birminghammail--2020-07-27--Sick pay rights if you have to quarantine for 2 weeks

As travellers digest the news they will have to self-isolate for two weeks after holidaying in Spain and its islands , many are wondering how the move will impact their employment .
The shock announcement from the government means those who booked holidays will now have to take a further two weeks off work unless they can do their jobs remotely .
And workers do n't have any automatic rights to be paid and could even be laid off , writes the Mirror .
Companies can decide if staff receive normal pay or if they will force their employees to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Firms can also decide if the time is unpaid leave .
The Government 's website states : `` You can not get SSP ( Statutory Sick Pay ) if you ’ re self-isolating after entering or returning to the UK and do not need to self-isolate for any other reason .
Employment law specialists Peninsula Group said : `` Forced unpaid leave UK can take place . ''
`` Your right to do this must be pre-established with a contractual provision in place .
Without this , you ’ ll need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change .
`` There ’ s no limit to how long you can lay-off an employee , but if they ’ ve been away from work for four weeks in a row , or six weeks within a 13-week period where no more than six weeks are consecutive , then they can apply for redundancy pay and resign from their position .
It added : `` If the employee has worked for you for longer than a month , they may also have entitlement to statutory guarantee pay , which is currently £30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
`` You should avoid asking staff to take unpaid holiday , coronavirus or otherwise . ''
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has urged bosses to 'respond flexibly ' when determining pay for quarantined staff .
He told Sky 's Sophy Ridge : `` Employers just like employees have got to follow the law and I do n't think you could be laying people off or taking penalties against people for adhering to the law .
`` If someone has followed the law in relation to quarantine and self-isolating in the way that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have penalties taken against them .
`` You can not be penalised in this country lawfully for following the rules and the law that ’ s in place and obviously we expect employers to respond flexibly and in an understanding way to those who , let ’ s face it , have enforced on them because of the risk that we ’ ve seen in Spain , those quarantine rules . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Andrews, Cathrina Hulse-BM)

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As travellers digest the news they will have to self-isolate for two weeks after holidaying in Spain and its islands, many are wondering how the move will impact their employment.
The shock announcement from the government means those who booked holidays will now have to take a further two weeks off work unless they can do their jobs remotely.
And workers don't have any automatic rights to be paid and could even be laid off, writes the Mirror.
Companies can decide if staff receive normal pay or if they will force their employees to take the 14 days as holiday entitlement.
Firms can also decide if the time is unpaid leave.
The Government 's website states: "You cannot get SSP (Statutory Sick Pay) if you’re self-isolating after entering or returning to the UK and do not need to self-isolate for any other reason.
Employment law specialists Peninsula Group said: "Forced unpaid leave UK can take place."
"Your right to do this must be pre-established with a contractual provision in place. Without this, you’ll need to get your employee to agree to the change.
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"There’s no limit to how long you can lay-off an employee, but if they’ve been away from work for four weeks in a row, or six weeks within a 13-week period where no more than six weeks are consecutive, then they can apply for redundancy pay and resign from their position.
It added: "If the employee has worked for you for longer than a month, they may also have entitlement to statutory guarantee pay, which is currently £30 per day for a maximum of five days.
"You should avoid asking staff to take unpaid holiday, coronavirus or otherwise."
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has urged bosses to 'respond flexibly' when determining pay for quarantined staff.
He told Sky's Sophy Ridge: "Employers just like employees have got to follow the law and I don't think you could be laying people off or taking penalties against people for adhering to the law.
"If someone has followed the law in relation to quarantine and self-isolating in the way that they should, they can’t have penalties taken against them.
"You cannot be penalised in this country lawfully for following the rules and the law that’s in place and obviously we expect employers to respond flexibly and in an understanding way to those who, let’s face it, have enforced on them because of the risk that we’ve seen in Spain, those quarantine rules."


