birminghammail--2020-03-25--Full list of only people who CAN attend funerals during lockdown

New guidance has been issued over who CAN attend funerals amid the coronavirus lockdown .
The pandemic continues to spread across the country , with over 400 Brits tragically dying from COVID-19 .
There have been deaths in Birmingham , the Black Country - Dudley , Walsall and Wolverhampton - as well as Worcestershire .
Staffordshire and Warwickshire have also seen deaths .
In the grip of the pandemic , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told Brits to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary .
The PM 's historic announcement on Monday evening has huge ramifications for the way we live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping times to gym memberships , holidays and funerals are affected .
A group of seven organisations representing the funeral , burial and cremation sector has issued joint guidance on the number of mourners attending funerals .
The statement reads : `` The Deceased Management Advisory Group ( DMAG ) , which is regularly liaising with government on the sector ’ s response to COVID-19 , comprises the Association of Private Crematoria and Cemeteries ( APCC ) , Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities ( FBCA ) ; Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers ’ Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Crematorium Management ( ICCM ) ; National Association of Funeral Directors ( NAFD ) , National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors ( SAIF ) ; and The Cremation Society .
`` The members of DMAG are aware of the important and central role of the funeral ritual to the grieving process for many families .
`` However , during these extremely challenging times the transmission of the coronavirus at funeral gatherings to the elderly , frail , those in vulnerable groups along with funeral directors and crematorium staff can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that funeral services consider limiting attendees to members of the immediate family who are not in any of the high-risk categories and are not self-isolating .
The immediate family being : Limiting attendees must be done sensitively and taking into account individual circumstances .
For example , if the deceased person had few , if any immediate , relatives but close a friend wished to attend the service , that would be reasonable - or in the case of the death of a grandparent , attendance by the grandchildren would be appropriate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bereavement sector to work closely in support of each other to deliver , as far as is possible in these difficult times , a meaningful opportunity for the bereaved to say goodbye , whilst endeavouring to protect all those involved .

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New guidance has been issued over who CAN attend funerals amid the coronavirus lockdown.
The pandemic continues to spread across the country, with over 400 Brits tragically dying from COVID-19.
There have been deaths in Birmingham, the Black Country - Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton - as well as Worcestershire.
Staffordshire and Warwickshire have also seen deaths.
In the grip of the pandemic, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told Brits to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
The PM's historic announcement on Monday evening has huge ramifications for the way we live our life.
Everything from weddings and shopping times to gym memberships, holidays and funerals are affected.
A group of seven organisations representing the funeral, burial and cremation sector has issued joint guidance on the number of mourners attending funerals.
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The statement reads: "The Deceased Management Advisory Group (DMAG), which is regularly liaising with government on the sector’s response to COVID-19, comprises the Association of Private Crematoria and Cemeteries (APCC), Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA); Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers’ Association (FFMA); Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM); National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF); and The Cremation Society.
"The members of DMAG are aware of the important and central role of the funeral ritual to the grieving process for many families.
"However, during these extremely challenging times the transmission of the coronavirus at funeral gatherings to the elderly, frail, those in vulnerable groups along with funeral directors and crematorium staff cannot be overlooked."
DMAG now recommends that funeral services consider limiting attendees to members of the immediate family who are not in any of the high-risk categories and are not self-isolating. The immediate family being:
Spouse/Partner
Parents/carers
Brothers/Sisters
Children (and partners)
Limiting attendees must be done sensitively and taking into account individual circumstances.
For example, if the deceased person had few, if any immediate, relatives but close a friend wished to attend the service, that would be reasonable - or in the case of the death of a grandparent, attendance by the grandchildren would be appropriate.
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DMAG has urged the whole funeral and bereavement sector to work closely in support of each other to deliver, as far as is possible in these difficult times, a meaningful opportunity for the bereaved to say goodbye, whilst endeavouring to protect all those involved.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Albion keen to sign Krovinovic in permanent transfer - reports

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly keen to make Filip Krovinovic a permanent signing when the transfer window reopens .
The attacking midfielder is currently on loan with the Baggies from Benfica , and has impressed during his time with the club .
The Express & Star report that Krovinovic is a long-term target for Albion , and could make a permanent switch to The Hawthorns this summer .
However , the report adds that Albion are waiting to finalise their summer transfer plans amid the current suspension caused by the coronavirus outbreak .
Albion ’ s season has been suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has caused all professional football in England to be postponed .
It is thought Krovinovic ’ s loan deal with Albion did not include an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season , although it appears Slaven Bilic would like to keep the Croatian at the club beyond the summer .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ... Twitter : All the latest news 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 Benfica are reportedly willing to sell Krovinovic this summer , and it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region of £10m for the player , but that fee is open to negotiation .
During his loan stint , the 24-year-old has scored two goals and provided four assists in 31 Championship appearances , helping the Baggies challenge for automatic promotion to the Premier League .

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West Bromwich Albion are reportedly keen to make Filip Krovinovic a permanent signing when the transfer window reopens.
The attacking midfielder is currently on loan with the Baggies from Benfica, and has impressed during his time with the club.
The Express & Star report that Krovinovic is a long-term target for Albion, and could make a permanent switch to The Hawthorns this summer.
However, the report adds that Albion are waiting to finalise their summer transfer plans amid the current suspension caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
Albion’s season has been suspended until April 30, at the earliest, due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has caused all professional football in England to be postponed.
It is thought Krovinovic’s loan deal with Albion did not include an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season, although it appears Slaven Bilic would like to keep the Croatian at the club beyond the summer.
Benfica are reportedly willing to sell Krovinovic this summer, and it was claimed the Primeira Liga side want in the region of £10m for the player, but that fee is open to negotiation.
During his loan stint, the 24-year-old has scored two goals and provided four assists in 31 Championship appearances, helping the Baggies challenge for automatic promotion to the Premier League.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Adorable granddad plays chess with grandson over FaceTime in isolation

This is the adorable video of a granddad playing chess with his grandson over FaceTime - while they ’ re both in self-isolation .
Seven-year-old Ruben set up the game with granddad Mick Phillips , 71 , as a way of staying in touch since the corona outbreak .
The video , taken by Chris Phillips , 42 , Ruben ’ s dad and Mick ’ s son , shows the pair playing on of their favourite past times .
The trio would usually meet every Saturday to see their favourite football team , Wolverhampton Wanderers , which has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mick , who suffers from Parkinson 's , is in the high risk category and has been in self-isolating for more than a week .
The video chat on Saturday was extra special to the family as they were also celebrating Mick ’ s birthday .
Chris , a data analysts , from Codsall , Staffordshire , said : “ They have always been close and when the news broke that my dad would be isolated , Ruben was really upset .
`` He started thinking about ways he could still see his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's idea to set up the game and on Saturday they both set up their chess boards .
`` The set up was tricky but they worked out a grid system , similar to battleships , and it worked .
`` My dad 's in the vulnerable category because he suffered from Parkinson 's so him and my mum have been self-isolating .
`` We used to see dad every Saturday afternoon for a football match because we 've got season tickets so it 's been tough for Ruben .
`` It a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch .
`` Plus it was extra special because it was dad 's birthday on Saturday so it we still got to see him and celebrate . ''

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This is the adorable video of a granddad playing chess with his grandson over FaceTime - while they’re both in self-isolation.
Seven-year-old Ruben set up the game with granddad Mick Phillips, 71, as a way of staying in touch since the corona outbreak.
The video, taken by Chris Phillips, 42, Ruben’s dad and Mick’s son, shows the pair playing on of their favourite past times.
The trio would usually meet every Saturday to see their favourite football team, Wolverhampton Wanderers, which has been put on hold since the lockdown.
Mick, who suffers from Parkinson's, is in the high risk category and has been in self-isolating for more than a week.
(Image: Chris Phillips / SWNS.COM)
The video chat on Saturday was extra special to the family as they were also celebrating Mick’s birthday.
Chris, a data analysts, from Codsall, Staffordshire, said: “They have always been close and when the news broke that my dad would be isolated, Ruben was really upset.
"He started thinking about ways he could still see his granddad.
“It was all Ruben's idea to set up the game and on Saturday they both set up their chess boards.
(Image: Chris Phillips / SWNS.COM)
"The set up was tricky but they worked out a grid system, similar to battleships, and it worked.
"My dad's in the vulnerable category because he suffered from Parkinson's so him and my mum have been self-isolating.
"We used to see dad every Saturday afternoon for a football match because we've got season tickets so it's been tough for Ruben.
"It a nice way for them to stay in touch.
"Plus it was extra special because it was dad's birthday on Saturday so it we still got to see him and celebrate."


