anyone ho had seen her in Leeds , Birmingham or Oxford to come forward .
He said the force was very concerned for her welfare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find her and make sure she is safe .
`` We are continuing to support her family who are understandably anxious for her to be found safe and well . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Faye Preston, James Rodger)

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A missing girl who sparked a nationwide manhunt after heading on a train to Birmingham has been found.
The appeal - which saw 100 police officers search woodland - came as police launched an initiative to find Rawan Hussain.
The teen sparked the search after she got off a train at New Street station.
West Yorkshire Police conducted a huge sweep of Gledhow Valley Woods in Leeds on Monday, April 27 after 16-year-old Rawan Hussain was reported missing by her family.
(Image: West Yorkshire Police)
Rawan Hussain has been found in Oxford, two days after she disappeared from her Chapel Allerton home.
West Yorkshire Police have tonight posted on Facebook Rawan, 16, has been located in Oxford.
The post says: "Rawan Hussain, who was reported missing from Chapel Allerton on Sunday, has been located in Oxford.
"Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal and to everyone who contacted the Force with information."
It comes after a detective said officers were "very concerned" for her welfare and "urgently" needed to satisfy themselves she was safe.
The West Yorkshire force said it wanted to hear from anyone who may have seen her, particularly in either the Birmingham or Oxford areas.
Rawan was described as Asian, 4ft 9ins tall, medium build, with curly dark brown hair.
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She was reported missing from her home at 1pm on Sunday after last being seen there at about 5am that day.
Earlier Detective Inspector Richard Holmes, of Leeds District CID, appealed for anyone ho had seen her in Leeds, Birmingham or Oxford to come forward. He said the force was very concerned for her welfare, adding: "We urgently need to find her and make sure she is safe.
"We are continuing to support her family who are understandably anxious for her to be found safe and well."


birminghammail--2020-04-28--BBC issues update on Eastenders resuming filming

The BBC said it is hoping to resume filming on soaps including EastEnders `` as soon as possible '' .
On-site production of the broadcaster 's continuing dramas - including Casualty , Holby City and Doctors - was paused in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The BBC has been showing two episodes of EastEnders a week to make the already filmed shows last as long as possible .
Controller of BBC drama Piers Wenger said the soaps are `` under a constant process of reassessment '' and head of continuing drama Kate Oates is working to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as soon as possible '' .
He added : `` Nobody wants EastEnders not to be on screen and I do n't think there 's anyone more determined than Kate to get it back on screen as soon as possible .
`` We do have to abide by the rules and while social distancing is in place it is going to be difficult .
There are ways of cheating , actors being close enough together to interact in a scene . ''
Wenger pointed to the example of Australian soap Neighbours , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules in place and other limitations , including banning kissing on set .
Wenger , speaking during an online session held by the Edinburgh TV Festival as part of its The Controller series , added : `` We 're not quite at that point yet .
But all of those conversation are being had and there is a real determination to get that show back up and running . ''

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The BBC said it is hoping to resume filming on soaps including EastEnders "as soon as possible".
On-site production of the broadcaster's continuing dramas - including Casualty, Holby City and Doctors - was paused in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The BBC has been showing two episodes of EastEnders a week to make the already filmed shows last as long as possible.
Controller of BBC drama Piers Wenger said the soaps are "under a constant process of reassessment" and head of continuing drama Kate Oates is working to get the shows "back on their feet as soon as possible".
He added: "Nobody wants EastEnders not to be on screen and I don't think there's anyone more determined than Kate to get it back on screen as soon as possible.
"We do have to abide by the rules and while social distancing is in place it is going to be difficult. There are ways of cheating, actors being close enough together to interact in a scene."
Wenger pointed to the example of Australian soap Neighbours, which has resumed filming but with social distancing rules in place and other limitations, including banning kissing on set.
Wenger, speaking during an online session held by the Edinburgh TV Festival as part of its The Controller series, added: "We're not quite at that point yet. But all of those conversation are being had and there is a real determination to get that show back up and running."


