birminghammail--2020-04-03--TV blackout scrapped for Birmingham City and West Brom

A massive hint has been dropped regarding the future of the current English football season , and how Birmingham City , West Bromwich Albion , Leeds United , Brentford and the rest of the Championship might end up completing the season .
UEFA have moved to confirm that the traditional English football blackout on 3pm on Saturday 's has been lifted after an FA request .
That means that future matches kicking off at 3pm - the majority of Championship fixtures - can be televised on Sky Sports or individual iFollow services .
This move would strongly hint that preparations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed doors - away from the general public - to conclude the current campaign .
A continuation of the current season would benefit Leeds United and West Brom , who are fighting for automatic promotion to the Premier League and a second tier title , allowing them to settle the score via matches played .
Still , there are benefits for clubs outside the promotion picture - including Birmingham City - as income is still up for grabs via TV income and in-house streaming services .
The blackout rule is covered by UEFA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - including England .
That has now been lifted for the remainder of the current season , with the ruling set to revert at the end of the campaign .

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A massive hint has been dropped regarding the future of the current English football season, and how Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Leeds United, Brentford and the rest of the Championship might end up completing the season.
UEFA have moved to confirm that the traditional English football blackout on 3pm on Saturday's has been lifted after an FA request.
That means that future matches kicking off at 3pm - the majority of Championship fixtures - can be televised on Sky Sports or individual iFollow services.
This move would strongly hint that preparations are in place to play matches behind closed doors - away from the general public - to conclude the current campaign.
A continuation of the current season would benefit Leeds United and West Brom, who are fighting for automatic promotion to the Premier League and a second tier title, allowing them to settle the score via matches played.
Still, there are benefits for clubs outside the promotion picture - including Birmingham City - as income is still up for grabs via TV income and in-house streaming services.
The blackout rule is covered by UEFA regulations by countries that specifically request it - including England. That has now been lifted for the remainder of the current season, with the ruling set to revert at the end of the campaign.


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Maxime Lopez scouting report - Marseille star linked with Villa

The latest piece of transfer gossip has seen Aston Villa linked with a move for Marseille midfielder Maxime Lopez .
It has been reported that Villa are eyeing a summer move for the 22-year-old , whose contract is set to expire next summer .
Sevilla and West Ham have also been credited with an interest in Lopez , with the Marseille academy product believed to be valued at around £10m .
So what more do we know about the latest player linked with a move to Villa Park ?
Clubs : Lopez is a graduate of the Marseille academy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his short career thus far .
He made his debut at the age of 18 in August 2016 , in a 2-1 defeat to Guingamp in Ligue 1 .
Lopez would have to wait another four months to net his first goal , after he opened the scoring in a 2-1 win over Dijon .
Since making his debut , Lopez has made 146 appearances for Marseille , scoring five goals and providing 21 asissts .
Have you tried Claret & Blue , our podcast and YouTube channel ?
What are you waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An Aston Villa Podcast is available via the following platforms , subscribe and download here : iTunes , Spotify and Acast .
Mat Kendrick , Ashley Preece , Dan Rolinson and James Rushton provide a fun-filled mixture of analysis , interviews , debate and , yes , a fair amount of nonsense !
BirminghamLive has also launched its new YouTube channel to run alongside Claret & Blue .
You can view our page - make sure you subscribe - by clicking here .
International caps : Lopez is yet to earn his first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but has featured for the country ’ s youth sides .
He has 13 caps for France ’ s Under-21 side , with six coming in the qualification stages for the Euro U21 Championships in 2018 , and is yet to score his first goal for his country .
Strengths : Given his position in the middle of the park , Lopez ’ s main asset is his range of passing and the ability to dictate play .
He is not the strongest when it comes to tackles , but he more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to keep possession , and he also likes to shoot from distance every now and then .

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The latest piece of transfer gossip has seen Aston Villa linked with a move for Marseille midfielder Maxime Lopez.
It has been reported that Villa are eyeing a summer move for the 22-year-old, whose contract is set to expire next summer.
Sevilla and West Ham have also been credited with an interest in Lopez, with the Marseille academy product believed to be valued at around £10m.
So what more do we know about the latest player linked with a move to Villa Park?
Name: Maxime Lopez
Age: 22
Nationality: French
Position: Central midfielder
Clubs: Lopez is a graduate of the Marseille academy, and has remained with the club throughout his short career thus far.
He made his debut at the age of 18 in August 2016, in a 2-1 defeat to Guingamp in Ligue 1.
Lopez would have to wait another four months to net his first goal, after he opened the scoring in a 2-1 win over Dijon.
Since making his debut, Lopez has made 146 appearances for Marseille, scoring five goals and providing 21 asissts.
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
International caps: Lopez is yet to earn his first senior cap for the France national team, but has featured for the country’s youth sides.
He has 13 caps for France’s Under-21 side, with six coming in the qualification stages for the Euro U21 Championships in 2018, and is yet to score his first goal for his country.
Strengths: Given his position in the middle of the park, Lopez’s main asset is his range of passing and the ability to dictate play.
He is not the strongest when it comes to tackles, but he more than makes up for it with his ability to keep possession, and he also likes to shoot from distance every now and then.


birminghammail--2020-04-03--'Don't head out in the sun'- police warning as temperatures set to hit 17C

West Midlands Police is warning the public not to venture out to parks as the weather is set to warm up .
The force said the public should not to be tempted to go and enjoy themselves as temperatures are set to rise to around 17C this weekend .
The United Kingdom is currently on lockdown with everyone told to stay at home - unless for very limited reasons .
Despite the risk of fines and cautions people have still been enjoying barbecues , playing football and heading to beauty spots to enjoy the Spring sunshine .
The force tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be warmer this weekend .
“ But please don ’ t be tempted to go out and enjoy the sunshine .
“ Remember to follow the measures put in place to protect the # NHS and save lives.
” Staffordshire Police also asked people not to head out by car to Cannock Chase or the Roaches but to exercise close to their homes .
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Tweats from Staffordshire Police s aid : “ We understand that in the warmer weather it can be tempting for people to think they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Roaches , but we ’ re asking people to stay at home .
“ There was initially some confusion around exercising but people should only be exercising near their homes and not travelling to the countryside .
“ This is really important to avoid people congregating at car parks or laybys or beauty spots.
” ACC Tweats said that the majority of people in Staffordshire had complied with the government regulations .
“ Our approach is very much to work with our communities across Staffordshire .
I ’ ve been out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been great , but we don ’ t want a small minority to risk further spread of COVID-19.
” Chief Inspector Becky Hyde , area commander for Cannock Chase , said there had still been some reports of walkers and cyclists travelling to the Chase .
“ It ’ s broadly a positive picture where people do understand just how important this is , but we don ’ t want people to be tempted to travel this weekend .
“ Please work with us and help us to keep you safe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers of local people who live within these immediate areas who may continue to walk dogs and exercise , but cars should only be used for essential journeys .
”

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West Midlands Police is warning the public not to venture out to parks as the weather is set to warm up.
The force said the public should not to be tempted to go and enjoy themselves as temperatures are set to rise to around 17C this weekend.
The United Kingdom is currently on lockdown with everyone told to stay at home - unless for very limited reasons.
Despite the risk of fines and cautions people have still been enjoying barbecues, playing football and heading to beauty spots to enjoy the Spring sunshine.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
The force tweeted: “The weather is set to be warmer this weekend.
“But please don’t be tempted to go out and enjoy the sunshine.
“Remember to follow the measures put in place to protect the #NHS and save lives.”
Staffordshire Police also asked people not to head out by car to Cannock Chase or the Roaches but to exercise close to their homes.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Tweats from Staffordshire Police s aid: “We understand that in the warmer weather it can be tempting for people to think they can visit places such as Cannock Chase or the Roaches, but we’re asking people to stay at home.
“There was initially some confusion around exercising but people should only be exercising near their homes and not travelling to the countryside.
“This is really important to avoid people congregating at car parks or laybys or beauty spots.”
ACC Tweats said that the majority of people in Staffordshire had complied with the government regulations.
“Our approach is very much to work with our communities across Staffordshire. I’ve been out and about on patrol this week and people have been great, but we don’t want a small minority to risk further spread of COVID-19.”
Chief Inspector Becky Hyde, area commander for Cannock Chase, said there had still been some reports of walkers and cyclists travelling to the Chase.
“It’s broadly a positive picture where people do understand just how important this is, but we don’t want people to be tempted to travel this weekend. “Please work with us and help us to keep you safe.
“We understand that there are small numbers of local people who live within these immediate areas who may continue to walk dogs and exercise, but cars should only be used for essential journeys.”