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Parking restrictions suspended for foreseeable future in Solihull

Solihull traffic wardens will not dishing out tickets after parking rules were relaxed .
Solihull Council announced it is suspending the enforcement of parking restrictions in residential areas for the foreseeable future .
The restrictions which are typically covered by parking in a single yellow line or restricted parking zone , were relaxed originally from 8am on Monday 23 March 2020 until further notice .
The council decided to extend the suspension to take into account those who are now required to work from home or self isolate .
A statement on their website read : “ With many residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolate there will inevitably be an increase in the amount of parked cars on residential streets .
“ However , the reduction in traffic flow through the borough means the Council is able to relax parking restrictions .
“ The Council is reminding people to park responsibly and not inconvenience their neighbours or other road users .
Please keep areas of double yellow lines and red routes free from parking.
” The news came as it was announced all vehicle owners in Britain will be granted a six-month exemption from MoT testing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement : “ All cars , vans and motorcycles which usually would require an MoT test will be exempted from needing a test from 30 March .
“ Vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition , and garages will remain open for essential repair work .
Drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles.
” Lorries and trailers will also be exempted from MOT testing for three months .
The Government has been asking businesses and workplaces to encourage their employees to work at home , wherever possible , to stem the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who can not work from home , should venture into work and observe social distancing .

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Solihull traffic wardens will not dishing out tickets after parking rules were relaxed.
Solihull Council announced it is suspending the enforcement of parking restrictions in residential areas for the foreseeable future.
The restrictions which are typically covered by parking in a single yellow line or restricted parking zone, were relaxed originally from 8am on Monday 23 March 2020 until further notice.
The council decided to extend the suspension to take into account those who are now required to work from home or self isolate.
A statement on their website read: “With many residents being expected to work from home or self-isolate there will inevitably be an increase in the amount of parked cars on residential streets.
“However, the reduction in traffic flow through the borough means the Council is able to relax parking restrictions.
“The Council is reminding people to park responsibly and not inconvenience their neighbours or other road users. Please keep areas of double yellow lines and red routes free from parking.”
The news came as it was announced all vehicle owners in Britain will be granted a six-month exemption from MoT testing.
The Department for Transport said in a statement: “All cars, vans and motorcycles which usually would require an MoT test will be exempted from needing a test from 30 March.
“Vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work. Drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles.”
Lorries and trailers will also be exempted from MOT testing for three months.
The Government has been asking businesses and workplaces to encourage their employees to work at home, wherever possible, to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Only staff who cannot work from home, should venture into work and observe social distancing.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--How UK coronavirus lockdown is affecting traffic wardens

The UK coronavirus lockdown has left many in Birmingham speculating what is happening regarding traffic fines and parking tickets .
Are council traffic wardens classified as key workers ?
If you are one of the few Brummies forced to commute to work amid the pandemic , do you risk getting a ticket ?
The Government 's definition of key worker includes all local government workers in 'administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the Covid-19 response or delivering essential public services ' .
It also includes 'Those who will keep air , water , road and rail passenger and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response ' .
The move to classify traffic wardens as `` key workers '' has sparked fury among some on social media , with one writing : `` Why are traffic wardens still working ?
`` Disgusting to see that these snoops have been issuing tickets to # NHS staff & people dropping off food & supplies to our sick & vulnerable .
`` They 're not key workers & should n't even be out .
Motorists are still likely to get tickets and fines on strategic A and B routes , major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on bus routes and in other key areas despite the UK-wide lockdown .
According to WalesOnline , the simple answer is , do not park on double yellow lines , do not block any road and check with your local council on the new rules .
Private parking enforcement staff are unlikely to be working - unless they are manning medical and emergency sites .
But private car parks often use number plate recognition and CCTV cameras so you could still get a penalty .
In Birmingham City Council 's coronavirus traffic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` As per the Government ’ s directive , please only use public transport when absolutely essential .
`` This means people should only use trains , buses and trams for getting essential food and vital medicine supplies , travelling to work - only if you are a key worker and unable to work from home , and travelling to school if your carer ( s ) /parent ( s ) are key workers .
People are being urged to cycle or walk where possible .
`` Anyone who is travelling via any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing ( 2m apart at all times ) and regularly washing their hands for at least 20 seconds . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Neil Shaw, James Rodger)

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The UK coronavirus lockdown has left many in Birmingham speculating what is happening regarding traffic fines and parking tickets.
Are council traffic wardens classified as key workers? If you are one of the few Brummies forced to commute to work amid the pandemic, do you risk getting a ticket?
The Government's definition of key worker includes all local government workers in 'administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the Covid-19 response or delivering essential public services'.
It also includes 'Those who will keep air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the Covid-19 response'.
The move to classify traffic wardens as "key workers" has sparked fury among some on social media, with one writing: "Why are traffic wardens still working?
"Disgusting to see that these snoops have been issuing tickets to #NHS staff & people dropping off food & supplies to our sick & vulnerable.
"They're not key workers & shouldn't even be out.
"Disgusting."
Motorists are still likely to get tickets and fines on strategic A and B routes, major access roads, near emergency premises, on bus routes and in other key areas despite the UK-wide lockdown.
According to WalesOnline, the simple answer is, do not park on double yellow lines, do not block any road and check with your local council on the new rules.
Private parking enforcement staff are unlikely to be working - unless they are manning medical and emergency sites.
But private car parks often use number plate recognition and CCTV cameras so you could still get a penalty.
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In Birmingham City Council's coronavirus traffic and travel advice, the council states: "As per the Government’s directive, please only use public transport when absolutely essential.
"This means people should only use trains, buses and trams for getting essential food and vital medicine supplies, travelling to work - only if you are a key worker and unable to work from home, and travelling to school if your carer(s)/parent(s) are key workers. People are being urged to cycle or walk where possible.
"Anyone who is travelling via any means should ensure they are maintaining social distancing (2m apart at all times) and regularly washing their hands for at least 20 seconds."


birminghammail--2020-03-25--The Jude Bellingham answer Manchester United fans will love

Birmingham City wonderkid Jude Bellingham has given a fascinating insight into his football background .
The 16-year-old , who is wanted by the likes of Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund , communicated with fans via his Instagram page with a Q & A on a host of subjects .
He was asked about his toughest opponent and his boyhood idol - and his responses were revealing .
As for his first hero – Wayne Rooney , which will no doubt send ripples through Manchester United ’ s fanbase .
Rooney is United 's record goalscorer and spent a silver-lined 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has visited United 's Carrington training base and has been courted by the Premier League giants who made an offer in the January transfer window - only to be rebuffed .
They are sure to try again in the summer though .
As for his toughest opponent so far – that 's Leeds United ’ s Kalvin Phillips .
Bellingham has twice faced te midfielder this season , a loss at Elland Road and a 5-4 defeat at home , in which he scored .
Bellingham 's emergence has been the story of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His four goals , 35 games and assured performances have made him the most sought-after youngster of the summer - though how that plays out with football in lockdown remains to be seen .

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Birmingham City wonderkid Jude Bellingham has given a fascinating insight into his football background.
The 16-year-old, who is wanted by the likes of Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund, communicated with fans via his Instagram page with a Q&A on a host of subjects.
He was asked about his toughest opponent and his boyhood idol - and his responses were revealing.
As for his first hero – Wayne Rooney, which will no doubt send ripples through Manchester United’s fanbase.
(Image: https://www.instagram.com/judebellingham/?hl=en)
Rooney is United's record goalscorer and spent a silver-lined 13 years with the Red Devils.
Bellingham has visited United's Carrington training base and has been courted by the Premier League giants who made an offer in the January transfer window - only to be rebuffed.
They are sure to try again in the summer though.
As for his toughest opponent so far – that's Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips.
(Image: https://www.instagram.com/judebellingham/?hl=en)
Bellingham has twice faced te midfielder this season, a loss at Elland Road and a 5-4 defeat at home, in which he scored.
Bellingham's emergence has been the story of Birmingham City's season so far.
His four goals, 35 games and assured performances have made him the most sought-after youngster of the summer - though how that plays out with football in lockdown remains to be seen.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Lidl makes heartwarming change to all UK stores amid coronavirus pandemic

Lidl has today started to roll out its new customer food donation boxes in stores nationwide .
The move from the budget retailer , which is a rival of Aldi , comes in an effort to help local community groups .
Lidl is aiming to help those in need of food and supplies .
The initiative comes as an extension of its existing ‘ Feed in Back ’ scheme which is run in partnership with Neighbourly .
The boxes will be available in store for those customers who may wish to donate any food or groceries to the cause .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of organisations across Neighbourly 's extensive network of community partners including food banks , community centres , soup kitchens and more , where any donated food will be put to good use every day .
Christian Härtnagel , CEO at Lidl GB commented : “ The current situation continues to be very challenging for everyone and that ’ s why we ’ re extending our ‘ Feed it Back ’ scheme with Neighbourly in our stores to offer our customers the chance to help make a difference too , if they feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these trying times , it ’ s vitally important that we look to help those within our communities who are in most need of our support.
” Steve Butterworth , CEO at Neighbourly , added : `` We 're pleased to be able to support Lidl as they roll out this new initiative .
`` Our network of charities and community causes are working round the clock at this time to support isolated and vulnerable members of the community with food and basic essentials .
`` Anything that customers can donate will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community . ''
The roll out follows last week ’ s announcement that the supermarket will donate £100,000 to its partnership with Neighbourly as part of the Covid-19 Emergency Community Fund .
Lidl has run its ‘ Feed it Back ’ scheme in partnership with Neighbourly since 2017 , which enables the retailer to distribute unsold surplus food to local communities , and has so far donated the equivalent of over 5 million meals to its partner charities .