birminghammail--2020-04-28--Solihull Moors reveal 'wonderful gesture' by players and staff

Solihull Moors first-team players and staff have taken a 25 per cent pay cut due to the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus crisis .
Moors ' National League season was cancelled last week and senior players and coaching staff have agreed to the wage cut to help the club face the challenges caused by the pandemic .
A statement read : `` After discussions between the players , manager and the Board , coaching staff and first team players have collectively agreed to take a 25 per cent reduction in their salaries for three months to assist the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in particular , help ensure that the club can pay all other staff in full during the furlough period . ''
Moors also confirmed several directors and shareholders are to donate £20,000 to the club 's foundation charity .
Captain Kyle Storer said : “ The players realise that the club are in unfortunate circumstances and think it ’ s the right thing to do in terms of helping the club out .
“ We are helping the club with the long-term future in mind .
Each individual has their own personal situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserves massive credit for taking it on themselves to take the pay cut .
“ We know that the chairman , board of directors and management staff are all playing their part .
Solihull Moors is a community-based club and we hope our actions can also help .
“ Hopefully we can all return to doing what we do best , and we look forward to it when the time comes .
In the meantime , all of the players would like to wish supporters and their families all the very best.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ The actions of Jimmy ( Shan ) , the coaching staff and the players are a wonderful gesture and show the generosity of spirit which exists at the level of the football family .
“ It also shows the underlying unity of the club which will serve us well in the future and I would like wholeheartedly to thank everyone at the club for their fantastic support .
“ Football takes a back seat at these times .
Community does not !
I am delighted that we are able to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to welcoming everyone to Moors when the lockdown is over .
”

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Solihull Moors first-team players and staff have taken a 25 per cent pay cut due to the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus crisis.
Moors' National League season was cancelled last week and senior players and coaching staff have agreed to the wage cut to help the club face the challenges caused by the pandemic.
A statement read: "After discussions between the players, manager and the Board, coaching staff and first team players have collectively agreed to take a 25 per cent reduction in their salaries for three months to assist the club during this period of uncertainty and, in particular, help ensure that the club can pay all other staff in full during the furlough period."
Moors also confirmed several directors and shareholders are to donate £20,000 to the club's foundation charity.
Captain Kyle Storer said: “The players realise that the club are in unfortunate circumstances and think it’s the right thing to do in terms of helping the club out.
“We are helping the club with the long-term future in mind. Each individual has their own personal situation during these times, so every player deserves massive credit for taking it on themselves to take the pay cut.
“We know that the chairman, board of directors and management staff are all playing their part. Solihull Moors is a community-based club and we hope our actions can also help.
“Hopefully we can all return to doing what we do best, and we look forward to it when the time comes. In the meantime, all of the players would like to wish supporters and their families all the very best.”
Darryl Eales, the chairman, added: “The actions of Jimmy (Shan), the coaching staff and the players are a wonderful gesture and show the generosity of spirit which exists at the level of the football family.
“It also shows the underlying unity of the club which will serve us well in the future and I would like wholeheartedly to thank everyone at the club for their fantastic support.
“Football takes a back seat at these times. Community does not! I am delighted that we are able to help in a small way and look forward to welcoming everyone to Moors when the lockdown is over.”


birminghammail--2020-04-28--Young sisters help NHS after losing great-uncle to Covid-19

Two sisters who lost their great uncle died to Covid-19 have shown their appreciation to hospital workers by making masks for NHS staff .
Kind-hearted Lucy and Libby Garmston have spent hours in front of the sowing machine at their Wednesbury home stitching together the personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
The siblings , aged eight and 13 , have also been making love hearts to show their thanks for hospital workers .
Their proud father , Lee Garston , told Mirror Online : `` Uncle John had coronavirus .
He had problems with his bowels and needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the op and they moved him out of ICU and stuck him on a ward .
`` Someone there had Covid-19 .
John 's immune system was already low . ''
Sadly , John lost his brief battle with the virus at Walsall Manor Hospital on March 23 - his mum 's birthday .
Once the youngsters had got over the shock of their great uncle 's death , they decided to do something positive to help frontline staff .
`` They had seen that there are people struggling to get their PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown I had gone to pick up the sewing machine from the girls ' nan 's house .
The girls then set about making some masks . ''
The creative duo got to work last Sunday and since then have made 30 masks and 30 love hearts .
Their mum , Louise , added : `` I think it 's a brilliant idea that the girl 's came up with to help the NHS .
`` Libby , being only eight-years-old , to come up with the idea for the hearts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out at 13-years-old .
`` As a family we 're so proud of them . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Milo Boyd, Kelly Ashmore)