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Police probe 'number of indecent exposures' in Sutton Park

Officers are investigating ' a number of alleged indecent exposures ' in Sutton Park .
West Midlands Police are appealing for information after several people reported incidents at the popular beauty spot in Sutton Coldfield in recent weeks .
The force revealed how they were 'alerted to an undressed man standing in bushes by a member of the public ' at around 4.30pm on Sunday but did not detail any other incidents in their latest appeal .
A 63-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure and has been bailed with conditions while police enquiries continue .
Ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning after a man reportedly sat on a bench performing a sex act and exposing himself to a group of schoolgirls , by Longmoor Pool , on Friday , July 17 between 3.20pm and 3.30pm .
The girl is said to have raised the alarm with an adult , with the man then leaving on a pushbike .
PCSO Gill Whittingham at the time said : “ We are working closely with the offender management team to try and identify this male , there will also be increased patrols in the Sutton Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reassurance .
“ At this time we believe this to be an isolated incident however If you see or hear any unusual suspicious activity or have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact us on 999 if it ’ s an emergency or 101 and live chat via online on the West Midlands Police website.
” BirminghamLive also reported on another incident just a day earlier at the park .
Two women told how a man wearing see-through trousers allegedly approached them on the road from Streetly Gate into the park .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to socially distance as the man approached , but he stepped towards them revealing himself - before he ran into the bushes .
Following the latest reported incident a spokesperson for West Midlands Police said : “ We are investigating a number of alleged indecent exposures in Sutton Park , Sutton Coldfield in recent weeks .
“ On Sunday ( July 26 ) we were alerted to an undressed man standing in bushes by a member of the public at around 4.30pm .
“ A 63-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of indecent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while enquiries continue .
“ We are urging anyone who has noticed any suspicious behaviour or has any information on any other similar incidents to contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight or call 101 anytime .
`` Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Quote crime reference 20BE/175435A/20 .
”

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Officers are investigating 'a number of alleged indecent exposures' in Sutton Park.
West Midlands Police are appealing for information after several people reported incidents at the popular beauty spot in Sutton Coldfield in recent weeks.
The force revealed how they were 'alerted to an undressed man standing in bushes by a member of the public' at around 4.30pm on Sunday but did not detail any other incidents in their latest appeal.
A 63-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure and has been bailed with conditions while police enquiries continue.
Ten days ago West Midlands Police issued a warning after a man reportedly sat on a bench performing a sex act and exposing himself to a group of schoolgirls, by Longmoor Pool, on Friday, July 17 between 3.20pm and 3.30pm.
The girl is said to have raised the alarm with an adult, with the man then leaving on a pushbike.
PCSO Gill Whittingham at the time said: “We are working closely with the offender management team to try and identify this male, there will also be increased patrols in the Sutton Park area over the next few days for reassurance.
“At this time we believe this to be an isolated incident however If you see or hear any unusual suspicious activity or have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact us on 999 if it’s an emergency or 101 and live chat via online on the West Midlands Police website.”
BirminghamLive also reported on another incident just a day earlier at the park.
Two women told how a man wearing see-through trousers allegedly approached them on the road from Streetly Gate into the park.
The women described how they moved aside to socially distance as the man approached, but he stepped towards them revealing himself - before he ran into the bushes.
Following the latest reported incident a spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We are investigating a number of alleged indecent exposures in Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield in recent weeks.
“On Sunday (July 26) we were alerted to an undressed man standing in bushes by a member of the public at around 4.30pm.
“A 63-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure and has been bailed with conditions while enquiries continue.
“We are urging anyone who has noticed any suspicious behaviour or has any information on any other similar incidents to contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am - midnight or call 101 anytime.
"Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote crime reference 20BE/175435A/20.”