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Key Birmingham City EFL questions answered

The Premier League and EFL have confirmed that their competitions have been suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis .
To put it bluntly , Birmingham City have played their last match in a while .
As of 9am on April 3 , there had been over 38,000 confirmed cases in the UK and the death toll exceeded 3,000 , following another record-breaking day for the number of increases in a single 24-hour period .
There had been criticism directed towards football ’ s governing bodies for a lack of clarity on the situation but the Premier League responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also announced a £20m donation to the NHS and £125m of advance funding to the EFL and National League .
However , there are still a number of key questions that remain unanswered - as we have identified below .
Will the season be completed ?
The statements reiterated the desire for the leagues , as well as the other competitions including the FA Cup , to be completed whenever it is safe to do so - although no timeframe has been revealed .
However , there is still the possibility that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and void at a later date , should no alternative solutions be found - but it is clear that this is very much the last resort .
This is still unknown but it has been confirmed that the Premier League and Championship will not return at the start of May as initially planned .
Instead , the suspension initially in place until April 30 has been extended indefinitely .
A number of potential scenarios are being discussed by the Premier League , the majority of which would see the season extended into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June and July , although not confirmed , the most likely return date at this time .
It is likely that the EFL will follow suite .
Will fans be able to attend matches ?
The government has warned that social distancing measures , in some capacity , could be in place for the next six months and , if the Premier League and Championship season resumes , it is highly unlikely that fans will be able to attend matches at St Andrew 's or elsewhere This could result in more live coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to be discussed with broadcasters and other parties .
What is happening with player wages ?
As part of the statement , the Premier League confirmed they are set for further discussions with the PFA , players and club representatives on wage deferrals of up to 30 % during the COVID-19 crisis .
This would mean that wages are reduced but would not lead to to a permanent decrease in wages and they would need to be repaid by the clubs further down the line .
Alternatively , there could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wages to be donated to charities or the NHS .
What happens with the transfer window ?
The summer transfer window is likely to be a major headache to FIFA and the leagues across the globe , as there could be a situation where clubs can purchase new players but they can not play in matches , which are part of the 2019/20 season .
The transfer window could also be extended , with some reports suggesting it could remain open until the end of January , which would also raise questions from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would continue to churn .
Will the 20/21 season be affected ?
The 2020/21 season is almost certainly going to be affected in one way or another by the crisis , particularly if the 2019/20 season is completed in the summer months - which would likely mean a delay to the start of the season , as well as the aforementioned transfer window changes .
Some competitions , like the League Cup , could be scrapped altogether to clear the schedules , while there may also not be any international fixtures to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played .
This will not be a major concern to the leagues though , as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was already set to cause disruption for the schedules and bringing the changes forward would not be a massive issue .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Josh Challies, James Rushton)

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The Premier League and EFL have confirmed that their competitions have been suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
To put it bluntly, Birmingham City have played their last match in a while.
As of 9am on April 3, there had been over 38,000 confirmed cases in the UK and the death toll exceeded 3,000, following another record-breaking day for the number of increases in a single 24-hour period.
There had been criticism directed towards football’s governing bodies for a lack of clarity on the situation but the Premier League responded with a lengthy statement - where they also announced a £20m donation to the NHS and £125m of advance funding to the EFL and National League.
However, there are still a number of key questions that remain unanswered - as we have identified below.
Will the season be completed?
The statements reiterated the desire for the leagues, as well as the other competitions including the FA Cup, to be completed whenever it is safe to do so - although no timeframe has been revealed.
However, there is still the possibility that the campaign will be cancelled or declared null and void at a later date, should no alternative solutions be found - but it is clear that this is very much the last resort.
When will football return?
This is still unknown but it has been confirmed that the Premier League and Championship will not return at the start of May as initially planned. Instead, the suspension initially in place until April 30 has been extended indefinitely.
A number of potential scenarios are being discussed by the Premier League, the majority of which would see the season extended into the summer months - with a resumption in June and July, although not confirmed, the most likely return date at this time.
It is likely that the EFL will follow suite.
Will fans be able to attend matches?
The government has warned that social distancing measures, in some capacity, could be in place for the next six months and, if the Premier League and Championship season resumes, it is highly unlikely that fans will be able to attend matches at St Andrew's or elsewhere
This could result in more live coverage of matches on TV, although this would have to be discussed with broadcasters and other parties.
What is happening with player wages?
As part of the statement, the Premier League confirmed they are set for further discussions with the PFA, players and club representatives on wage deferrals of up to 30% during the COVID-19 crisis.
This would mean that wages are reduced but would not lead to to a permanent decrease in wages and they would need to be repaid by the clubs further down the line. Alternatively, there could be a collective agreement for a section of wages to be donated to charities or the NHS.
What happens with the transfer window?
The summer transfer window is likely to be a major headache to FIFA and the leagues across the globe, as there could be a situation where clubs can purchase new players but they cannot play in matches, which are part of the 2019/20 season.
The transfer window could also be extended, with some reports suggesting it could remain open until the end of January, which would also raise questions from the clubs as players, as speculation would continue to churn.
Will the 20/21 season be affected?
The 2020/21 season is almost certainly going to be affected in one way or another by the crisis, particularly if the 2019/20 season is completed in the summer months - which would likely mean a delay to the start of the season, as well as the aforementioned transfer window changes.
Some competitions, like the League Cup, could be scrapped altogether to clear the schedules, while there may also not be any international fixtures to allow for more time for matches to be played.
This will not be a major concern to the leagues though, as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was already set to cause disruption for the schedules and bringing the changes forward would not be a massive issue.


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Transfer window plans and key Wolves questions answered following PLe update

The Premier League has confirmed that the competition has been suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis .
Wolverhampton Wanderers ’ campaign was originally on hold until April 3 before that suspension was extended until April 30 a fortnight ago .
Now , following a Premier League stakeholders meeting on Friday , which involved the league ’ s 20 clubs , the campaign will not resume before the beginning of May , at the very earliest , should it be deemed safe to do so .
Prior to the suspension , Wolves were in sixth place in the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next season ’ s elite cup competitions in Europe .
There had been criticism directed towards football ’ s governing bodies for a lack of clarity on the situation but the Premier League responded with a lengthy statement - where they also announced a £20m donation to the NHS and £125m of advance funding to the EFL and National League .
However , there are still a number of key questions that remain unanswered - as we have identified below .
Will the season be completed ?
The statement from the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as the other competitions including the FA Cup , to be completed whenever it is safe to do so - although no timeframe has been revealed .
However , there is still the possibility that the campaign will be cancelled or declared null and void at a later date , should no alternative solutions be found - but it is clear that this is very much the last resort .
When will the Premier League return ?
This is still unknown but it has been confirmed that the Premier League will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as initially planned .
Instead , the suspension initially in place until April 30 has been extended indefinitely .
A number of potential scenarios are being discussed by the Premier League , the majority of which would see the season extended into the summer months - with a resumption in June and July , although not confirmed , the most likely return date at this time .
While not yet mathematically secure , Liverpool are still just a couple of wins shy of sealing the Premier League and , when football returns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to lift the title .
However , that is assuming that the season is completed .
If the campaign is cancelled and the current standings honoured , then the Reds would be handed the title - although this would raise numerous complications for other aspects of the league .
The most drastic scenario would be voiding the season entirely , which would mean Liverpool would be denied the title as all the results so far in 19/20 would be expunged from the record .
Will fans be able to attend ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in some capacity , could be in place for the next six months and , if the Premier League season resumes , it is highly unlikely that fans will be able to attend matches .
This could result in more live coverage of matches on TV , although this would have to be discussed with broadcasters and other parties .
What is happening with player wages ?
As part of the statement , the Premier League confirmed they are set for further discussions with the PFA , players and club representatives on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the COVID-19 crisis .
This would mean that wages are reduced but would not lead to to a permanent decrease in wages and they would need to be repaid by the clubs further down the line .
Alternatively , there could be a collective agreement for a section of wages to be donated to charities or the NHS .
What happens with the transfer window ?
The summer transfer window is likely to be a major headache to FIFA and the leagues across the globe , as there could be a situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can not play in matches , which are part of the 2019/20 season .
The transfer window could also be extended , with some reports suggesting it could remain open until the end of January , which would also raise questions from the clubs as players , as speculation would continue to churn .
Will the 20/21 season be affected ?
The 2020/21 season is almost certainly going to be affected in one way or another by the crisis , particularly if the 2019/20 season is completed in the summer months - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of the season , as well as the aforementioned transfer window changes .
Some competitions , like the League Cup , could be scrapped altogether to clear the schedules , while there may also not be any international fixtures to allow for more time for matches to be played .
This will not be a major concern to the leagues though , as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was already set to cause disruption for the schedules and bringing the changes forward would not be a massive issue .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Josh Challies, Mark Wakefield)