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Lidl has today started to roll out its new customer food donation boxes in stores nationwide.
The move from the budget retailer, which is a rival of Aldi, comes in an effort to help local community groups.
Lidl is aiming to help those in need of food and supplies.
The initiative comes as an extension of its existing ‘Feed in Back’ scheme which is run in partnership with Neighbourly.
The boxes will be available in store for those customers who may wish to donate any food or groceries to the cause.
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Donations will be distributed to a broad range of organisations across Neighbourly's extensive network of community partners including food banks, community centres, soup kitchens and more, where any donated food will be put to good use every day.
Christian Härtnagel, CEO at Lidl GB commented: “The current situation continues to be very challenging for everyone and that’s why we’re extending our ‘Feed it Back’ scheme with Neighbourly in our stores to offer our customers the chance to help make a difference too, if they feel they are able to.
"In these trying times, it’s vitally important that we look to help those within our communities who are in most need of our support.”
Steve Butterworth, CEO at Neighbourly, added: "We're pleased to be able to support Lidl as they roll out this new initiative.
"Our network of charities and community causes are working round the clock at this time to support isolated and vulnerable members of the community with food and basic essentials.
"Anything that customers can donate will make a huge difference to someone in their community."
The roll out follows last week’s announcement that the supermarket will donate £100,000 to its partnership with Neighbourly as part of the Covid-19 Emergency Community Fund.
Lidl has run its ‘Feed it Back’ scheme in partnership with Neighbourly since 2017, which enables the retailer to distribute unsold surplus food to local communities, and has so far donated the equivalent of over 5 million meals to its partner charities.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Hospital worker 'kills herself on site' after treating coronavirus patients

An NHS healthcare worker is reported to have died at a hospital in London - after treating COVID-19 patients .
The nurse is believed to have taken her own life .
The woman , who worked in London , treated patients amid the coronavirus crisis in the intensive care unit at King 's College Hospital .
She was in her 20s and passed away on Monday , March 23 , having been found on-site at around 5.30pm .
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said : `` The patient was treated and later died in hospital . ''
She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital as the UK faces a coronavirus pandemic .
The unprecedented health crisis has killed over 400 Brits so far , with many thousands infected .
If you need to speak to someone , Samaritans are available 24/7 by calling 116 123 or by emailing jo @ samaritans.org The spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed the force , based in the capital , are in the process of identifying the next of kin .
The family of the woman will then be informed , the spokesperson added after the tragic incident on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated as suspicious , the Met Police said , and a file will be prepared for the coroner .
The spokesman said he understood the healthcare worker was a staff member at the hospital but could not confirm her role .

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An NHS healthcare worker is reported to have died at a hospital in London - after treating COVID-19 patients.
The nurse is believed to have taken her own life.
The woman, who worked in London, treated patients amid the coronavirus crisis in the intensive care unit at King's College Hospital.
She was in her 20s and passed away on Monday, March 23, having been found on-site at around 5.30pm.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "The patient was treated and later died in hospital."
She was found unresponsive at the hospital in the capital as the UK faces a coronavirus pandemic.
The unprecedented health crisis has killed over 400 Brits so far, with many thousands infected.
If you need to speak to someone, Samaritans are available 24/7 by calling 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org
The spokesperson for the Met Police confirmed the force, based in the capital, are in the process of identifying the next of kin.
The family of the woman will then be informed, the spokesperson added after the tragic incident on March 23.
The death is not being treated as suspicious, the Met Police said, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
The spokesman said he understood the healthcare worker was a staff member at the hospital but could not confirm her role.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Man dies after being hit by train

Man dies after being hit by train

A man has died after he was hit by a train in Tipton .
Emergency services were called to the railway station in Owen Street just before 4pm on Tuesday ( March 24 ) to reports of a casualty on the tracks .
Sadly , nothing could be done to save the man – who has not been named - and he was pronounced dead at the scene .
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service told Black Country Live : “ We were called at 3.48pm to reports of a collision between a train and a pedestrian at Tipton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two paramedic officers and the trust ’ s hazardous area response team attended the scene .
“ On arrival we discovered one patient , a man .
Sadly it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
” For the very latest updates on roads including the M6 , M42 , M5 and more , visit our dedicated traffic and travel news Facebook page here .
A British Transport Police spokesman added : `` Officers were called to the line in Tipton at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casualty on the tracks .
`` Paramedics also attended however a person was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. ''
The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner . ''
In the aftermath of the tragic incident , rail passengers faced long delays between Birmingham and Wolverhampton as the line between the two cities was closed for several hours .

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A man has died after he was hit by a train in Tipton.
Emergency services were called to the railway station in Owen Street just before 4pm on Tuesday (March 24) to reports of a casualty on the tracks.
Sadly, nothing could be done to save the man – who has not been named - and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service told Black Country Live: “We were called at 3.48pm to reports of a collision between a train and a pedestrian at Tipton Railway Station.
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“One ambulance, two paramedic officers and the trust’s hazardous area response team attended the scene.
“On arrival we discovered one patient, a man. Sadly it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”
For the very latest updates on roads including the M6, M42, M5 and more, visit our dedicated traffic and travel news Facebook page here.
A British Transport Police spokesman added: "Officers were called to the line in Tipton at 3.43pm on Tuesday following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
"Paramedics also attended however a person was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
" The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, rail passengers faced long delays between Birmingham and Wolverhampton as the line between the two cities was closed for several hours.
Normal service resumed at 6.50pm.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--NHS coronavirus nurse tells GMB staff are being forced to share masks

Taking to the ITV1 daytime favourite on March 25 , Lorraine appeared via videolink .
While being interviewed by host Ranvir Singh , Lorraine stunned those tuning in with her claims staff are being forced to share protective equipment amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Lorraine , who has been a nurse for 18 years , said : `` The hospital I work for has done everything in their power to protect us , that 's the first thing I need to say . ''
`` My concerns are is that yesterday morning me and my colleagues received a message to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to share masks , '' Lorraine told viewers , Ranvir and co-host Piers Morgan .
`` My husband has given me his mask now to take to work .
`` And yesterday we were also told we needed to share filters .
`` Filters have got bacteria in them , masks have got bacteria in them .
These things do not get sterilised like you would your operating equipment . ''
`` Matt Hancock and this government have had four months to prepare for this , '' Lorraine said , addressing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have four months they had less than a week .
We have had four months to prepare .
`` Chris Hopson came on the television , he is the NHS Provider , and said that there has been a distribution problem .
`` Four months , yet I can have something ordered and delivered the next day from Amazon . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Thomas Lynch, James Rodger)

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A frontline NHS nurse has shocked Good Morning Britain viewers on Wednesday morning.
Taking to the ITV1 daytime favourite on March 25, Lorraine appeared via videolink.
While being interviewed by host Ranvir Singh, Lorraine stunned those tuning in with her claims staff are being forced to share protective equipment amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Lorraine, who has been a nurse for 18 years, said: "The hospital I work for has done everything in their power to protect us, that's the first thing I need to say."
"My concerns are is that yesterday morning me and my colleagues received a message to say that due to shortages we now have to share masks," Lorraine told viewers, Ranvir and co-host Piers Morgan.
"My husband has given me his mask now to take to work.
"And yesterday we were also told we needed to share filters.
"Filters have got bacteria in them, masks have got bacteria in them. These things do not get sterilised like you would your operating equipment."
"Matt Hancock and this government have had four months to prepare for this," Lorraine said, addressing the government's failures.
"China did not have four months they had less than a week. We have had four months to prepare.
"Chris Hopson came on the television, he is the NHS Provider, and said that there has been a distribution problem.
"Four months, yet I can have something ordered and delivered the next day from Amazon."