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Exciting £25m surf park near Birmingham given the green light

Surf ’ s up for water lovers across Birmingham as ambitious plans for a £25m surf park were unanimously approved .
Emerge Surf Birmingham in Coleshill will feature a 5.4-acre surf lagoon , powered by Wavegarden ’ s Cove technology , an outdoor heated swimming pool , hub building and a perimeter track for Onewheel electric skateboards .
Visitors to the park will be able to enjoy a surf school , surf shop , café and restaurant , multi-purpose fitness studio , physio and massage room and children ’ s play area .
It is expected to create 100 full-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year and deliver an annual economic boost of between £18 million - £21 million to the region when it opens in 2022 .
Steve Price , founder and CEO of Emerge Surf , said : “ I ’ m thrilled to see such resounding backing from North Warwickshire Borough Council , recognising our vision and being minded to support the project .
“ Our aim is to bring a slice of the ocean to Birmingham , creating a haven for landlocked surfers and those wanting to try the sport for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enter the next phase in our plan to deliver a wave park that will be a huge asset to the region and its already renowned visitor economy .
It will provide a world-class experience for surfers of all levels , delivering a positive social impact while supporting mental and physical wellbeing .
This is alongside creating new jobs , boosting tourism and elevating the region ’ s reputation as a sport and leisure destination .
“ Our focus now is on finalising our funding structure , progressing on-site groundworks , which we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year and working collaboratively with all partners as we prepare to open to the public in early 2022.
” All 15 voting members of North Warwickshire Borough Council ’ s planning team supported the plans .
Councillor David Wright , leader of North Warwickshire Borough Council , said : “ We are pleased to welcome this development and I thank our councillors on the planning and development board for their decision .
“ We are all keen to see our economy bounce back from the COVID-19 outbreak and this is a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very hard-pressed leisure and tourist sector .
This will also boost physical activity levels in our area and there is an extensive community programme being worked up to include communities and schools .
“ We are looking forward to this project progressing and for North Warwickshire to become famous not just as a centre for cycling and golf , but also for surfing.
” Emerge Surf Birmingham will be working in partnership with national governing body Surfing England to deliver certificated surfing tuition and with registered charity Surf Life Saving Great Britain on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety .
The park is also partnering with The Wave Project to deliver therapy through surfing to local children suffering with mental health issues .
Ben Powis , commercial and operations director at Surfing England , said : “ Bringing a world class wave to Birmingham will be a huge milestone in the growth and development of English Surfing and will undoubtedly open up our sport to a whole new generation of surfers .
“ Emerge Surf has assembled a talented crew with genuine commitment to developing a facility that not only provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but also capitalises on the health and wellbeing benefits of surfing to deliver far reaching social impact.
” Fernando Odriozola , co-founder and chief commercial officer of Wavegarden , added : “ Our company is founded on the aspiration to share the exhilarating feeling of riding great waves with everyone , regardless of their location .
“ Surfing is an incredibly rewarding and beneficial sport for people of all ages and abilities and we are absolutely delighted that Birmingham , the UK ’ s second city , will soon give people access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We are very grateful for the support of the excellent team at Emerge Surf Birmingham , the North Warwickshire Borough Council ’ s Planning and Development Board and the broader public who share our vision .
”