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The Premier League has confirmed that the competition has been suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ campaign was originally on hold until April 3 before that suspension was extended until April 30 a fortnight ago.
Now, following a Premier League stakeholders meeting on Friday, which involved the league’s 20 clubs, the campaign will not resume before the beginning of May, at the very earliest, should it be deemed safe to do so.
Prior to the suspension, Wolves were in sixth place in the Premier League table and challenging for qualification for next season’s elite cup competitions in Europe.
There had been criticism directed towards football’s governing bodies for a lack of clarity on the situation but the Premier League responded with a lengthy statement - where they also announced a £20m donation to the NHS and £125m of advance funding to the EFL and National League.
However, there are still a number of key questions that remain unanswered - as we have identified below.
Will the season be completed?
The statement from the Premier League reiterated the desire for the league, as well as the other competitions including the FA Cup, to be completed whenever it is safe to do so - although no timeframe has been revealed.
However, there is still the possibility that the campaign will be cancelled or declared null and void at a later date, should no alternative solutions be found - but it is clear that this is very much the last resort.
When will the Premier League return?
This is still unknown but it has been confirmed that the Premier League will not return at the start of May as initially planned. Instead, the suspension initially in place until April 30 has been extended indefinitely.
A number of potential scenarios are being discussed by the Premier League, the majority of which would see the season extended into the summer months - with a resumption in June and July, although not confirmed, the most likely return date at this time.
Will Liverpool win the title?
While not yet mathematically secure, Liverpool are still just a couple of wins shy of sealing the Premier League and, when football returns, would be expected to secure the wins required to lift the title.
However, that is assuming that the season is completed. If the campaign is cancelled and the current standings honoured, then the Reds would be handed the title - although this would raise numerous complications for other aspects of the league.
The most drastic scenario would be voiding the season entirely, which would mean Liverpool would be denied the title as all the results so far in 19/20 would be expunged from the record.
Will fans be able to attend?
The government has warned that social distancing measures, in some capacity, could be in place for the next six months and, if the Premier League season resumes, it is highly unlikely that fans will be able to attend matches.
This could result in more live coverage of matches on TV, although this would have to be discussed with broadcasters and other parties.
What is happening with player wages?
As part of the statement, the Premier League confirmed they are set for further discussions with the PFA, players and club representatives on wage deferrals of up to 30% during the COVID-19 crisis.
This would mean that wages are reduced but would not lead to to a permanent decrease in wages and they would need to be repaid by the clubs further down the line. Alternatively, there could be a collective agreement for a section of wages to be donated to charities or the NHS.
What happens with the transfer window?
The summer transfer window is likely to be a major headache to FIFA and the leagues across the globe, as there could be a situation where clubs can purchase new players but they cannot play in matches, which are part of the 2019/20 season.
The transfer window could also be extended, with some reports suggesting it could remain open until the end of January, which would also raise questions from the clubs as players, as speculation would continue to churn.
Will the 20/21 season be affected?
The 2020/21 season is almost certainly going to be affected in one way or another by the crisis, particularly if the 2019/20 season is completed in the summer months - which would likely mean a delay to the start of the season, as well as the aforementioned transfer window changes.
Some competitions, like the League Cup, could be scrapped altogether to clear the schedules, while there may also not be any international fixtures to allow for more time for matches to be played.
This will not be a major concern to the leagues though, as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was already set to cause disruption for the schedules and bringing the changes forward would not be a massive issue.


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Number of intensive care beds going up 400% at city hospitals to cope with spike

Hospitals are preparing for a massive surge in potentially fatal coronavirus cases over the next week - with the number of intensive care beds going up a staggering 400 % .
'Hundreds ' of ventilators are also apparently being rushed to Birmingham and the Black Country to try to help medics cope with the challenge of the surge ahead as the true impact of the pandemic claims increasing numbers of lives .
Toby Lewis , chief executive at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust - including City Hospital - said at his hospital alone an extra 140 beds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than normal , and hundreds of redeployed staff were 'ready ' for the massive spike heading our way .
He spoke as new figures show known cases of the virus are going up at a rapid rate - with another 60 coronavirus deaths recorded today at hospitals in Birmingham and the Black Country .
The region is now acknowledged as the country 's worst hotspot outside London .
NHS chiefs have warned cases are now on the steep upward curve and are expected to peak next week , triggeiring a race to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's hospitals .
Mr Lewis , giving an insight into how his hospital trust was preparing for the inevitable surge ahead , said : `` In a hospital like mine , the scale of our challenge is enormous .
`` Over the course of the last three weeks , just in our hospital , we have opened 20 % more hospital beds and had to safely staff those .
`` Over the next five days we will increase , by 400 % , the scale of our intensive care provision .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that NHS hospitals across the wider West Midlands have been asked to prepare for , in expectation of a significant surge in patient need over the course of the next two weeks . ''
`` In our organisation to meet that 400 % increase we are moving 160 more nurses and health care assistants into intensive care environments , moving all of our anaesthetics workforce , which is 40 or 50 senior medics , from work they were doing supporting planned operations into intensive care , and similar numbers for therapists , pharmacists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge operation . ''
He said requests for more ventilators from the NHS supply chain were apparently being heeded , despite a national shortage .
`` The information we are getting is that requests we have made will be met ... by this time tomorrow we will have more ventilators to work with , as will neighbouring institutions . ''
But he was unable to confirm exactly how many were on their way , and nor could regional strategic planners .
The NHS , as of the start of this week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and was urgently seeking to acquire more , with an expectation that hospitals will need up to 30,000 at its peak .
An order for 10,000 newly-designed machines from technology firm Dyson has been placed , while other companies are hastily creating prototypes and alternatives to try to plug the urgent gap .
For patients with the worst effects of the infection , a ventilator offers the best chance of survival .
It is a device that takes over the body 's breathing process when disease has caused the lungs to fail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight off the infection and recover .
Said Mr Lewis : `` Clearly the West Midlands area is acknowledged as the absolute priority for ventilator provision .
We are seeing equipment arriving today and tomorrow , and that 's very , very important .
`` The information we are getting is that the requests we have made will be met .
Where there is variation it will be around the models of ventilators we receive , so we are working with the supply chain to make sure they are the models we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new models we get . ''
Nick Page , of the West Midlands and Warwickshire strategic co-ordination group and chief executive of Solihull Council , said he was assured `` 200 or so '' ventilators were on their way .
In a question and answer session at today 's regional briefing , chaired by mayor Andy Street , I put to Mr Lewis that , for all the planning and promised new equipment , would that be enough to cope ?
`` You ask if ( what we have done to prepare ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Clearly we can work from the London modelling , the Italian modelling , the China modelling and so on to prepare .
`` As for the scale of impact and the timing , a lot of that is around if the public can successfully maintain social distancing , hand washing , and stay at home - then we are confident that we can keep within the figures we have seen and are expecting ( around infection and deaths ) over the course of the next two weeks . ''
His comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new ethical guidelines for doctors on how to decide who should get life-saving care when resources are overstretched , amid fears the shortfall in ventilators will never be enough to meet need .
The BMA document warns hospitals would have to impose severe limits on who is put on a ventilator and large numbers of patients could be denied care , with those facing a poor prognosis losing the potentially life-saving equipment even if their condition is improving .
The guidance has been drawn up because when the outbreak peaks “ it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ availability and difficult decisions will be required about how to distribute scarce life-saving resources ” .