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Harry Styles postpones UK tour including Birmingham show

Harry Styles has called for `` kindness '' as he rescheduled tour dates because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The singer , 26 , has moved the UK and European leg of Love On Tour to next year .
Styles wrote on Instagram : `` Anyone who knows me , knows that performing has always been my favourite part of working in music .
`` However , during times like these , the safety and protection of touring crew , fans , and everyone else around the world is an immediate priority .
`` For obvious reasons , the upcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be rescheduled to 2021 . ''
The former One Direction star added : `` For the safety of yourself and others , please self-isolate .
We 're all in this together .
`` I ca n't wait to see you out on the road as soon as it 's safe to do so .
Until then , treat people with kindness . ''
The European leg of the Adore You singer 's tour will now start in February 2021 .
Styles is one of many stars to cancel or postpone tour dates due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elton John , Billie Eilish , Guns N ' Roses , Celine Dion , Foo Fighters , Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke , The Who and Pearl Jam have all been affected .
Glastonbury was also cancelled while the Coachella music festival was pushed back to October .

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Harry Styles has called for "kindness" as he rescheduled tour dates because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The singer, 26, has moved the UK and European leg of Love On Tour to next year.
Styles wrote on Instagram: "Anyone who knows me, knows that performing has always been my favourite part of working in music.
"However, during times like these, the safety and protection of touring crew, fans, and everyone else around the world is an immediate priority.
"For obvious reasons, the upcoming tour in the UK and Europe will be rescheduled to 2021."
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
The former One Direction star added: "For the safety of yourself and others, please self-isolate. We're all in this together.
"I can't wait to see you out on the road as soon as it's safe to do so. Until then, treat people with kindness."
The European leg of the Adore You singer's tour will now start in February 2021.
Styles is one of many stars to cancel or postpone tour dates due to the global health crisis.
Sir Elton John, Billie Eilish, Guns N' Roses, Celine Dion, Foo Fighters, Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, The Who and Pearl Jam have all been affected.
Glastonbury was also cancelled while the Coachella music festival was pushed back to October.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Aldi paying staff 10% bonus to say thanks for work during coronavirus

Aldi is set to pay a 10 % bonus to its workforce across the country , it has emerged .
The German supermarket is a huge employer across Birmingham and throughout the Black Country , as well as the wider Midlands .
The retailer is offering a 10 per cent bonus to its staff members across the UK .
It comes in a bid to say thanks for working hard during the coronavirus pandemic which is currently sweeping the UK , forcing a huge lockdown .
Aldi said the extra money will be backdated to March 9 , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is to introduce a series of new measures to protect both staff and shoppers .
It is hoped the move will encourage effective social distancing whilst people are out buying emergency supplies during the coronavirus lockdown .
Clear screens were rolled out at more than 7,000 checkouts across the UK yesterday ( March 23 ) and the plan is to go further .
Follow our live blog here for Midland coronavirus updates This will include adding floor markers at checkouts , and encouraging customers to pay using contactless rather than cash .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for contactless payments is to be increased to enable people to pay without having to touch devices .
Aldi is bringing in the following measures in store : · Installing two-metre markers on the floors of stores to encourage responsible social distancing at the checkout .
· Encouraging customers to use contactless payment such as credit cards , Apple Pay and Android Pay , wherever possible , rather than using cash .
· Introducing a range of in-store notices reminding customers of the need for effective social distancing in store .
· Reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help staff to re-stock products while stores are empty .
Support BirminghamLive 's NHS Heroes campaign here - to make sure all the amazing people of this wonderful organisation know exactly how much they mean to the nation .

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Aldi is set to pay a 10% bonus to its workforce across the country, it has emerged.
The German supermarket is a huge employer across Birmingham and throughout the Black Country, as well as the wider Midlands.
The retailer is offering a 10 per cent bonus to its staff members across the UK.
It comes in a bid to say thanks for working hard during the coronavirus pandemic which is currently sweeping the UK, forcing a huge lockdown.
Aldi said the extra money will be backdated to March 9, 2020.
It has also emerged Aldi has announced it is to introduce a series of new measures to protect both staff and shoppers.
It is hoped the move will encourage effective social distancing whilst people are out buying emergency supplies during the coronavirus lockdown.
Clear screens were rolled out at more than 7,000 checkouts across the UK yesterday (March 23) and the plan is to go further.
Follow our live blog here for Midland coronavirus updates
This will include adding floor markers at checkouts, and encouraging customers to pay using contactless rather than cash. It has been announced that the limit for contactless payments is to be increased to enable people to pay without having to touch devices.
Aldi is bringing in the following measures in store:
· Installing two-metre markers on the floors of stores to encourage responsible social distancing at the checkout.
· Encouraging customers to use contactless payment such as credit cards, Apple Pay and Android Pay, wherever possible, rather than using cash.
· Introducing a range of in-store notices reminding customers of the need for effective social distancing in store.
· Reduced opening hours are already in operation to help staff to re-stock products while stores are empty.
Support BirminghamLive's NHS Heroes campaign here - to make sure all the amazing people of this wonderful organisation know exactly how much they mean to the nation.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Wolves join Premier League elite in Man City protest - report

Wolves are among a group of eight Premier League clubs bidding to stop Manchester City from playing in next season ’ s Champions League , according to reports .
The Daily Mail claims the group are made up of the top ten in the table , minus City themselves and Sheffield United .
That includes Liverpool , Leicester City , Chelsea , Manchester United , Tottenham , Burnley – and Wolves – who are said to be concerned that Pep Guardiola ’ s team will be allowed to carry on playing in the elite competition while their appeal against their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleges the group have submitted a joint application to the Court of Arbitration for Sport , which will hear City ’ s appeal against their punishment for breaching Financial Fair Play rules .
City are facing a two year ban pending the outcome of their appeal – which was already been lodged .
However , the report says City have , at this point , not asked for their punishment to be stayed which would enable them to carry on participating while the case runs its course .
The Mail cite a source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough is enough .
For too long , City have been able to get away with breaching the rules at the expense of at least one other club that has been unable to get into the Champions League .
‘ The fear is that they will be able to delay any punishment and — should they win the appeal — get off scot-free , which would be outrageous.
’ Wolves are currently sixth in the table , two points off fifth placed Manchester United and five off Chelsea in fourth .

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Wolves are among a group of eight Premier League clubs bidding to stop Manchester City from playing in next season’s Champions League, according to reports.
The Daily Mail claims the group are made up of the top ten in the table, minus City themselves and Sheffield United.
That includes Liverpool, Leicester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Burnley – and Wolves – who are said to be concerned that Pep Guardiola’s team will be allowed to carry on playing in the elite competition while their appeal against their ban is ongoing.
The Daily Mail alleges the group have submitted a joint application to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which will hear City’s appeal against their punishment for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
City are facing a two year ban pending the outcome of their appeal – which was already been lodged.
However, the report says City have, at this point, not asked for their punishment to be stayed which would enable them to carry on participating while the case runs its course.
The Mail cite a source saying: ‘The feeling is that enough is enough. For too long, City have been able to get away with breaching the rules at the expense of at least one other club that has been unable to get into the Champions League.
‘The fear is that they will be able to delay any punishment and — should they win the appeal — get off scot-free, which would be outrageous.’
Wolves are currently sixth in the table, two points off fifth placed Manchester United and five off Chelsea in fourth.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--'Back up' - Blues fans have their say on pressing contract issue

When Lee Camp dropped the ball at Aleksandar Mitrovic ’ s feet and gifted Fulham the only goal in a 1-0 defeat his Birmingham City prospects looked bleak .
He was dropped from the team and spent the next two months as back-up to Connal Trueman .
With his contract coming to an end this summer it was possible the 35-year-old had played his last game for the club .
However , defensive struggles and the inability of Blues ’ younger ‘ keepers to mount irresistible cases saw the former Northern Ireland international reinstated as first choice .
Penalty saves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the FA Cup penalty shoot out against Coventry have seen him enjoy a renaissance .
So we asked Blues fans if they ’ d consider offering him another contract for next season .
David Maclehose : To be honest I slagged him deservedly so , but since being recalled he ’ s been superb , not perfect but we ’ re mid table championship possibly pushing for play offs , best we ’ ll get James Bcfc Gough : definitely give him.a one year deal.been superb saved us some points the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in him.i hope he can iron that out Craig Wright : Based on the 1st half of the season , no , based on last season , no , but based on this season since he ’ s been back in the team after being dropped , yes and only a year or two contract , but I would still like to see us invest in a new keeper and make Camp the number 2 choice .
A great half of a season doesn ’ t make him a great keeper , overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has joined the club , yes he has had his moments and made some good saves and from the spot as well but he ’ s made a hell of a lot of mistakes as well that can ’ t be forgotten Cliff Meason : Yes , Campy has done well for us but still need another GK , unless one of the up and coming GKs in our under 23s is doing a great job to back up Campy , KRO .
Roger Ball : Fans only see what he does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of support & help to younger players .
Give him a new contract & use him as gk coach in the future .
Aftab Kiayani : Was he any better than Big Tommo ?
.. think not and we got rid of him.. we need a strong keeper for next season if he stays then only as back up Michael Richards : Yes he has made mistakes but has definitely come good during the latter part of our season Maison McDonnell : Been great second half of the season , I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evans : He ’ s redeemed his season , but we need another keeper , so it ’ s a no from me Roger Barnes : No we need to upgrade our goal keepers .
Peter Grinnell : Not a chance , he makes far to many mistakes , we need a keeper who commands his 6yard box .
Steven Yardley : No not a chance , had a few good games and suddenly he ’ s everyone ’ s no .
1 .
Oliver Simpson : No thank you Arron Squires : @ @ @ @