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Two sisters who lost their great uncle died to Covid-19 have shown their appreciation to hospital workers by making masks for NHS staff.
Kind-hearted Lucy and Libby Garmston have spent hours in front of the sowing machine at their Wednesbury home stitching together the personal protective equipment (PPE).
The siblings, aged eight and 13, have also been making love hearts to show their thanks for hospital workers.
Their proud father, Lee Garston, told Mirror Online : "Uncle John had coronavirus. He had problems with his bowels and needed to have surgery.
(Image: Louise Garmston)
"He recovered from the op and they moved him out of ICU and stuck him on a ward.
"Someone there had Covid-19. John's immune system was already low."
Sadly, John lost his brief battle with the virus at Walsall Manor Hospital on March 23 - his mum's birthday.
Once the youngsters had got over the shock of their great uncle's death, they decided to do something positive to help frontline staff.
"They had seen that there are people struggling to get their PPE," Lee continued.
"Before the lockdown I had gone to pick up the sewing machine from the girls' nan's house. The girls then set about making some masks."
The creative duo got to work last Sunday and since then have made 30 masks and 30 love hearts.
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Their mum, Louise, added: "I think it's a brilliant idea that the girl's came up with to help the NHS.
"Libby, being only eight-years-old, to come up with the idea for the hearts, and Lucy to get her sewing machine out at 13-years-old.
"As a family we're so proud of them."


birminghammail--2020-04-28--West Brom fans are fearing the worst after FIFA update

West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United fans are fearing the worst after FIFA 's medical chief recomennded the season is cancelled .
Michel D'Hooghe made the comments in an interview with the Telegraph in which he stated his belief that the current shutdown must be kept in place until 'August or September ' at the earliest to avoid a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic .
Albion and Leeds have occupied the Championship 's top two places since November and both sides have nine matches left to play this season .
EFL and Premier League fixtures have been suspended for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards resuming the season in Germany in a matter of weeks led to hope that English football could return .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com D'Hooghe , however , said : `` We are all subject to decisions at national level from the public authorities .
It is very simple .
Football suddenly becomes not the most important thing in life .
`` I will be happy if we can start , in a convenient way , the next championship and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
`` If they could start the season 2020-21 end of August or beginning of September I would be happy .
Then they could eventually avoid a second attack from the virus , which is not impossible . ''
He added : `` If there is one circumstance where medical arguments should win against economical arguments , it is now .
It is not a matter of money , it is a matter of life and death .
It is very simple . ''
West Brom fans took to social media to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being cancelled .
One said : `` The season as expected looks like now being null and void . ''
`` That 's my fear , no football until September plus this season being voided , '' added another .
A third said : `` We ’ re not getting promoted , are we lads ? ''
`` I fear the clock is ticking # wba fans , '' admitted one fan .
While a fifth added : `` Not looking good is it ? ''
Leeds fans also confirmed their fears , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the two clubs to be denied promotion .
One Whites supporter said : `` Leeds and West Brom have been in the top two consistently since November , and people telling me if they cancel the season Leeds or what won ’ t go up .
An absolute disgrace if that happens surely they can ’ t do that . ''
`` We have to go up , '' said another .
`` It 's not looking good , '' conceded another Leeds fan .
While one added : `` Hope I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think this season will be restarted I can see it being null & voided . ''