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Hospitals are preparing for a massive surge in potentially fatal coronavirus cases over the next week - with the number of intensive care beds going up a staggering 400%.
'Hundreds' of ventilators are also apparently being rushed to Birmingham and the Black Country to try to help medics cope with the challenge of the surge ahead as the true impact of the pandemic claims increasing numbers of lives.
Toby Lewis, chief executive at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust - including City Hospital - said at his hospital alone an extra 140 beds, an intensive care unit four times bigger than normal, and hundreds of redeployed staff were 'ready' for the massive spike heading our way.
He spoke as new figures show known cases of the virus are going up at a rapid rate - with another 60 coronavirus deaths recorded today at hospitals in Birmingham and the Black Country.
The region is now acknowledged as the country's worst hotspot outside London.
NHS chiefs have warned cases are now on the steep upward curve and are expected to peak next week, triggeiring a race to get enough life saving ventilators to the region's hospitals.
Mr Lewis, giving an insight into how his hospital trust was preparing for the inevitable surge ahead, said: "In a hospital like mine, the scale of our challenge is enormous.
"Over the course of the last three weeks, just in our hospital, we have opened 20% more hospital beds and had to safely staff those.
"Over the next five days we will increase, by 400%, the scale of our intensive care provision.
"That is the sort of scale of increase that NHS hospitals across the wider West Midlands have been asked to prepare for, in expectation of a significant surge in patient need over the course of the next two weeks."
"In our organisation to meet that 400% increase we are moving 160 more nurses and health care assistants into intensive care environments, moving all of our anaesthetics workforce, which is 40 or 50 senior medics, from work they were doing supporting planned operations into intensive care, and similar numbers for therapists, pharmacists and doctors in training. It's a huge operation."
He said requests for more ventilators from the NHS supply chain were apparently being heeded, despite a national shortage.
"The information we are getting is that requests we have made will be met...by this time tomorrow we will have more ventilators to work with, as will neighbouring institutions."
(Image: Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust)
But he was unable to confirm exactly how many were on their way, and nor could regional strategic planners.
The NHS, as of the start of this week, was reported to have just 8,175 ventilators - and was urgently seeking to acquire more, with an expectation that hospitals will need up to 30,000 at its peak.
An order for 10,000 newly-designed machines from technology firm Dyson has been placed, while other companies are hastily creating prototypes and alternatives to try to plug the urgent gap.
For patients with the worst effects of the infection, a ventilator offers the best chance of survival. It is a device that takes over the body's breathing process when disease has caused the lungs to fail. This gives the patient time to fight off the infection and recover.
Said Mr Lewis: "Clearly the West Midlands area is acknowledged as the absolute priority for ventilator provision. We are seeing equipment arriving today and tomorrow, and that's very, very important.
"The information we are getting is that the requests we have made will be met. Where there is variation it will be around the models of ventilators we receive, so we are working with the supply chain to make sure they are the models we are expecting and we have visibility around any new models we get."
Nick Page, of the West Midlands and Warwickshire strategic co-ordination group and chief executive of Solihull Council, said he was assured "200 or so" ventilators were on their way.
In a question and answer session at today's regional briefing, chaired by mayor Andy Street, I put to Mr Lewis that, for all the planning and promised new equipment, would that be enough to cope?
(Image: Getty Images)
"You ask if (what we have done to prepare) will be enough," he replied.
"Clearly we can work from the London modelling, the Italian modelling, the China modelling and so on to prepare.
"As for the scale of impact and the timing, a lot of that is around if the public can successfully maintain social distancing, hand washing, and stay at home - then we are confident that we can keep within the figures we have seen and are expecting (around infection and deaths) over the course of the next two weeks."
His comments came after the British Medical Association released new ethical guidelines for doctors on how to decide who should get life-saving care when resources are overstretched, amid fears the shortfall in ventilators will never be enough to meet need.
The BMA document warns hospitals would have to impose severe limits on who is put on a ventilator and large numbers of patients could be denied care, with those facing a poor prognosis losing the potentially life-saving equipment even if their condition is improving.
The guidance has been drawn up because when the outbreak peaks “it is possible that serious health needs may outstrip availability and difficult decisions will be required about how to distribute scarce life-saving resources”.


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Why your local takeaway can stay open - and what you must know to use it

The advice was clear and simple : 'Stay indoors and save lives ' .
But when Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the country on coronavirus lockdown from Monday , March 23 , he left the door open for takeaways to continue to trade .
The decision seemed to be like a contradiction in terms when bars , cafes and restaurants had been told to close on March 20 .
So that left traditional fish and chips and other takeaways in a quandary as our latest report on their reaction to the ruling illustrates here Could they afford to stay open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or should they keep calm and carry on frying to feed the nation , just as the industry has done for the past 160 years through two World Wars and more ?
The Stay At Home advice tells people to : • Only go outside for food , health reasons or work ( but only if you can not work from home ) • If you go out , stay 2 metres ( 6ft ) away from other people at all times • Wash your hands as soon as you get home • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or family .
• You can spread the virus even if you don ’ t have symptoms .
Whatever individual shops chose to do in light of the above instructions , there is another set of guidelines to follow .
Since these apply to traders and to customers , here are the essential rules for people on both sides of the counter .
• no orders should be taken in person on the premises - this should be communicated to customers by appropriate means such as signage • businesses should therefore only take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have staggered collection times - customers should be discouraged from entering the premises until their order is ready • customers arriving without having already placed an order should be encouraged to leave the premises to place their order by telephone or online , and to return at a designated time for collection • customers whose orders are ready should enter one at a time to collect orders and make payments • businesses should discourage crowding outside the premises .
Where possible , use queue management systems to maintain the 2 metres separation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adequate spacing between individuals .
Effective measures to support this will vary by store and location but could include : • monitoring the number of customers within store and limiting access to avoid congestion • implementing queue management systems to limit crowds gathering at entrances and maintain the 2 metres distance • reminding customers to only buy what they need Public Health England supports measures to allow safe privileged access to elderly and essential workers such as NHS and Social Care staff .
It is very unlikely that coronavirus is transmitted through food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are no practical alternatives for staff to obtain food .
• as far as reasonably possible , a distance of 2 metres should be maintained between users • staff can continue to use rest areas if they apply the same social distancing • notices promoting hand hygiene and social distancing should be placed visibly in these areas • if possible , increase the number of hand washing stations available The main concern with outdoor food markets is to avoid crowds gathering .
Local Authorities may have decided to close such markets as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing .
Where markets are still in operation , we encourage food market operators to consider how they can safely sell their products without encouraging crowds and ensure hygiene measures are in place .
This can be done by : • taking orders online or by telephone in advance and pre-packing orders to limit face-to-face time in the market • considering delivery services if possible What you need to know about coronavirus and food It is very unlikely that you can catch coronavirus from food .
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposure to food or food packaging .
Any food handler who is unwell should not be at work .
If they have symptoms , they should follow government advice and stay at home Although it is very unlikely that coronavirus is transmitted through food , as a matter of good hygiene practice anyone handling food should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds .
This should be done as a matter of routine , before and after handling food , and especially after being in a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or sneezing .
Food business operators should continue to follow the Food Standard Agency 's guidance on good hygiene practices in food preparation and their Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point ( HACCP ) processes .
We support measures to allow safe privileged access to supermarkets and food businesses for the elderly and essential workers such as NHS staff .
A Food Safety Management System ( FSMS ) that includes existing food hygiene guidance and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point ( HACCP ) processes should be followed .
Employers should stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintaining good hygiene practices in food preparation and handling areas .
Employees should wash their hands for 20 seconds , especially after being in a public place , blowing their nose , coughing or sneezing .
Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly , using your standard cleaning products .
Food businesses can refer to the Food Standards Agency ’ s safer food , better business ( SFBB ) guidance for further guidance on expected food hygiene standards .
Businesses can help reduce the spread of coronavirus by reminding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health advice .
Posters , leaflets and other materials are available online .
The World Health Organisation advises that the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low .
The risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved , travelled , and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also very low .
While food packaging is not known to present a specific risk , efforts should be made to ensure it is cleaned and handled in line with usual food safety practices .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hygiene practice and the environmental controls set out in the business ’ HACCP .
Staff should continue to follow existing risk assessments and safe systems of working .
No additional precautions need to be taken .
The government has provided guidance on cleaning and waste disposal to help businesses reduce the spread of coronavirus .
If anyone becomes unwell with a new , continuous cough or a high temperature in the business or workplace they should be sent home and advised to follow the stay at home guidance .
If you or an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 111 online or call 111 if there is no internet access .
In an emergency , call 999 if they are seriously ill or injured , or their life is at risk .
Do not visit the GP , pharmacy , urgent care centre or a hospital .
If a member of staff has helped someone who was taken unwell with a new , continuous cough or a high temperature , they do not need to go home unless they develop symptoms themselves .
They should wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwell with symptoms consistent with coronavirus infection .
It is not necessary to close the business or workplace or send any staff home , unless government policy changes .
You should keep monitoring the government response to coronavirus for further updates .
The Food Standards Agency ’ s fitness for work guidance for staff who handle food products provides advice on managing sickness in a food business .
Understanding this guidance and applying it on both a personal and business level can help to prevent the transmission of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are at increased risk of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) can be found on GOV.UK The advice on social distancing measures applies to everyone .
You need to minimise opportunities for the virus to spread by maintaining a distance of 2 metres between individuals .
This advice applies to both inside the food business and in the external public areas where customers may need to queue .
People should be reminded to wash their hands for 20 seconds and more frequently than normal .
The practical implementation of this advice will depend on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best evaluated by the store manager , however a few general indicators may be relevant to the majority of retail outlets : • use additional signage to ask customers not to enter the shop if they have symptoms • regulate entry so that the premises do not become overcrowded • use floor markings inside the commercial spaces to facilitate compliance with the social distancing advice of 2 metres , particularly in the most crowded areas , such as serving counters and tills • use vertical signage to direct customers into lanes if feasible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintaining 2 metre distance • make regular announcements to remind customers to follow social distancing advice and clean their hands regularly • place plexiglass barriers at tills and counters if feasible , as an additional element of protection for workers and customers • encourage the use of contactless payments where possible , without disadvantaging older or vulnerable customers • provide additional pop-up handwashing stations or facilities if possible , providing soap , water and hand sanitiser