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When Lee Camp dropped the ball at Aleksandar Mitrovic’s feet and gifted Fulham the only goal in a 1-0 defeat his Birmingham City prospects looked bleak.
He was dropped from the team and spent the next two months as back-up to Connal Trueman.
With his contract coming to an end this summer it was possible the 35-year-old had played his last game for the club.
However, defensive struggles and the inability of Blues’ younger ‘keepers to mount irresistible cases saw the former Northern Ireland international reinstated as first choice.
Penalty saves against Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest and two in the FA Cup penalty shoot out against Coventry have seen him enjoy a renaissance.
So we asked Blues fans if they’d consider offering him another contract for next season.
David Maclehose: To be honest I slagged him deservedly so , but since being recalled he’s been superb, not perfect but we’re mid table championship possibly pushing for play offs, best we’ll get
James Bcfc Gough: definitely give him.a one year deal.been superb saved us some points the second half off the season got a mistake in him.i hope he can iron that out
Craig Wright: Based on the 1st half of the season, no, based on last season, no, but based on this season since he’s been back in the team after being dropped, yes and only a year or two contract, but I would still like to see us invest in a new keeper and make Camp the number 2 choice.
A great half of a season doesn’t make him a great keeper, overall for me he has been poor since he has joined the club, yes he has had his moments and made some good saves and from the spot as well but he’s made a hell of a lot of mistakes as well that can’t be forgotten
Cliff Meason: Yes, Campy has done well for us but still need another GK, unless one of the up and coming GKs in our under 23s is doing a great job to back up Campy, KRO.
Watch: Camp's spot kick heroics
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Roger Ball: Fans only see what he does on the pitch, Apparently he gives plenty of support & help to younger players. Give him a new contract & use him as gk coach in the future.
Aftab Kiayani: Was he any better than Big Tommo?.. think not and we got rid of him.. we need a strong keeper for next season if he stays then only as back up
Michael Richards: Yes he has made mistakes but has definitely come good during the latter part of our season
Maison McDonnell: Been great second half of the season, I would sign him up for back up
Ian Evans: He’s redeemed his season, but we need another keeper, so it’s a no from me
Roger Barnes: No we need to upgrade our goal keepers.
Peter Grinnell: Not a chance,he makes far to many mistakes, we need a keeper who commands his 6yard box.
Steven Yardley: No not a chance, had a few good games and suddenly he’s everyone’s no. 1.
Oliver Simpson: No thank you
Richard Wilkinson: Absolutely.
Julie Hunt: Yes definitely
Scott W Beech: No thanks
Arron Squires: Not for me.
Michael Smith: Defo


birminghammail--2020-03-25--'Fan hero' - Paul Ince makes this stunning Grealish comparison

Former Liverpool and Manchester United star Paul Ince has added his thoughts to the Jack Grealish/James Maddison debate that has raged for most of the season .
A veteran of 53 England caps , Ince comes down firmly on the side of the Aston Villa man who , he believes , could go on to become a talismanic figure for Gareth Southgate ’ s squad .
He not only gives Grealish the edge over Maddison and Chelsea ’ s Mason Mount , but evokes the name of Paul Gascoigne , one of the most iconic figures English football has ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really like him .
When he kicks a ball , he gets people off their feet .
You always think he will do something special , ” Ince told Goal .
“ I really like him from that point of view .
Maddison , yes , he is good too .
Mason Mount could be exciting .
He is getting good game time at Chelsea .
“ If I had to pick one though it would be Grealish because I think he gives you a little bit more .
He runs with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Grealish is the one who excites me and who I think can be a fan hero .
He can be that man .
He could be the one .
“ I don ’ t want to draw parallels with [ Paul ] Gascoigne but I think the way he plays could have that impact on the imagination .
It is something to look forward to .
`` England have a lot of potentially great players .
It is a bright three or four years.
” Grealish is yet to earn an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling Villa team have not gone unnoticed .
Not least at Old Trafford where Manchester United have been heavily linked with a summer move for the 24-year-old .

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Former Liverpool and Manchester United star Paul Ince has added his thoughts to the Jack Grealish/James Maddison debate that has raged for most of the season.
A veteran of 53 England caps, Ince comes down firmly on the side of the Aston Villa man who, he believes, could go on to become a talismanic figure for Gareth Southgate’s squad.
He not only gives Grealish the edge over Maddison and Chelsea’s Mason Mount, but evokes the name of Paul Gascoigne, one of the most iconic figures English football has ever produced.
“I like Grealish; I really like him. When he kicks a ball, he gets people off their feet. You always think he will do something special,” Ince told Goal.
“I really like him from that point of view. Maddison, yes, he is good too. Mason Mount could be exciting. He is getting good game time at Chelsea.
“If I had to pick one though it would be Grealish because I think he gives you a little bit more. He runs with the ball and travels with the ball.
“Grealish is the one who excites me and who I think can be a fan hero. He can be that man. He could be the one.
“I don’t want to draw parallels with [Paul] Gascoigne but I think the way he plays could have that impact on the imagination. It is something to look forward to.
"England have a lot of potentially great players. It is a bright three or four years.”
Grealish is yet to earn an England call-up but his performances in a struggling Villa team have not gone unnoticed.
Not least at Old Trafford where Manchester United have been heavily linked with a summer move for the 24-year-old.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--ALL UK car owners granted six-month exemption from MOT tests

Vehicle owners in Britain will be granted a six-month exemption from MoT testing .
The Department for Transport said in a statement : `` All cars , vans and motorcycles which usually would require an MoT test will be exempted from needing a test from 30 March .
`` Vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition , and garages will remain open for essential repair work .
Drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles . ''
Lorries and trailers will also be exempted from MOT testing for three months .
It comes after Boris Johnson faced questions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed on Britain amid the COVID-19 crisis .
The Coronavirus Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent and become law before the end of the day after MPs from all sides agreed to let it pass without formal votes .
It will see the powers of ministers , councils , police , health professionals and coroners temporarily strengthened during the UK 's current lockdown which is designed to stall the spread of the deadly illness .
On Monday , Boris Johnson said tougher restrictions on people 's movements during the crisis would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them would be fined .
Officers will have powers to disperse gatherings under a ban on meetings of more than two people apart from those who live together .
On Tuesday , Mr Johnson 's official spokesman said : `` The Prime Minister issued a clear instruction on behalf of the Government on the actions the public are required to take to help prevent the spread of the virus , protect the NHS and save lives .
`` As with existing laws , the overwhelming majority of the public can be expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement action .
`` We would expect that compliance to begin immediately . ''
The punishment would be a fixed penalty notice initially set at £30 but `` we will keep this under review and can increase it significantly if it is necessary to ensure public compliance '' .
`` You would expect the police 's focus to be dispersal of groups , '' the Prime Minister 's spokesman said .
Failure to pay a penalty notice could be subject to criminal proceedings and a conviction , he added .

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Vehicle owners in Britain will be granted a six-month exemption from MoT testing.
The Department for Transport said in a statement: "All cars, vans and motorcycles which usually would require an MoT test will be exempted from needing a test from 30 March.
"Vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work. Drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles."
Lorries and trailers will also be exempted from MOT testing for three months.
It comes after Boris Johnson faced questions to clarify certain aspects of the nationwide lockdown imposed on Britain amid the COVID-19 crisis.
The Coronavirus Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent and become law before the end of the day after MPs from all sides agreed to let it pass without formal votes.
It will see the powers of ministers, councils, police, health professionals and coroners temporarily strengthened during the UK's current lockdown which is designed to stall the spread of the deadly illness.
On Monday, Boris Johnson said tougher restrictions on people's movements during the crisis would be enforced by police and warned those ignoring them would be fined.
Officers will have powers to disperse gatherings under a ban on meetings of more than two people apart from those who live together.
On Tuesday, Mr Johnson's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister issued a clear instruction on behalf of the Government on the actions the public are required to take to help prevent the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
"As with existing laws, the overwhelming majority of the public can be expected to follow the rules without any need for enforcement action.
"We would expect that compliance to begin immediately."
The punishment would be a fixed penalty notice initially set at £30 but "we will keep this under review and can increase it significantly if it is necessary to ensure public compliance".
"You would expect the police's focus to be dispersal of groups," the Prime Minister's spokesman said.
Failure to pay a penalty notice could be subject to criminal proceedings and a conviction, he added.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Asda and Iceland vans carjacked and torched amid coronavirus crisis