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Surf’s up for water lovers across Birmingham as ambitious plans for a £25m surf park were unanimously approved.
Emerge Surf Birmingham in Coleshill will feature a 5.4-acre surf lagoon, powered by Wavegarden’s Cove technology, an outdoor heated swimming pool, hub building and a perimeter track for Onewheel electric skateboards.
Visitors to the park will be able to enjoy a surf school, surf shop, café and restaurant, multi-purpose fitness studio, physio and massage room and children’s play area.
It is expected to create 100 full-time equivalent jobs, attract around 250,000 visitors a year and deliver an annual economic boost of between £18 million - £21 million to the region when it opens in 2022.
Steve Price, founder and CEO of Emerge Surf, said: “I’m thrilled to see such resounding backing from North Warwickshire Borough Council, recognising our vision and being minded to support the project.
“Our aim is to bring a slice of the ocean to Birmingham, creating a haven for landlocked surfers and those wanting to try the sport for the first time.
“We’re excited to enter the next phase in our plan to deliver a wave park that will be a huge asset to the region and its already renowned visitor economy. It will provide a world-class experience for surfers of all levels, delivering a positive social impact while supporting mental and physical wellbeing. This is alongside creating new jobs, boosting tourism and elevating the region’s reputation as a sport and leisure destination.
“Our focus now is on finalising our funding structure, progressing on-site groundworks, which we expect to start before the end of this year and working collaboratively with all partners as we prepare to open to the public in early 2022.”
All 15 voting members of North Warwickshire Borough Council’s planning team supported the plans.
Councillor David Wright, leader of North Warwickshire Borough Council, said: “We are pleased to welcome this development and I thank our councillors on the planning and development board for their decision.
“We are all keen to see our economy bounce back from the COVID-19 outbreak and this is a major boost for our economy, particularly the very hard-pressed leisure and tourist sector. This will also boost physical activity levels in our area and there is an extensive community programme being worked up to include communities and schools.
“We are looking forward to this project progressing and for North Warwickshire to become famous not just as a centre for cycling and golf, but also for surfing.”
Emerge Surf Birmingham will be working in partnership with national governing body Surfing England to deliver certificated surfing tuition and with registered charity Surf Life Saving Great Britain on a wide range of courses for water safety.
The park is also partnering with The Wave Project to deliver therapy through surfing to local children suffering with mental health issues.
Ben Powis, commercial and operations director at Surfing England, said: “Bringing a world class wave to Birmingham will be a huge milestone in the growth and development of English Surfing and will undoubtedly open up our sport to a whole new generation of surfers.
“Emerge Surf has assembled a talented crew with genuine commitment to developing a facility that not only provides a high performance training and surfing environment, but also capitalises on the health and wellbeing benefits of surfing to deliver far reaching social impact.”
Fernando Odriozola, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Wavegarden, added: “Our company is founded on the aspiration to share the exhilarating feeling of riding great waves with everyone, regardless of their location.
“Surfing is an incredibly rewarding and beneficial sport for people of all ages and abilities and we are absolutely delighted that Birmingham, the UK’s second city, will soon give people access to our waves and the Wavegarden experience.
“We are very grateful for the support of the excellent team at Emerge Surf Birmingham, the North Warwickshire Borough Council’s Planning and Development Board and the broader public who share our vision.”


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Nine more test positive at Midlands vegetable farm as 340 tested

The number of people testing positive for Covid-19 at a Worcestershire vegetable farm has risen with the county ’ s public health chief linking the outbreak to Sandwell .
Worcestershire County Council has confirmed there have been nine more positive Covid cases at Evesham Vale Growers Limited in Blackminster near Evesham , bringing the total to 23 .
The outbreak was confirmed at the farm last Thursday ( July 23 ) when 14 cases were confirmed .
Dr Kathryn Cobain , Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said on Friday that she had been notified of two cases last Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated with a known outbreak in Sandwell ’ .
Those two cases had risen to 14 by Thursday with Dr Cobain saying the cases were : “ Mostly associated with people who had travelled on the same bus together from Sandwell to work in Worcestershire to provide essential key work to pick the vegetables and pack it and make sure we are getting it in the food chain.
” The decision was made to test all 340 workers at the site ‘ proactively ’ at a mobile testing unit with Dr Cobain saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t been any further spread , which would then potentially get in to the local community ’ .
Now nine more cases have been found .
Dr Cobain said : “ Now 23 workers from Evesham Vale Growers Limited at Blackminster near Evesham , have now tested positive for Covid-19 .
Those workers have been advised to isolate .
“ We continue to work with the business and Public Health England to control this outbreak .
“ This is a reminder that Covid-19 remains with us and we should all wash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and keep our distance , to protect us and our loved ones.
” In context Dr Cobain said generally cases were low in Worcestershire .
In the week to Friday , July 24 , there had been just 11 cases in the county , which was ‘ really good ’ .
The county ’ s Director of Public Health added : “ We haven ’ t eliminated coronavirus from the environment .
So it ’ s really still vitally important that you ’ re washing your hands , that you ’ re keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face coverings whenever you are entering enclosed spaces where you can ’ t socially distance.
” The Worcestershire health chief again reiterated the food from the site was ‘ absolutely safe to eat ’ .
Dr Cobain said : “ The food is packed and stays on the site for 72 hours before it leaves so it is absolutely safe to eat .
“ It ’ s always good to remember when you are dealing with any fruit and vegetables that you should wash them and you should wash your hands as well.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ start times an breaks to deal with the outbreak .
There were ‘ really good measures in place .
Dr Cobain added : “ I am confident they have done everything that they need to do and we need to investigate and make sure we are closing it down as quickly as possible for that business .
”