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The advice was clear and simple: 'Stay indoors and save lives'.
But when Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the country on coronavirus lockdown from Monday, March 23, he left the door open for takeaways to continue to trade.
The decision seemed to be like a contradiction in terms when bars, cafes and restaurants had been told to close on March 20.
So that left traditional fish and chips and other takeaways in a quandary as our latest report on their reaction to the ruling illustrates here
Could they afford to stay open if trade was less than usual - or should they keep calm and carry on frying to feed the nation, just as the industry has done for the past 160 years through two World Wars and more?
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
The Stay At Home advice tells people to:
Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
Wash your hands as soon as you get home
Do not meet others, even friends or family.
You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
Whatever individual shops chose to do in light of the above instructions, there is another set of guidelines to follow.
Since these apply to traders and to customers, here are the essential rules for people on both sides of the counter.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Takeaways and restaurants offering a pick-up service
For these services:
no orders should be taken in person on the premises - this should be communicated to customers by appropriate means such as signage
businesses should therefore only take orders online or by telephone
customers could have staggered collection times - customers should be discouraged from entering the premises until their order is ready
customers arriving without having already placed an order should be encouraged to leave the premises to place their order by telephone or online, and to return at a designated time for collection
customers whose orders are ready should enter one at a time to collect orders and make payments
businesses should discourage crowding outside the premises. Where possible, use queue management systems to maintain the 2 metres separation
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Supermarkets
Supermarkets need to avoid crowding and create adequate spacing between individuals.
Effective measures to support this will vary by store and location but could include:
monitoring the number of customers within store and limiting access to avoid congestion
implementing queue management systems to limit crowds gathering at entrances and maintain the 2 metres distance
reminding customers to only buy what they need
Public Health England supports measures to allow safe privileged access to elderly and essential workers such as NHS and Social Care staff.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Staff canteens and rest areas
It is very unlikely that coronavirus is transmitted through food. Workplace canteens may remain open where there are no practical alternatives for staff to obtain food.
as far as reasonably possible, a distance of 2 metres should be maintained between users
staff can continue to use rest areas if they apply the same social distancing
notices promoting hand hygiene and social distancing should be placed visibly in these areas
if possible, increase the number of hand washing stations available
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Outdoor food markets / farmers markets
The main concern with outdoor food markets is to avoid crowds gathering. Local Authorities may have decided to close such markets as part of actions taken to maintain social distancing.
Where markets are still in operation, we encourage food market operators to consider how they can safely sell their products without encouraging crowds and ensure hygiene measures are in place. This can be done by:
taking orders online or by telephone in advance and pre-packing orders to limit face-to-face time in the market
considering delivery services if possible
(Image: BirminghamLive)
What you need to know about coronavirus and food
It is very unlikely that you can catch coronavirus from food.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. It is not known to be transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging.
Any food handler who is unwell should not be at work. If they have symptoms, they should follow government advice and stay at home
Although it is very unlikely that coronavirus is transmitted through food, as a matter of good hygiene practice anyone handling food should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
This should be done as a matter of routine, before and after handling food, and especially after being in a public place, blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Food business operators should continue to follow the Food Standard Agency's guidance on good hygiene practices in food preparation and their Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) processes.
We support measures to allow safe privileged access to supermarkets and food businesses for the elderly and essential workers such as NHS staff.
(Image: atex.scriptmanager)
Food hygiene guidance
A Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that includes existing food hygiene guidance and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) processes should be followed.
Employers should stress the importance of more frequent handwashing and maintaining good hygiene practices in food preparation and handling areas.
Employees should wash their hands for 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing.
Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, using your standard cleaning products. Food businesses can refer to the Food Standards Agency’s safer food, better business (SFBB) guidance for further guidance on expected food hygiene standards.
Businesses can help reduce the spread of coronavirus by reminding everyone of the government’s public health advice.
Posters, leaflets and other materials are available online.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Food packaging
The World Health Organisation advises that the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low.
The risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also very low.
While food packaging is not known to present a specific risk, efforts should be made to ensure it is cleaned and handled in line with usual food safety practices.
Cleaning should be in line with food hygiene practice and the environmental controls set out in the business’ HACCP.
Staff should continue to follow existing risk assessments and safe systems of working. No additional precautions need to be taken.
Cleaning and waste disposal
The government has provided guidance on cleaning and waste disposal to help businesses reduce the spread of coronavirus.
(Image: Dr Justin Varney on Instagram)
Managing employee sickness
If anyone becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature in the business or workplace they should be sent home and advised to follow the stay at home guidance. If you or an employee are experiencing symptoms, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 if there is no internet access. In an emergency, call 999 if they are seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk. Do not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital.
If a member of staff has helped someone who was taken unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, they do not need to go home unless they develop symptoms themselves. They should wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell with symptoms consistent with coronavirus infection.
It is not necessary to close the business or workplace or send any staff home, unless government policy changes. You should keep monitoring the government response to coronavirus for further updates.
The Food Standards Agency’s fitness for work guidance for staff who handle food products provides advice on managing sickness in a food business. Understanding this guidance and applying it on both a personal and business level can help to prevent the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Further information on social distancing and adults who are at increased risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found on GOV.UK
(Image: BirminghamLive)
Social distancing
The advice on social distancing measures applies to everyone. You need to minimise opportunities for the virus to spread by maintaining a distance of 2 metres between individuals.
This advice applies to both inside the food business and in the external public areas where customers may need to queue.
People should be reminded to wash their hands for 20 seconds and more frequently than normal.
The practical implementation of this advice will depend on the local circumstances. This may be best evaluated by the store manager, however a few general indicators may be relevant to the majority of retail outlets:


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Dovehouse Fish Bar reopens after owner 'crawled up walls'

Fish frier Val Georgiou has reopened Dovehouse Fish Bar in Solihull - as a pre-order takeaway service only .
During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic lockdown , customers can now either have their fish suppers delivered or they can come to collect while maintaining social distancing guidelines at all time .
The passionate chipster closed the family shop for the first time in 40 years last Friday , March 27 .
He did so with a heavy heart , not least because it 's now six years since the death of his inspirational father who had founded it in 1980 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Val 'crawling up the walls ' , he has decided to reopen after reading all of the government guidelines ( listed further below ) about how takeaway can operate during the coronavirus lockdown .
The move means that two of the five chippies we sampled a week ago are now open after George & Helen 's in Harborne said it would not close unless forced to do so .
Carry on reading below to find out which other leading chippy is now planning to reopen next Wednesday - and which two are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related story called 'Why your local takeaway can stay open - and what you must know to use it ' click on this link here In order to reopen , Val has decided to completely overhaul the way the shop works so that he can maintain the industry 's 160-year-old tradition of serving the nation fish and chips right through two world wars , power cuts , droughts , floods and more .
Val said : `` We are taking telephone orders only and are just going to be open from 4pm til @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have a lot of very loyal customers and we thought we would try reopening this way as a means of completely reinventing our business model at the same time yet still working in as safe a way as possible .
`` I tried to sit at home but I am not the type of person who can sit twiddling my thumbs just doing nothing .
`` I was crawling up the walls and thinking 'We ca n't let this virus defeat us !
What do we do ? '
.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only , with a minimum spend of £20 for deliveries .
`` If that total is too much for some people , they can collect - or neighbours can group together and pay as one so that we can deliver meals to them that way .
`` From what I 've heard , I am expecting more shops in Birmingham to reopen next week . ''
Established in 1913 , just a year before the outbreak of the First World War , The National Federation of Fish Friers ( NFFF ) had already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes before Prime Minister Boris Johnson made his lockdown pronouncement at 8.30pm on Monday , March 23 .
But while that unnerving television appearance ordered people to stay at home , it surprisingly did not stop takeaways from having the legal right to carry on trading .
Within 48 hours , the NFFF had moderated its stance since in line with guidance leaving friers like Val in a quandary - to fry or not to fry .
Especially as he was the first city frier to be named a NFFF Quality Award Winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the morning trying to work things out in his head , Val decided that if companies like McDonald 's , KFC and Nando 's were closing he ought to follow suit once Boris made his announcement .
But then legendary city frier turned leading industry trainer Michael Pili told BirminghamLive last weekend that if he still had a shop then he would have lawfully stayed open to keep the 160-year-old non-stop tradition of fish and chips alive and frying Val said he had sold up his stock at the end of last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for staff working late at the nearby Solihull Hospital .
`` Everyone forgets about the late staff , so I think that was a good thing and the right thing to to do , '' says Val .
After a few days at home he began to think again about his own business .
`` When shops were being told to close last week , I think mistakes were being made ( at industry level ) .
`` In the way I am reopening , I am following government guidelines to a T. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and by this weekend I can see demand rising again .
`` After being closed last weekend , on Monday I began to wonder which suppliers could help .
`` On Tuesday , I was getting stock back in .
`` The day after , I was thinking we would open from 4pm to 9pm , Wednesdays to Saturdays only and that this is what we will do until we are all the wiser .
`` My morning prep man is doing deliveries for me .
He refused to be paid other than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it for £2 per order as we need to keep the business going and I agreed to it that way . ''
A month ago Val was starting to set up a new Dovehouse Fish Bar website with a means of displaying a menu , taking orders and payments .
He had looked into the commission charged by established delivery operators like Just Eat and Uber Eats and concluded they would literally gobble up his profits .
With two cashpoints either side of the shop he had also never fancied the overheads of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had complaints .
In the short term , the business can still only take cash .
But that should change within two weeks once a new online payment system is fully operational to offer the best of both worlds - convenience with limited additional overheads .
Val said : `` It 's all a bit chaotic at the moment as you can imagine and , of course , business is nothing like it should be .
`` I barely know what day or hour it is .
`` By taking orders this way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak time .
`` But doing it it this way I am starting to get to know people 's names and put their names to faces .
`` Customers can phone up and sit outside in their cars if they want to while we get their food ready . ''
The current Dovehouse Fish Bar price list includes regular chips at £2.40 while regular cod , haddock and plaice is £5.80 .
A small fish is £3.60 and small chips are £1.90 .
It has the distinction of being the only shop which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was visited anonymously by the Birmingham Mail 's Cheap as Chips column which was established in 2005 .
What our other sample chippies are doing nearly two weeks after the lockdown ordered on March 23 Last week : “ It feels like if the coronavirus doesn ’ t kill us then the stress will , ” said Yiola Petrou .
This week : `` I am getting ready to reopen next Wednesday , '' says husband Pedro .
`` We will have social distancing , but I do n't believe in deliveries as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food could be going cold or you 've got the order wrong and then what ?
George and Helen 's , Court Oak Road , Harborne - has never closed Last week : `` Fish and chips have fed the nation for 160 years ... and we will feed people for many many more , '' said owner Kostas Georgiou .
`` We are staying open and hope everyone takes care and we will get through this . ''
This week : `` Business has been OK for us to say open , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ William .
`` We are following all of the rules for staff and our customers are also obeying social distancing measures outside .
`` Staff are wearing gloves and still taking cash payments - no more than two people can come into the shop at any one time and we are taking telephone orders , too . ''
Last week : `` As soon as McDonald ’ s , Nando ’ s and KFC closed then you start to think ... ‘ If we stay open are we being irresponsible ? ''
owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut his two family-run chippies which have been trading for more than 60 years in total between them - The Golden Carp since 1974 and Winyates Chippy since 1995 .
This week : `` I am staying closed and I think I am glad that we are closed , because if anything happened ( with coronavirus to staff or customers ) we might feel responsible .
`` We are now trying to find the money to pay the staff before government 's payments come through - I do n't know when they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they need the money . ''
Last week : “ We have tried to stay open and only allow two people into the shop at once , but just not enough people have been coming in to justify staying open , ” said owner Maria Carrelli who today runs the shop - originally founded in 1946 - with husband John .
This week : `` Trying to get my staff back now is not possible and I would rather keep them safe and reopen when the government says it is safe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We could open the business again but it might not pay .
It 's brilliant that the staff will get 80 per cent pay - though I do n't know when that will come through .
`` There seems to be nothing for us as the business owners so we are trying to keep them paid for now . ''
• no orders should be taken in person on the premises - this should be communicated to customers by appropriate means such as signage • businesses should therefore only take orders online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staggered collection times - customers should be discouraged from entering the premises until their order is ready • customers arriving without having already placed an order should be encouraged to leave the premises to place their order by telephone or online , and to return at a designated time for collection • customers whose orders are ready should enter one at a time to collect orders and make payments • businesses should discourage crowding outside the premises .
Where possible , use queue management systems to maintain the two metres separation