Asda supermarket delivery vans have been targeted by mindless crooks amid the coronavirus pandemic - as Iceland vehicles are also vandalised .
Cruel vandals torched one delivery truck , belonging to the supermarket giant Asda , in Weston .
The brazen attack came just hours after Iceland vehicles were targeted in Bristol , reports BristolLive .
The move from vicious vandals comes as the country faces a debilitating coronavirus pandemic , with Brits on lockdown and implored to stay home .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged Brits only to venture out for necessary means - such as food shopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ south west , the culprits got into the service yard at the rear of the Asda store in Winterstoke Road , Weston-super-Mare , at just around 1.30am on Tuesday , March 24 , and stole one of the store ’ s delivery vans .
It was then taken and burnt out nearby in Warne Road .
A member of the public spotted the blaze and alerted fire crews .
The blaze completely destroyed the van .
Brits have faced supermarket shortages and the elderly and NHS workers have been promised special dedicated hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of popular retailers .
Supermarket shelves have been stripped bare by customers anxious over the impending lockdown .
A spokesman for Asda said : “ At around 1.30am a couple of men went into the back of the store where the vans are kept and stole a vehicle .
“ It was later burnt out and completely destroyed .
“ A local resident spotted the fire and alerted the emergency services .
“ Police are aware of the incident .
“ This fortunately has not affected delivery services as we have other vans.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rescue Service ( AF & RS ) said : “ At 4.50am today crews from Weston-super-Mare were mobilised to reports of a van on fire at Warne Road , Weston .
“ On arrival crews used breathing apparatus and one high pressure hose reel jet to extinguish the blaze .
“ The cause of the blaze is believed to be deliberate.
” A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police confirmed the force is investigating , and said : `` Officers were alerted to the blaze in Warne Road by the fire service at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police were called to an attempt to break into an Asda store in Phillips Road through the fire door .
`` Two men were seen making off after the alarm sounded .
`` If you have any information which could help the police investigation into these incidents , get in touch through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact quoting reference 5220059573 . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Rodger, Heather Pickstock, Alex Ross)

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Asda supermarket delivery vans have been targeted by mindless crooks amid the coronavirus pandemic - as Iceland vehicles are also vandalised.
Cruel vandals torched one delivery truck, belonging to the supermarket giant Asda, in Weston.
The brazen attack came just hours after Iceland vehicles were targeted in Bristol, reports BristolLive.
The move from vicious vandals comes as the country faces a debilitating coronavirus pandemic, with Brits on lockdown and implored to stay home.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged Brits only to venture out for necessary means - such as food shopping, or buying medicine.
In the south west, the culprits got into the service yard at the rear of the Asda store in Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, at just around 1.30am on Tuesday, March 24, and stole one of the store’s delivery vans.
It was then taken and burnt out nearby in Warne Road.
A member of the public spotted the blaze and alerted fire crews. The blaze completely destroyed the van.
Brits have faced supermarket shortages and the elderly and NHS workers have been promised special dedicated hours to do their shopping at a string of popular retailers.
Supermarket shelves have been stripped bare by customers anxious over the impending lockdown.
A spokesman for Asda said: “At around 1.30am a couple of men went into the back of the store where the vans are kept and stole a vehicle.
“It was later burnt out and completely destroyed.
“A local resident spotted the fire and alerted the emergency services.
“Police are aware of the incident.
“This fortunately has not affected delivery services as we have other vans.”
A spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AF&RS) said: “At 4.50am today crews from Weston-super-Mare were mobilised to reports of a van on fire at Warne Road, Weston.
“On arrival crews used breathing apparatus and one high pressure hose reel jet to extinguish the blaze.
“The cause of the blaze is believed to be deliberate.”
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police confirmed the force is investigating, and said: "Officers were alerted to the blaze in Warne Road by the fire service at about 4.50am.
"At about 1.50am police were called to an attempt to break into an Asda store in Phillips Road through the fire door.
"Two men were seen making off after the alarm sounded.
"If you have any information which could help the police investigation into these incidents, get in touch through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact quoting reference 5220059573."


birminghammail--2020-03-25--170,000 sign up to become NHS coronavirus volunteer within just hours

More than 170,000 people have signed up to become an NHS volunteer amid the coronavirus crisis .
The move comes after it was announced 250,000 volunteers in good health are being recruited by the Government to help vulnerable people .
Matt Hancock has announced people are needed to assist with the national effort to tackle coronavirus by shopping , delivering medicines and supporting those who are shielding themselves against Covid-19 .
He said more than 35,000 extra staff have already joined up to help fight against the virus , including retired doctors and nurses returning to the service and final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was revealed that number of coronavirus dead now totalled 422 - a jump of 87 and the largest day-on-day increase in the number of deaths since the outbreak began .
Signing up is easy , and all you need to do is visit goodsamapp.org/NHS .
Once you have registered you can be called on to take on one of the tasks .
The NHS has teamed up with the RVS and the GoodSAM app – a digital tool to help people offer their services to people in need – to launch the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon .
Mr Hancock said 11,788 recently retired NHS staff had responded to the call to return to the service , including 2,660 doctors , more than 2,500 pharmacists and other staff and 6,147 nurses .
`` I pay tribute to each and every one of those who is returning to the NHS at its hour of need , '' Mr Hancock said .
Some 5,500 final-year medics and 18,700 final-year student nurses will also `` move to the frontline '' next week .
Mr Hancock 's announcement comes after the Government faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with pictures of packed London Tube trains appearing on social media on Tuesday .
In measures announced on Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson told people to only go to work if `` absolutely necessary '' .
But on Tuesday , Mr Hancock said those who can not work from home , including key workers in the NHS and social care , should go to work `` to keep the country running '' .

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More than 170,000 people have signed up to become an NHS volunteer amid the coronavirus crisis.
The move comes after it was announced 250,000 volunteers in good health are being recruited by the Government to help vulnerable people.
Matt Hancock has announced people are needed to assist with the national effort to tackle coronavirus by shopping, delivering medicines and supporting those who are shielding themselves against Covid-19.
He said more than 35,000 extra staff have already joined up to help fight against the virus, including retired doctors and nurses returning to the service and final year students.
Mr Hancock spoke after it was revealed that number of coronavirus dead now totalled 422 - a jump of 87 and the largest day-on-day increase in the number of deaths since the outbreak began.
Signing up is easy, and all you need to do is visit goodsamapp.org/NHS.
Once you have registered you can be called on to take on one of the tasks.
The NHS has teamed up with the RVS and the GoodSAM app – a digital tool to help people offer their services to people in need – to launch the appeal, which was launched on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr Hancock said 11,788 recently retired NHS staff had responded to the call to return to the service, including 2,660 doctors, more than 2,500 pharmacists and other staff and 6,147 nurses.
"I pay tribute to each and every one of those who is returning to the NHS at its hour of need," Mr Hancock said.
Some 5,500 final-year medics and 18,700 final-year student nurses will also "move to the frontline" next week.
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Mr Hancock's announcement comes after the Government faced criticism over its policy on workers, with pictures of packed London Tube trains appearing on social media on Tuesday.
In measures announced on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told people to only go to work if "absolutely necessary".
But on Tuesday, Mr Hancock said those who cannot work from home, including key workers in the NHS and social care, should go to work "to keep the country running".


birminghammail--2020-03-25--'Driver absconds' after two-car smash leaving passenger seriously injured

Two cars crashed on a busy commuter road leaving one person 'seriously injured . '
Dramatic pictures posted by firefighters from Sheldon fire station show the damage to a vehicle following the smash on Coventry Road , near to Bickenhill , earlier this evening ( March 25 ) .
A family travelling in the second car luckily escaped the collision unharmed .
West Midlands Fire Service said the accident happened just before 6.30pm .
It said : `` We were called at 6.30pm and sent eight firefighters in one appliance and a vehicle .
`` Two occupants had got out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One man suffered injuries and ambulance crew took over . ''
Sheldon Fire station tweeted this : `` Red watch signing off after a very busy shift , during which we attended this very nasty RTC .
`` Driver absconded from scene & one passenger left with serious leg , pelvis & head injuries .
`` Family in second car luckily escaped unharmed .
Please take care , even when the roads are quiet . ''
Meanwhile , in the Black Country a woman managed to escape after a car flipped on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raced to the scene on Carrington Road , Friar Park , at around 11.22am today ( March 25 ) after a car had hit a bollard .
The woman suffered minor injuries and was discharged at the scene .