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West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United fans are fearing the worst after FIFA's medical chief recomennded the season is cancelled.
Michel D'Hooghe made the comments in an interview with the Telegraph in which he stated his belief that the current shutdown must be kept in place until 'August or September' at the earliest to avoid a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Albion and Leeds have occupied the Championship's top two places since November and both sides have nine matches left to play this season.
EFL and Premier League fixtures have been suspended for seven weeks but the decision to work towards resuming the season in Germany in a matter of weeks led to hope that English football could return.
D'Hooghe, however, said: "We are all subject to decisions at national level from the public authorities. It is very simple. Football suddenly becomes not the most important thing in life.
"I will be happy if we can start, in a convenient way, the next championship and have nothing before the start of next season.
"If they could start the season 2020-21 end of August or beginning of September I would be happy. Then they could eventually avoid a second attack from the virus, which is not impossible."
He added: "If there is one circumstance where medical arguments should win against economical arguments, it is now. It is not a matter of money, it is a matter of life and death. It is very simple."
West Brom fans took to social media to have their say on the season potentially being cancelled.
One said: "The season as expected looks like now being null and void."
"That's my fear, no football until September plus this season being voided," added another.
A third said: "We’re not getting promoted, are we lads?"
"I fear the clock is ticking #wba fans," admitted one fan.
While a fifth added: "Not looking good is it?"
Leeds fans also confirmed their fears, with some saying it would be wrong for the two clubs to be denied promotion.
One Whites supporter said: "Leeds and West Brom have been in the top two consistently since November, and people telling me if they cancel the season Leeds or what won’t go up. An absolute disgrace if that happens surely they can’t do that."
"We have to go up," said another.
A third added: "We’re goosed aren’t we?"
"It's not looking good," conceded another Leeds fan.
While one added: "Hope I'm wrong but i really don't think this season will be restarted I can see it being null & voided."


birminghammail--2020-04-28--App which could be key to lifting lockdown will be ready in two weeks

A smartphone app designed to help contain the spread of Covid-19 when lockdown measures are eased is `` two to three weeks '' away from being rolled out , MPs have heard .
Matthew Gould , chief executive of NHSX , the health service 's digital innovation arm , told the Science and Technology Committee the voluntary tool would be trialled in a `` small area '' shortly to help gauge its success .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock , speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference , said the app would be available from `` the middle of May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many as possible '' to download the app to improve its efficacy .
Mr Hancock said : `` The more people who download the app and keep their bluetooth on , the more effective the app is going to be .
`` There is no answer other than as many as possible .
`` If everybody downloads it , it will just be more effective at spotting who people have been in contact with . ''
Earlier , Mr Gould told MPs about the aim to have the technology in place as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are , I hope , on course to have the app ready for when it will be needed , for the moment when the country looks to have the tools to come out of lockdown safely .
`` We are going as fast as we can , we have teams of people looking at it 24/7 . ''
But Mr Gould admitted regret after the committee heard work to develop the app did not start until March 7 , two weeks before lockdown measures were introduced across the UK .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and with the benefit of hindsight I wish that it had . ''
The app will work by using a smartphone 's Bluetooth technology to keep an anonymous record of other smartphone users they come into close proximity with .
The user will then have the option to send data to the app if they begin to show signs of having contracting coronavirus - or being found to have tested positive for Covid-19 - which will then send a notification to others who have been in close contact with the phone user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader in pathogen dynamics at University of Oxford Big Data Institute , told the committee that widespread uptake of a contact-tracing app would likely keep the reproduction rate - seen as crucial for easing lockdown measures - low .
Prof Fraser said : `` Because we do n't know what the uptake of the app will be , in scenarios that are relatively pessimistic we found that if roughly 60 % of the population use the app , it would be enough to bring the reproduction number below one and control the epidemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` tough '' to get 80 % of smartphone users to install the contact-tracing app , but said encouraging people to do so needed to become part of the Government 's `` core message '' in limiting the spread of the virus .
The Government has been coming under increasing pressure over easing the lockdown , with Mr Johnson saying on Monday more would be said about the issue in the coming days .
He said : `` The message needs to be : if you want to keep your family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the NHS and stop it being overwhelmed and at the same time we want to get the country back and get the economy moving , the app is going to be an essential part of the strategy for doing that . ''
He said developers were working with the Information Commissioner 's Office to make sure the app was compliant with data protection laws , but said phone users could be `` confident '' their personal data would not be compromised , nor would it be shared with the private sector .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have developed of people using randomised identifiers , storing it on the phone , uploading it when they become systematic , I think it squares the circle of being fast moving and doing what we want it to do and protecting people 's privacy . ''
Speaking in the Commons , Solicitor General Michael Ellis said that the app will be `` heavily protected '' and predicted that it will prove to be `` very popular '' .
He said : `` Stakeholder engagement in this matter has been crucially important and continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethics advisory board for this app , chaired by Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery , but we 've also been consulting with the information commissioner , the centre for data ethics and innovation , the national data guardian and many others .
`` Trust is important , it always is but this is from NHSX , the tech arm of the NHS .
We in this country trust our NHS with our data , this is going to be a heavily protected app and I 'm confident that it 'll be very popular .
@