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Fish frier Val Georgiou has reopened Dovehouse Fish Bar in Solihull - as a pre-order takeaway service only.
During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic lockdown, customers can now either have their fish suppers delivered or they can come to collect while maintaining social distancing guidelines at all time.
The passionate chipster closed the family shop for the first time in 40 years last Friday, March 27.
He did so with a heavy heart, not least because it's now six years since the death of his inspirational father who had founded it in 1980.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
But after three days at home left Val 'crawling up the walls', he has decided to reopen after reading all of the government guidelines (listed further below) about how takeaway can operate during the coronavirus lockdown.
The move means that two of the five chippies we sampled a week ago are now open after George & Helen's in Harborne said it would not close unless forced to do so.
Carry on reading below to find out which other leading chippy is now planning to reopen next Wednesday - and which two are going to remain closed.
And for our related story called 'Why your local takeaway can stay open - and what you must know to use it' click on this link here
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
Reinventing the chip
In order to reopen, Val has decided to completely overhaul the way the shop works so that he can maintain the industry's 160-year-old tradition of serving the nation fish and chips right through two world wars, power cuts, droughts, floods and more.
Val said: "We are taking telephone orders only and are just going to be open from 4pm til 9pm from Wednesday to Saturday for now.
"We have a lot of very loyal customers and we thought we would try reopening this way as a means of completely reinventing our business model at the same time yet still working in as safe a way as possible.
"I tried to sit at home but I am not the type of person who can sit twiddling my thumbs just doing nothing.
"I was crawling up the walls and thinking 'We can't let this virus defeat us! What do we do?'.
"We are now taking telephone orders only, with a minimum spend of £20 for deliveries.
"If that total is too much for some people, they can collect - or neighbours can group together and pay as one so that we can deliver meals to them that way.
"From what I've heard, I am expecting more shops in Birmingham to reopen next week."
(Image: Graham Young)
Why shops closed
Established in 1913, just a year before the outbreak of the First World War, The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) had already advised its members to close just 25 minutes before Prime Minister Boris Johnson made his lockdown pronouncement at 8.30pm on Monday, March 23.
But while that unnerving television appearance ordered people to stay at home, it surprisingly did not stop takeaways from having the legal right to carry on trading.
Within 48 hours, the NFFF had moderated its stance since in line with guidance leaving friers like Val in a quandary - to fry or not to fry.
Especially as he was the first city frier to be named a NFFF Quality Award Winner.
Often staying up til 4am in the morning trying to work things out in his head, Val decided that if companies like McDonald's, KFC and Nando's were closing he ought to follow suit once Boris made his announcement.
But then legendary city frier turned leading industry trainer Michael Pili told BirminghamLive last weekend that if he still had a shop then he would have lawfully stayed open to keep the 160-year-old non-stop tradition of fish and chips alive and frying
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
Why Dovehouse is reopening
Val said he had sold up his stock at the end of last week, including cooking and delivering free meals for staff working late at the nearby Solihull Hospital.
"Everyone forgets about the late staff, so I think that was a good thing and the right thing to to do," says Val.
After a few days at home he began to think again about his own business.
"When shops were being told to close last week, I think mistakes were being made (at industry level).
"In the way I am reopening, I am following government guidelines to a T.
"The suppliers are there for me and by this weekend I can see demand rising again.
"After being closed last weekend, on Monday I began to wonder which suppliers could help.
"On Tuesday, I was getting stock back in.
"The day after, I was thinking we would open from 4pm to 9pm, Wednesdays to Saturdays only and that this is what we will do until we are all the wiser.
"My morning prep man is doing deliveries for me. He refused to be paid other than to say: "I will do it for £2 per order as we need to keep the business going and I agreed to it that way."
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
The new business model
A month ago Val was starting to set up a new Dovehouse Fish Bar website with a means of displaying a menu, taking orders and payments.
He had looked into the commission charged by established delivery operators like Just Eat and Uber Eats and concluded they would literally gobble up his profits.
With two cashpoints either side of the shop he had also never fancied the overheads of using a card machine and had never had complaints.
In the short term, the business can still only take cash.
But that should change within two weeks once a new online payment system is fully operational to offer the best of both worlds - convenience with limited additional overheads.
Val said: "It's all a bit chaotic at the moment as you can imagine and, of course, business is nothing like it should be.
"I barely know what day or hour it is.
"By taking orders this way you miss the rush of people at peak time.
"But doing it it this way I am starting to get to know people's names and put their names to faces.
"Customers can phone up and sit outside in their cars if they want to while we get their food ready."
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
The Dovehouse menu
The current Dovehouse Fish Bar price list includes regular chips at £2.40 while regular cod, haddock and plaice is £5.80.
A small fish is £3.60 and small chips are £1.90.
Dovehouse Fish Bar is at 361 Warwick Road, Olton, Solihull B91 1BQ, tel 0121 7070 7866.
It has the distinction of being the only shop which had a five-star rating every time it was visited anonymously by the Birmingham Mail's Cheap as Chips column which was established in 2005.
What our other sample chippies are doing nearly two weeks after the lockdown ordered on March 23
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Dads Lane Fish Bar, Stirchley - reopening
Last week: “It feels like if the coronavirus doesn’t kill us then the stress will,” said Yiola Petrou.
This week: "I am getting ready to reopen next Wednesday," says husband Pedro. "We will have social distancing, but I don't believe in deliveries as by the time you get somewhere the food could be going cold or you've got the order wrong and then what?
(Image: Kostas Georgiou for BirminghamLive)
George and Helen's, Court Oak Road, Harborne - has never closed
Last week: "Fish and chips have fed the nation for 160 years... and we will feed people for many many more," said owner Kostas Georgiou. "We are staying open and hope everyone takes care and we will get through this."
This week: "Business has been OK for us to say open," says George & Helen's worker William. "We are following all of the rules for staff and our customers are also obeying social distancing measures outside.
"Staff are wearing gloves and still taking cash payments - no more than two people can come into the shop at any one time and we are taking telephone orders, too."
(Image: Theo Ellinas for BirminghamLive)
The Golden Carp / Winyates Chippy, Redditch - staying closed
Last week: "As soon as McDonald’s, Nando’s and KFC closed then you start to think... ‘If we stay open are we being irresponsible?" owner Theo Ellinas said of his decision to shut his two family-run chippies which have been trading for more than 60 years in total between them - The Golden Carp since 1974 and Winyates Chippy since 1995.
This week: "I am staying closed and I think I am glad that we are closed, because if anything happened (with coronavirus to staff or customers) we might feel responsible.
"We are now trying to find the money to pay the staff before government's payments come through - I don't know when they will but our girls who work for us say they need the money."
(Image: Darren Quinton / BirminghamLive)
This is Bedders, Coventry Road, Hay Mills – staying closed
Last week: “We have tried to stay open and only allow two people into the shop at once, but just not enough people have been coming in to justify staying open,” said owner Maria Carrelli who today runs the shop - originally founded in 1946 - with husband John.
This week: "Trying to get my staff back now is not possible and I would rather keep them safe and reopen when the government says it is safe to do so," says Maria.
"We could open the business again but it might not pay. It's brilliant that the staff will get 80 per cent pay - though I don't know when that will come through.
"There seems to be nothing for us as the business owners so we are trying to keep them paid for now."
Government advice to takeaways and restaurants offering a pick-up service
For these services:


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Villa's transfer plans and other key questions answered