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Two cars crashed on a busy commuter road leaving one person 'seriously injured.'
Dramatic pictures posted by firefighters from Sheldon fire station show the damage to a vehicle following the smash on Coventry Road, near to Bickenhill, earlier this evening (March 25).
A family travelling in the second car luckily escaped the collision unharmed.
West Midlands Fire Service said the accident happened just before 6.30pm.
It said: "We were called at 6.30pm and sent eight firefighters in one appliance and a vehicle.
"Two occupants had got out of the vehicle before we arrived. One man suffered injuries and ambulance crew took over."
Sheldon Fire station tweeted this: "Red watch signing off after a very busy shift, during which we attended this very nasty RTC.
"Driver absconded from scene & one passenger left with serious leg, pelvis & head injuries.
"Family in second car luckily escaped unharmed. Please take care, even when the roads are quiet."
BirminghamLive have contacted West Midlands Police for comment.
Meanwhile, in the Black Country a woman managed to escape after a car flipped on to its roof in Wednesbury.
Emergency services raced to the scene on Carrington Road, Friar Park, at around 11.22am today (March 25) after a car had hit a bollard.
The woman suffered minor injuries and was discharged at the scene.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Tate Modern attack boy, 6, thrown from 10th floor can now 'sit up'

The six year-old boy who was seriously injured when he was thrown from the 10th floor of London 's Tate Modern art gallery is managing to sit up , his family have said .
The French infant is `` slowly but surely continuing to progress '' after he was attacked by autistic teenager Jonty Bravery at the tourist attraction on August 4 , according to his relatives .
In a post on a GoFundMe page , which has raised more than 221,000 euro ( £199,000 ) for the boy 's treatment and rehabilitation , his family said : `` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strength to manage to sit longer in a sitting position and straighter in his chair without the help of his corset .
`` He can now eat all soft foods and can almost eat all of his meals on his own , holding his spoon himself with his right hand .
`` As he has more strength , he also has more breath and for that reason , we understand better what he says and he manages to speak to us more .
`` At last , he continues to train to open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sic ) but he now manages to move his left arm a little to the right and a little to the left , in front of him .
`` Only few movements , very approximate and they exhaust him so much that he very quickly starts yawning , but for him , it 's the beginning of the reconquest of his left arm ! ''
The family say that `` after a slump '' , their `` smiling little boy '' seems to be coming back .
They also had a message for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They added : `` We are very moved to see that you continue to think of our little knight in these difficult times .
`` At the hospital , the situation is more complicated with the coronavirus epidemic and containment measures , but you are still there for us : how to thank you ?
`` Please stay safe and take care of yourself and those you love . ''
The boy , who can not be named , was thrown from a viewing platform at the gallery .
He suffered a bleed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spine and broken legs and arms following the fall .
The boy was visiting London with his family at the time and spent several weeks in intensive care .
Bravery , now aged 18 , of Ealing , west London , admitted a charge of attempted murder at the Old Bailey in December .

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The six year-old boy who was seriously injured when he was thrown from the 10th floor of London's Tate Modern art gallery is managing to sit up, his family have said.
The French infant is "slowly but surely continuing to progress" after he was attacked by autistic teenager Jonty Bravery at the tourist attraction on August 4, according to his relatives.
In a post on a GoFundMe page, which has raised more than 221,000 euro (£199,000) for the boy's treatment and rehabilitation, his family said: "He has gained muscle tone and regained enough strength to manage to sit longer in a sitting position and straighter in his chair without the help of his corset.
"He can now eat all soft foods and can almost eat all of his meals on his own, holding his spoon himself with his right hand.
"As he has more strength, he also has more breath and for that reason, we understand better what he says and he manages to speak to us more.
"At last, he continues to train to open his left hand during the exercices (sic) but he now manages to move his left arm a little to the right and a little to the left, in front of him.
(Image: AFP?Getty Images)
"Only few movements, very approximate and they exhaust him so much that he very quickly starts yawning, but for him, it's the beginning of the reconquest of his left arm!"
The family say that "after a slump", their "smiling little boy" seems to be coming back.
They also had a message for their supporters during the coronavirus pandemic.
They added: "We are very moved to see that you continue to think of our little knight in these difficult times.
"At the hospital, the situation is more complicated with the coronavirus epidemic and containment measures, but you are still there for us: how to thank you?
"Please stay safe and take care of yourself and those you love."
The boy, who can not be named, was thrown from a viewing platform at the gallery.
He suffered a bleed to the brain, fractures to his spine and broken legs and arms following the fall.
The boy was visiting London with his family at the time and spent several weeks in intensive care.
Bravery, now aged 18, of Ealing, west London, admitted a charge of attempted murder at the Old Bailey in December.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Perrie Edwards and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain share coronavirus lockdown routine

Perrie Edwards has said that it is “ impossible ” to ration food while in self-isolation with her boyfriend Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain because “ he ’ s never full up ” .
Speaking to Capital Breakfast ’ s Roman Kemp , the Little Mix star said that people should “ try rationing with an athlete in your house ” .
Edwards is currently self-isolating with the Liverpool midfield player because of coronavirus .
She said : “ I literally keep saying to people when they ’ re like ‘ how is Alex ’ , I ’ m like , he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rationing with an athlete in your house .
“ It ’ s impossible , he ’ s never full .
He ’ s like a pit that doesn ’ t fill up.
” The singer said that she is missing seeing her mother while she is self-isolating .
She said : “ Oh I miss my mam a lot , I ’ m a mummy ’ s girl .
“ Like whenever I ’ m away or if I ’ m tired or if I don ’ t feel well , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mum ’ .
“ I ’ m 26 but I ’ m like a six-year-old so it ’ s really hard not being able to see her because she ’ s high risk , because she ’ s got slow pneumonia , so she ’ s got water in the lungs so she has to be extra careful so I ’ m trying to stay away from her but I do miss seeing everyone , it feels a bit bizarre .
”

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Perrie Edwards has said that it is “impossible” to ration food while in self-isolation with her boyfriend Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain because “he’s never full up”.
Speaking to Capital Breakfast’s Roman Kemp, the Little Mix star said that people should “try rationing with an athlete in your house”.
Edwards is currently self-isolating with the Liverpool midfield player because of coronavirus.
She said: “I literally keep saying to people when they’re like ‘how is Alex’, I’m like, he’s good, but one, try rationing with an athlete in your house.
“It’s impossible, he’s never full. He’s like a pit that doesn’t fill up.”
The singer said that she is missing seeing her mother while she is self-isolating.
She said: “Oh I miss my mam a lot, I’m a mummy’s girl.
“Like whenever I’m away or if I’m tired or if I don’t feel well, I’m like ‘I just want my mum’.
“I’m 26 but I’m like a six-year-old so it’s really hard not being able to see her because she’s high risk, because she’s got slow pneumonia, so she’s got water in the lungs so she has to be extra careful so I’m trying to stay away from her but I do miss seeing everyone, it feels a bit bizarre.”


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Wren's Kitchens sacks 'underperforming' staff amid coronavirus pandemic

The UK 's largest kitchen retailer has sacked hundreds of workers after a nationwide lockdown sparked by the coronavirus outbreak .
Wren Kitchens confirmed it 'identified team members who were under-performing and taken steps to reduce its headcount accordingly ' .
The company said they had already anticipated that there would be a reduction in economic activity due to coronavirus .
In the Midlands , there are stores located in intu Merry Hill , Erdington , Solihull and in the Ventura Retail Park , Tamworth .
British workers were advised to work from home by the Prime Minister on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close can continue to operate but urged to practice safe social distancing practices , including keeping people two metres apart .
Some Wren Kitchens employees claimed they were offered £100 to stay in work and take on extra hours , reported Hull Live .
The UK 's largest kitchen retailer is owned by East Yorkshire billionaire Malcolm Healey .
Bosses cited a reduction in economic activity as the driving force behind the decision to lay off staff at its showrooms and factories .
Former workers have been left worried about how they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roof over their heads .
The staff members were read what they say was specially crafted `` Covid-19 `` script in which they were told after a `` review of their performance '' that the decision had been made to `` terminate employment '' .
They were also sent a letter to confirm that their last day would be classed as Tuesday , March 24 .
Workers at the large warehouses in Barton and Howden got in touch with our sister title , Hull Live , to say they `` fear for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus lockdown .
Dozens of staff from the firm 's warehouses claim many are working in closer proximity than the government 's two-metre order .
But Wren Kitchens said it is `` absolutely essential '' to continue its operations and staff are following government guidelines .
Speaking to Hull Live , one former office worker that was laid off from the Barton site , says that the end of his contract came `` without warning '' and that he will now struggle to survive on sick pay alone .
He says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already struggling mental health and it has left him angry and upset .
`` I 'm one of which are receiving a letter with the same exact scripted details to end their contract , '' he said .
`` I was already off sick prior to this all happening for two months and never really recovered financially , and now they have terminated my contract during a time where jobs will be much harder to get and a time of need .
`` They told me to my face they would be terminating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no warning or anything - literally it all happened within five minutes , maybe less .
`` It was regardless of any human decency , regardless of my evidence I ’ ve presented on my life or safety without any warning and with a global pandemic taking place in which they ’ re fully aware of .
`` As soon as I left the workplace I got in contact with the union and Universal Credit and Citizen 's Advice .
`` Union has been flooded and can ’ t get back to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a waiting list of around 100,000 people so I don ’ t know how I ’ ll get any support whilst trying to get another job .
`` Citizen 's Advice has told me because I worked for the company for one year and 11 months and not two years they don ’ t need to give me a reason and that there might not be a lot I can do .
`` I ’ ve only just been back at work one month and honestly I have nothing to my name because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on things I haven ’ t been able to pay like bills and direct debits .
`` I don ’ t feel safe financially and that ’ s the scary part , especially now because of the virus that ’ s currently taking over . ''
A Wren Kitchens spokesperson said : `` In these unprecedented times , it is incumbent on all responsible employers to continually assess team numbers .
`` Following the recent Government decision to close retail showrooms , a number of staff have had to be temporarily sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the government ’ s furloughed employee scheme .
`` Prior to that announcement , the company had already anticipated that there would be a reduction in economic activity due to the coronavirus and had identified team members who were under-performing and taken steps to reduce its headcount accordingly . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Anna Riley, Oprah Flash)