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A smartphone app designed to help contain the spread of Covid-19 when lockdown measures are eased is "two to three weeks" away from being rolled out, MPs have heard.
Matthew Gould, chief executive of NHSX, the health service's digital innovation arm, told the Science and Technology Committee the voluntary tool would be trialled in a "small area" shortly to help gauge its success.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, said the app would be available from "the middle of May" and said he wanted "as many as possible" to download the app to improve its efficacy.
Mr Hancock said: "The more people who download the app and keep their bluetooth on, the more effective the app is going to be.
"There is no answer other than as many as possible.
"If everybody downloads it, it will just be more effective at spotting who people have been in contact with."
(Image: PA)
Earlier, Mr Gould told MPs about the aim to have the technology in place as soon as possible.
He said: "We are, I hope, on course to have the app ready for when it will be needed, for the moment when the country looks to have the tools to come out of lockdown safely.
"We are going as fast as we can, we have teams of people looking at it 24/7."
But Mr Gould admitted regret after the committee heard work to develop the app did not start until March 7, two weeks before lockdown measures were introduced across the UK.
He said: "Yes it could have done, and with the benefit of hindsight I wish that it had."
The app will work by using a smartphone's Bluetooth technology to keep an anonymous record of other smartphone users they come into close proximity with.
The user will then have the option to send data to the app if they begin to show signs of having contracting coronavirus - or being found to have tested positive for Covid-19 - which will then send a notification to others who have been in close contact with the phone user.
Professor Christophe Fraser, senior group leader in pathogen dynamics at University of Oxford Big Data Institute, told the committee that widespread uptake of a contact-tracing app would likely keep the reproduction rate - seen as crucial for easing lockdown measures - low.
Prof Fraser said: "Because we don't know what the uptake of the app will be, in scenarios that are relatively pessimistic we found that if roughly 60% of the population use the app, it would be enough to bring the reproduction number below one and control the epidemic."
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Mr Gould said it would be "tough" to get 80% of smartphone users to install the contact-tracing app, but said encouraging people to do so needed to become part of the Government's "core message" in limiting the spread of the virus.
The Government has been coming under increasing pressure over easing the lockdown, with Mr Johnson saying on Monday more would be said about the issue in the coming days.
He said: "The message needs to be: if you want to keep your family and yourselves safe, if you want to protect the NHS and stop it being overwhelmed and at the same time we want to get the country back and get the economy moving, the app is going to be an essential part of the strategy for doing that."
He said developers were working with the Information Commissioner's Office to make sure the app was compliant with data protection laws, but said phone users could be "confident" their personal data would not be compromised, nor would it be shared with the private sector.
(Image: Getty Images)
He added: "The system we have developed of people using randomised identifiers, storing it on the phone, uploading it when they become systematic, I think it squares the circle of being fast moving and doing what we want it to do and protecting people's privacy."
Speaking in the Commons, Solicitor General Michael Ellis said that the app will be "heavily protected" and predicted that it will prove to be "very popular".
He said: "Stakeholder engagement in this matter has been crucially important and continues to be, not only with the ethics advisory board for this app, chaired by Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, but we've also been consulting with the information commissioner, the centre for data ethics and innovation, the national data guardian and many others.
"Trust is important, it always is but this is from NHSX, the tech arm of the NHS. We in this country trust our NHS with our data, this is going to be a heavily protected app and I'm confident that it'll be very popular."