The Premier League has confirmed that the competition has been suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis .
Aston Villa ’ s campaign was originally on hold until April 3 before that suspension was extended until April 30 a fortnight ago .
Now , following a Premier League stakeholders meeting on Friday , which involved the league ’ s 20 clubs , the campaign will not resume before the beginning of May , at the very earliest , should it be deemed safe to do so .
Prior to the suspension , Villa were battling to avoid relegation from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19th place in the Premier League table .
There had been criticism directed towards football ’ s governing bodies for a lack of clarity on the situation but the Premier League responded with a lengthy statement - where they also announced a £20m donation to the NHS and £125m of advance funding to the EFL and National League .
However , there are still a number of key questions that remain unanswered - as we have identified below .
Will the season be completed ?
The statement from the Premier League reiterated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the other competitions including the FA Cup , to be completed whenever it is safe to do so - although no timeframe has been revealed .
However , there is still the possibility that the campaign will be cancelled or declared null and void at a later date , should no alternative solutions be found - but it is clear that this is very much the last resort .
When will the Premier League return ?
This is still unknown but it has been confirmed that the Premier League will not return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned .
Instead , the suspension initially in place until April 30 has been extended indefinitely .
A number of potential scenarios are being discussed by the Premier League , the majority of which would see the season extended into the summer months - with a resumption in June and July , although not confirmed , the most likely return date at this time .
While not yet mathematically secure , Liverpool are still just a couple of wins shy of sealing the Premier League and , when football returns , would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift the title .
However , that is assuming that the season is completed .
If the campaign is cancelled and the current standings honoured , then the Reds would be handed the title - although this would raise numerous complications for other aspects of the league .
The most drastic scenario would be voiding the season entirely , which would mean Liverpool would be denied the title as all the results so far in 19 Will fans be able to attend ?
The government has warned that social distancing measures , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the next six months and , if the Premier League season resumes , it is highly unlikely that fans will be able to attend matches .
This could result in more live coverage of matches on TV , although this would have to be discussed with broadcasters and other parties .
What is happening with player wages ?
As part of the statement , the Premier League confirmed they are set for further discussions with the PFA , players and club representatives on wage deferrals of up to 30 % during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wages are reduced but would not lead to to a permanent decrease in wages and they would need to be repaid by the clubs further down the line .
Alternatively , there could be a collective agreement for a section of wages to be donated to charities or the NHS .
What happens with the transfer window ?
The summer transfer window is likely to be a major headache to FIFA and the leagues across the globe , as there could be a situation where clubs can purchase new players but they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the 2019/20 season .
The transfer window could also be extended , with some reports suggesting it could remain open until the end of January , which would also raise questions from the clubs as players , as speculation would continue to churn .
Will the 20/21 season be affected ?
The 2020/21 season is almost certainly going to be affected in one way or another by the crisis , particularly if the 2019/20 season is completed in the summer months - which would likely mean a delay to the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aforementioned transfer window changes .
Some competitions , like the League Cup , could be scrapped altogether to clear the schedules , while there may also not be any international fixtures to allow for more time for matches to be played .
This will not be a major concern to the leagues though , as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was already set to cause disruption for the schedules and bringing the changes forward would not be a massive issue .

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The Premier League has confirmed that the competition has been suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Aston Villa’s campaign was originally on hold until April 3 before that suspension was extended until April 30 a fortnight ago.
Now, following a Premier League stakeholders meeting on Friday, which involved the league’s 20 clubs, the campaign will not resume before the beginning of May, at the very earliest, should it be deemed safe to do so.
Prior to the suspension, Villa were battling to avoid relegation from the top flight, and were in 19th place in the Premier League table.
There had been criticism directed towards football’s governing bodies for a lack of clarity on the situation but the Premier League responded with a lengthy statement - where they also announced a £20m donation to the NHS and £125m of advance funding to the EFL and National League.
However, there are still a number of key questions that remain unanswered - as we have identified below.
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
Will the season be completed?
The statement from the Premier League reiterated the desire for the league, as well as the other competitions including the FA Cup, to be completed whenever it is safe to do so - although no timeframe has been revealed.
However, there is still the possibility that the campaign will be cancelled or declared null and void at a later date, should no alternative solutions be found - but it is clear that this is very much the last resort.
When will the Premier League return?
This is still unknown but it has been confirmed that the Premier League will not return at the start of May as initially planned. Instead, the suspension initially in place until April 30 has been extended indefinitely.
A number of potential scenarios are being discussed by the Premier League, the majority of which would see the season extended into the summer months - with a resumption in June and July, although not confirmed, the most likely return date at this time.
Will Liverpool win the title?
While not yet mathematically secure, Liverpool are still just a couple of wins shy of sealing the Premier League and, when football returns, would be expected to secure the wins required to lift the title.
However, that is assuming that the season is completed. If the campaign is cancelled and the current standings honoured, then the Reds would be handed the title - although this would raise numerous complications for other aspects of the league.
The most drastic scenario would be voiding the season entirely, which would mean Liverpool would be denied the title as all the results so far in 19
Will fans be able to attend?
The government has warned that social distancing measures, in some capacity, could be in place for the next six months and, if the Premier League season resumes, it is highly unlikely that fans will be able to attend matches.
This could result in more live coverage of matches on TV, although this would have to be discussed with broadcasters and other parties.
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If your retailer is unable to offer this service, we’ll be here to sort out a Home Delivery service directly to your door. You can order online at www.newspapersubs.co.uk/BIM or call us on 0333 202 8000, where one of our customer care advisers will be happy to assist you to order home delivery. If you have any other questions, please email newspapersalesteam@reachplc.com.
What is happening with player wages?
As part of the statement, the Premier League confirmed they are set for further discussions with the PFA, players and club representatives on wage deferrals of up to 30% during the COVID-19 crisis.
This would mean that wages are reduced but would not lead to to a permanent decrease in wages and they would need to be repaid by the clubs further down the line. Alternatively, there could be a collective agreement for a section of wages to be donated to charities or the NHS.
What happens with the transfer window?
The summer transfer window is likely to be a major headache to FIFA and the leagues across the globe, as there could be a situation where clubs can purchase new players but they cannot play in matches, which are part of the 2019/20 season.
The transfer window could also be extended, with some reports suggesting it could remain open until the end of January, which would also raise questions from the clubs as players, as speculation would continue to churn.
Will the 20/21 season be affected?
The 2020/21 season is almost certainly going to be affected in one way or another by the crisis, particularly if the 2019/20 season is completed in the summer months - which would likely mean a delay to the start of the season, as well as the aforementioned transfer window changes.
Some competitions, like the League Cup, could be scrapped altogether to clear the schedules, while there may also not be any international fixtures to allow for more time for matches to be played.
This will not be a major concern to the leagues though, as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was already set to cause disruption for the schedules and bringing the changes forward would not be a massive issue.


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Ex-Wolves captain pays for and delivers 300 food parcels to hospital

Former-Wolverhampton Wanderers skipper Danny Batth has donated 300 food parcels to NHS staff in Dudley .
The 29-year-old Stoke City defender was pictured hand-delivering the goods to Russells Hall Hospital on Thursday , April 2 .
His gesture comes as doctors and nurses begin to lose their own lives here and abroad after being exposed to fatal doses of coronavirus via patients .
The Brierley Hill-born defender dug deep into his own pockets and was also grateful to food supplier MKG Foods , who are based in Birmingham , and to CBS Packaging in West Bromwich for the parcels .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to 300 staff on the coronavirus ward at the hospital , '' he told our sister title Stoke-on-TrentLive .
`` These are key workers who are fighting on the front line for the rest of us .
`` They have enough stress without worrying about getting essential food for themselves and their families , so I just felt I wanted to help . ''
He added : `` NHS workers are the equivalent to our defence against this virus and so we owe it to them to do whatever we can to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others for many years now via his charity , Foundation DB , which he runs with wife Natalie and primarily seeks to raise money to combat homelessness in Wolverhampton .
The foundation also works with three organisations including the local YMCA Open Door , that helps children off the street and back into education or work , and Help Refugees UK .
His website www.foundationdb.co.uk has further information on its work .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Martin Spinks, Jordan Coussins)

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Former-Wolverhampton Wanderers skipper Danny Batth has donated 300 food parcels to NHS staff in Dudley.
The 29-year-old Stoke City defender was pictured hand-delivering the goods to Russells Hall Hospital on Thursday, April 2.
His gesture comes as doctors and nurses begin to lose their own lives here and abroad after being exposed to fatal doses of coronavirus via patients.
The Brierley Hill-born defender dug deep into his own pockets and was also grateful to food supplier MKG Foods, who are based in Birmingham, and to CBS Packaging in West Bromwich for the parcels.
"The parcels of food essentials are going to 300 staff on the coronavirus ward at the hospital," he told our sister title Stoke-on-TrentLive.
"These are key workers who are fighting on the front line for the rest of us.
"They have enough stress without worrying about getting essential food for themselves and their families, so I just felt I wanted to help."
The boxes included pasta, rice, juice, toilet rolls, cleaning products and bread.
He added: "NHS workers are the equivalent to our defence against this virus and so we owe it to them to do whatever we can to help."
Batth has been helping others for many years now via his charity, Foundation DB, which he runs with wife Natalie and primarily seeks to raise money to combat homelessness in Wolverhampton.
The foundation also works with three organisations including the local YMCA Open Door, that helps children off the street and back into education or work, and Help Refugees UK.
His website www.foundationdb.co.uk has further information on its work.