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The UK's largest kitchen retailer has sacked hundreds of workers after a nationwide lockdown sparked by the coronavirus outbreak.
Wren Kitchens confirmed it 'identified team members who were under-performing and taken steps to reduce its headcount accordingly'.
The company said they had already anticipated that there would be a reduction in economic activity due to coronavirus.
In the Midlands, there are stores located in intu Merry Hill, Erdington, Solihull and in the Ventura Retail Park, Tamworth.
British workers were advised to work from home by the Prime Minister on Monday. Businesses that have not been ordered to close can continue to operate but urged to practice safe social distancing practices, including keeping people two metres apart.
Some Wren Kitchens employees claimed they were offered £100 to stay in work and take on extra hours, reported Hull Live.
The UK's largest kitchen retailer is owned by East Yorkshire billionaire Malcolm Healey.
Bosses cited a reduction in economic activity as the driving force behind the decision to lay off staff at its showrooms and factories.
Former workers have been left worried about how they can pay the bills and keep a roof over their heads.
The staff members were read what they say was specially crafted " Covid-19 " script in which they were told after a "review of their performance" that the decision had been made to "terminate employment".
They were also sent a letter to confirm that their last day would be classed as Tuesday, March 24.
Workers at the large warehouses in Barton and Howden got in touch with our sister title, Hull Live, to say they "fear for their lives" as they continue working amid the coronavirus lockdown.
Dozens of staff from the firm's warehouses claim many are working in closer proximity than the government's two-metre order.
But Wren Kitchens said it is "absolutely essential" to continue its operations and staff are following government guidelines.
Speaking to Hull Live, one former office worker that was laid off from the Barton site, says that the end of his contract came "without warning" and that he will now struggle to survive on sick pay alone.
He says the loss of his job has worsened his already struggling mental health and it has left him angry and upset.
"I'm one of which are receiving a letter with the same exact scripted details to end their contract," he said.
"I was already off sick prior to this all happening for two months and never really recovered financially, and now they have terminated my contract during a time where jobs will be much harder to get and a time of need.
"They told me to my face they would be terminating my contract with immediate effect but with no warning or anything - literally it all happened within five minutes, maybe less.
"It was regardless of any human decency, regardless of my evidence I’ve presented on my life or safety without any warning and with a global pandemic taking place in which they’re fully aware of.
"As soon as I left the workplace I got in contact with the union and Universal Credit and Citizen's Advice.
"Union has been flooded and can’t get back to me just yet.
"Universal Credit has a waiting list of around 100,000 people so I don’t know how I’ll get any support whilst trying to get another job.
"Citizen's Advice has told me because I worked for the company for one year and 11 months and not two years they don’t need to give me a reason and that there might not be a lot I can do.
"I’ve only just been back at work one month and honestly I have nothing to my name because I’ve been trying to catch up on things I haven’t been able to pay like bills and direct debits.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"I don’t feel safe financially and that’s the scary part, especially now because of the virus that’s currently taking over."
A Wren Kitchens spokesperson said: "In these unprecedented times, it is incumbent on all responsible employers to continually assess team numbers.
"Following the recent Government decision to close retail showrooms, a number of staff have had to be temporarily sent home and will be paid in accordance with the government’s furloughed employee scheme.
"Prior to that announcement, the company had already anticipated that there would be a reduction in economic activity due to the coronavirus and had identified team members who were under-performing and taken steps to reduce its headcount accordingly."


birminghammail--2020-03-25--Amir Khan offers £5mi wedding venue to NHS for coronavirus treatment

Amir Khan has offered his £5million wedding venue to help the NHS .
The boxer made the offer , telling the NHS it could use the site of his nuptials , which is situated in Bolton , Lancashire .
The boxer , from Bolton , has family ties to the West Midlands , and made the offer amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The UK death toll has risen once again on Wednesday , March 25 , reaching above 450 , with thousands more infected .
On Twitter , Amir , who represented Team GB at the Olympic Games in Athens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the offer .
Writing on social media , Amir , who is aged 33 , said the NHS could use the four-story building .
Amir said he is “ aware of how difficult it is for the public to get a hospital bed at this time ” Amir wrote on social media : “ I am aware of how difficult it is for the public to get a hospital bed in this tragic time .
“ I am prepared to give my 60,000 square foot 4 story building which is due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the @ NHSuk to help people affected by the coronavirus .
Amir recently welcomed his first baby boy with Faryal Makhdoom .

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Amir Khan has offered his £5million wedding venue to help the NHS.
The boxer made the offer, telling the NHS it could use the site of his nuptials, which is situated in Bolton, Lancashire.
The boxer, from Bolton, has family ties to the West Midlands, and made the offer amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The UK death toll has risen once again on Wednesday, March 25, reaching above 450, with thousands more infected.
On Twitter, Amir, who represented Team GB at the Olympic Games in Athens, in Greece, in 2004, made the offer.
Writing on social media, Amir, who is aged 33, said the NHS could use the four-story building.
Amir said he is “aware of how difficult it is for the public to get a hospital bed at this time”
Amir wrote on social media: “I am aware of how difficult it is for the public to get a hospital bed in this tragic time.
“I am prepared to give my 60,000 square foot 4 story building which is due to be a wedding hall and retail outlet to the @NHSuk to help people affected by the coronavirus.
“Pls keep safe.”
Amir recently welcomed his first baby boy with Faryal Makhdoom.


birminghammail--2020-03-25--ITV makes coronavirus announcement ahead of Emmerdale and Corrie

ITV was forced to make an announcement ahead of Emmerdale and Coronation Street this evening .
The broadcaster made a special announcement before both soaps aired on Wednesday , March 25 .
In a special announcement ahead of the airing of Emmerdale at 7pm , ITV told viewers : `` There are scenes where people gather in tonight 's Emmerdale in the woolpack and other social settings , these were filmed weeks ago before coronavirus and the government advice is now for people to stay in . ''
The announcement from the channel came ahead of Emmerdale , which aired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which enjoyed a double bill this evening .
Corrie aired twice , at 7.30pm and 8.30pm , just 48 hours removed from Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordering a nationwide lockdown .
In an unprecedented speech amid the coronavirus crisis , Mr Johnson told Brits they were now being forced to stay indoors .
You can venture out for only a few select reasons - such as food shopping , or buying essential items , like medicine .
You can also exercise - albeit only once a day - and Brits are also warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or working from anywhere that is n't their home .

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ITV was forced to make an announcement ahead of Emmerdale and Coronation Street this evening.
The broadcaster made a special announcement before both soaps aired on Wednesday, March 25.
In a special announcement ahead of the airing of Emmerdale at 7pm, ITV told viewers: "There are scenes where people gather in tonight's Emmerdale in the woolpack and other social settings, these were filmed weeks ago before coronavirus and the government advice is now for people to stay in."
The announcement from the channel came ahead of Emmerdale, which aired at 7pm, and Coronation Street, which enjoyed a double bill this evening.
Corrie aired twice, at 7.30pm and 8.30pm, just 48 hours removed from Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordering a nationwide lockdown.
In an unprecedented speech amid the coronavirus crisis, Mr Johnson told Brits they were now being forced to stay indoors.
(Image: ITV)
You can venture out for only a few select reasons - such as food shopping, or buying essential items, like medicine.
You can also exercise - albeit only once a day - and Brits are also warned against meeting friends, family members, or working from anywhere that isn't their home.
*Emmerdale continues at 7pm on ITV1 tomorrow (Thursday, March 26)