birminghammail--2020-04-28--Dramatic dashcam moment speeding teen drives over stinger in police chase

A teenager who led police on a dangerous high-speed chase through narrow town roads has been jailed .
Jordan McGrath-Coulstock drove at three times the speed limit during the pursuit through East and West Malling in Kent .
Police dashcam footage from the incident released on Tuesday shows the 19-year-old driving over a police stinger and carrying on with deflated tires .
The teenager , of Carnation Crescent , East Malling , admitted dangerous driving , three counts of driving while disqualified and three counts of driving without insurance .
He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 54 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McGrath-Coulstock was spotted on March 8 driving a Mercedes by police officers .
They knew he had been disqualified from driving but were going in the opposite direction , so could not safely stop him and lost sight of his vehicle .
Around 45 minutes later , while searching the area , the same two officers became suspicious of an uninsured Ford Mondeo which was in poor condition and travelling in Chapman Way .
The driver immediately performed a U-turn to try and get away from the patrols , and a pursuit took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In their efforts to get away from the officers , the driver narrowly avoided a collision with cars and cyclists travelling in the opposite direction and failed to stop at corners .
He also travelled at 60mph down West Malling High Street despite the speed limit being 20mph .
The dashcam shows a police stinger was deployed in St Leonard 's Street , but the driver failed to stop and continued onwards , even as the car 's tires became deflated .
However , as it reached a junction it was boxed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stop .
At this point the driver was identified as McGrath-Coulstock and , upon being arrested , the log book of the Mercedes he had been seen driving was found in his pocket .
Sergeant Ben Brennan , from Kent Police 's roads policing unit , said : `` McGrath-Coulstock has repeatedly shown himself to be incapable of abiding by the most basic practices of good driving and in doing so , he endangered many lives .
`` Despite regular previous engagement with Kent Police , and for reasons only known to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reckless manner of driving .
`` His imprisonment means a significant threat to public safety is now off the roads and I hope he uses in time in custody to reflect upon his senseless behaviour and consider changing his ways . ''

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A teenager who led police on a dangerous high-speed chase through narrow town roads has been jailed.
Jordan McGrath-Coulstock drove at three times the speed limit during the pursuit through East and West Malling in Kent.
Police dashcam footage from the incident released on Tuesday shows the 19-year-old driving over a police stinger and carrying on with deflated tires.
The teenager, of Carnation Crescent, East Malling, admitted dangerous driving, three counts of driving while disqualified and three counts of driving without insurance.
He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 54 weeks' imprisonment on Monday April 20.
McGrath-Coulstock was spotted on March 8 driving a Mercedes by police officers.
They knew he had been disqualified from driving but were going in the opposite direction, so could not safely stop him and lost sight of his vehicle.
Around 45 minutes later, while searching the area, the same two officers became suspicious of an uninsured Ford Mondeo which was in poor condition and travelling in Chapman Way.
The driver immediately performed a U-turn to try and get away from the patrols, and a pursuit took place across several rural and residential roads.
In their efforts to get away from the officers, the driver narrowly avoided a collision with cars and cyclists travelling in the opposite direction and failed to stop at corners.
He also travelled at 60mph down West Malling High Street despite the speed limit being 20mph.
The dashcam shows a police stinger was deployed in St Leonard's Street, but the driver failed to stop and continued onwards, even as the car's tires became deflated.
However, as it reached a junction it was boxed in by police cars and brought to a stop.
At this point the driver was identified as McGrath-Coulstock and, upon being arrested, the log book of the Mercedes he had been seen driving was found in his pocket.
Sergeant Ben Brennan, from Kent Police's roads policing unit, said: "McGrath-Coulstock has repeatedly shown himself to be incapable of abiding by the most basic practices of good driving and in doing so, he endangered many lives.
"Despite regular previous engagement with Kent Police, and for reasons only known to him, he persisted with his poor and reckless manner of driving.
"His imprisonment means a significant threat to public safety is now off the roads and I hope he uses in time in custody to reflect upon his senseless behaviour and consider changing his ways."


birminghammail--2020-04-28--British Airways makes 12,000 staff redundant amid coronavirus crisis

British Airways is set to make up to 12,000 workers redundant , parent company IAG has announced .
The airline , which employs 42,000 people , has suffered from the global collapse in passenger numbers caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
IAG said BA will consult on a `` restructuring and redundancy programme '' as it is expected to take `` several years '' until demand for air travel returns to 2019 levels .
It added : `` The proposals remain subject to consultation but it is likely that they will affect most of British Airways ' employees and may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12,000 of them . ''
In a letter to staff , BA chief executive Alex Cruz wrote : `` In the last few weeks , the outlook for the aviation industry has worsened further and we must take action now .
`` We are a strong , well-managed business that has faced into , and overcome , many crises in our hundred-year history .
`` We must overcome this crisis ourselves , too .
`` There is no Government bailout standing by for BA and we can not expect the taxpayer to offset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We will see some airlines go out of business . ''
Around 4,500 pilots and 16,000 cabin crew work for BA .
IAG did not provide a breakdown of how many people in each role could be made redundant .
It announced the planned job cuts as it revealed that revenues plunged 13 % to 4.6 billion euros ( £4 billion ) in the first three months of 2020 after the pandemic hit capacity .
The group also swung to a 535 million euro ( £466.3 million ) operating loss before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ euro ( £117 million ) profit for the same period last year .
It said profits were hit hard by a 1.3 billion ( £1.1 billion ) charge for the year after over-hedging on fuel and foreign currency .
Airlines around the world face a struggle to survive due to the pandemic .
Sir Richard Branson has warned that Virgin Atlantic will collapse unless it receives Government support .
It emerged on Monday that most of Norwegian 's aircraft will remain grounded for a year .

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British Airways is set to make up to 12,000 workers redundant, parent company IAG has announced.
The airline, which employs 42,000 people, has suffered from the global collapse in passenger numbers caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
IAG said BA will consult on a "restructuring and redundancy programme" as it is expected to take "several years" until demand for air travel returns to 2019 levels.
It added: "The proposals remain subject to consultation but it is likely that they will affect most of British Airways' employees and may result in the redundancy of up to 12,000 of them."
In a letter to staff, BA chief executive Alex Cruz wrote: "In the last few weeks, the outlook for the aviation industry has worsened further and we must take action now.
"We are a strong, well-managed business that has faced into, and overcome, many crises in our hundred-year history.
"We must overcome this crisis ourselves, too.
"There is no Government bailout standing by for BA and we cannot expect the taxpayer to offset salaries indefinitely."
He went on: "We will see some airlines go out of business."
Around 4,500 pilots and 16,000 cabin crew work for BA.
IAG did not provide a breakdown of how many people in each role could be made redundant.
It announced the planned job cuts as it revealed that revenues plunged 13% to 4.6 billion euros (£4 billion) in the first three months of 2020 after the pandemic hit capacity.
The group also swung to a 535 million euro (£466.3 million) operating loss before exceptional items, from a 135 million euro (£117 million) profit for the same period last year.
It said profits were hit hard by a 1.3 billion (£1.1 billion) charge for the year after over-hedging on fuel and foreign currency.
Airlines around the world face a struggle to survive due to the pandemic.
Sir Richard Branson has warned that Virgin Atlantic will collapse unless it receives Government support.
It emerged on Monday that most of Norwegian's aircraft will remain grounded for a year.


birminghammail--2020-04-28--John Lewis warns some of its 50 UK stores will never re-open

Senior management at John Lewis have started discussions on which department stores should keep their doors closed permanently once the coronavirus lockdown ends , PA understands .
Sources close to the employee-owned retailer said it was `` highly unlikely '' that all 50 sites would reopen , as the company battles for its future .
Dame Sharon White , the new chairman of the John Lewis Partnership ( JLP ) and her team are set to address analysts in the City on Wednesday , updating them on the company 's performance during the past week .
There has also been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tap up customers and financial institutions , through a corporate bond , for extra cash .
The Times reported on Monday that the former Ofcom chief is seeking out views to see if investors are willing .
A previous bond was launched in 2011 with a 4.5 % interest rate and 2 % in store vouchers .
JLP also includes Waitrose , which has fared better during the lockdown , due to remaining open .
However with a major ramp-up of online operations , discussions are under way on whether it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Several Waitrose stores have already been closed in recent years .
Veteran retail analyst , Richard Hyman , explained : `` Does it make sense for John Lewis to close some stores , absolutely yes .
`` No one wants to see people losing their jobs which is what would happen , but the reality is for the market at large , online has been getting bigger and bigger , with John Lewis at the vanguard . ''
He pointed out that 30 % of all retail is already online , adding `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 50 % before Covid-19 , although now it 's at 100 % .
`` The reality is the retail world we are all moving into means every retailer needs fewer stores than it did before , including John Lewis , and not addressing this problem puts the rest of the business in jeopardy . ''
Shortly after arriving at John Lewis Partnership earlier this year , Dame Sharon already warned the company is facing the most challenging period in its history .
She added in February that stores are unlikely to remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement : `` We keep our estate under continuous review in order to ensure we have the right amounts of shops to best serve our customers and remain commercially viable .
`` It is too early to make a decision but , as always , any decision that is made is done with securing the long-term financial sustainability of the Partnership and is always communicated to our Partners first . ''

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Senior management at John Lewis have started discussions on which department stores should keep their doors closed permanently once the coronavirus lockdown ends, PA understands.
Sources close to the employee-owned retailer said it was "highly unlikely" that all 50 sites would reopen, as the company battles for its future.
Dame Sharon White, the new chairman of the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) and her team are set to address analysts in the City on Wednesday, updating them on the company's performance during the past week.
There has also been speculation that Dame Sharon will need to tap up customers and financial institutions, through a corporate bond, for extra cash.
The Times reported on Monday that the former Ofcom chief is seeking out views to see if investors are willing.
A previous bond was launched in 2011 with a 4.5% interest rate and 2% in store vouchers.
JLP also includes Waitrose, which has fared better during the lockdown, due to remaining open.
However with a major ramp-up of online operations, discussions are under way on whether it will be financially viable to reopen department stores.
Several Waitrose stores have already been closed in recent years.
Veteran retail analyst, Richard Hyman, explained: "Does it make sense for John Lewis to close some stores, absolutely yes.
"No one wants to see people losing their jobs which is what would happen, but the reality is for the market at large, online has been getting bigger and bigger, with John Lewis at the vanguard."
He pointed out that 30% of all retail is already online, adding "for John Lewis that number was short of 50% before Covid-19, although now it's at 100%.
"The reality is the retail world we are all moving into means every retailer needs fewer stores than it did before, including John Lewis, and not addressing this problem puts the rest of the business in jeopardy."
Shortly after arriving at John Lewis Partnership earlier this year, Dame Sharon already warned the company is facing the most challenging period in its history.
She added in February that stores are unlikely to remain open without financial improvements.
JLP said in a statement: "We keep our estate under continuous review in order to ensure we have the right amounts of shops to best serve our customers and remain commercially viable.
"It is too early to make a decision but, as always, any decision that is made is done with securing the long-term financial sustainability of the Partnership and is always communicated to our Partners first."