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The number of people testing positive for Covid-19 at a Worcestershire vegetable farm has risen with the county’s public health chief linking the outbreak to Sandwell.
Worcestershire County Council has confirmed there have been nine more positive Covid cases at Evesham Vale Growers Limited in Blackminster near Evesham, bringing the total to 23.
The outbreak was confirmed at the farm last Thursday (July 23) when 14 cases were confirmed.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director for Public Health for Worcestershire said on Friday that she had been notified of two cases last Monday (July 20) which were ‘associated with a known outbreak in Sandwell’.
Those two cases had risen to 14 by Thursday with Dr Cobain saying the cases were: “Mostly associated with people who had travelled on the same bus together from Sandwell to work in Worcestershire to provide essential key work to pick the vegetables and pack it and make sure we are getting it in the food chain.”
The decision was made to test all 340 workers at the site ‘proactively’ at a mobile testing unit with Dr Cobain saying it was to ‘make sure there hasn’t been any further spread, which would then potentially get in to the local community’.
Now nine more cases have been found.
Dr Cobain said: “Now 23 workers from Evesham Vale Growers Limited at Blackminster near Evesham, have now tested positive for Covid-19. Those workers have been advised to isolate.
“We continue to work with the business and Public Health England to control this outbreak.
“This is a reminder that Covid-19 remains with us and we should all wash our hands, wear masks where necessary and keep our distance, to protect us and our loved ones.”
In context Dr Cobain said generally cases were low in Worcestershire.
In the week to Friday, July 24, there had been just 11 cases in the county, which was ‘really good’.
The county’s Director of Public Health added: “We haven’t eliminated coronavirus from the environment. So it’s really still vitally important that you’re washing your hands, that you’re keeping your distance and you’re wearing face coverings whenever you are entering enclosed spaces where you can’t socially distance.”
The Worcestershire health chief again reiterated the food from the site was ‘absolutely safe to eat’.
Dr Cobain said: “The food is packed and stays on the site for 72 hours before it leaves so it is absolutely safe to eat.
“It’s always good to remember when you are dealing with any fruit and vegetables that you should wash them and you should wash your hands as well.”
Evesham Vale Growers has been staggering start times an breaks to deal with the outbreak. There were ‘really good measures in place. Dr Cobain added: “I am confident they have done everything that they need to do and we need to investigate and make sure we are closing it down as quickly as possible for that business.”


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Wolves confirm transfer plan after signing Sarkic from Villa

Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed the signing of goalkeeper Matija Sarkic .
The 23-year-old Montenegro international left local rivals Aston Villa @ @ @ @ @ contract and moves to Molineux on a free transfer .
Sarkic has penned a three-year @ @ @ @ @ the club 's first signing of the summer window .
Sarkic has spent five years @ @ @ @ @ enjoyed a successful loan spell with Scottish club Livingston last season .
Wolves have already @ @ @ @ @ out on loan next season to gain first team experience .
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi @ @ @ @ @ very happy to welcome Matija , who is a promising young goalkeeper with lots of @ @ @ @ @ he will be a success at Wolves and with his loan club next season .
@

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed the signing of goalkeeper Matija Sarkic.
The 23-year-old Montenegro international left local rivals Aston Villa at the end of his contract and moves to Molineux on a free transfer.
Sarkic has penned a three-year deal with Wolves and becomes the club's first signing of the summer window.
Sarkic has spent five years on Villa's books and enjoyed a successful loan spell with Scottish club Livingston last season.
Wolves have already confirmed that Sarkic will head out on loan next season to gain first team experience.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: “We are very happy to welcome Matija, who is a promising young goalkeeper with lots of potential. We hope that he will be a success at Wolves and with his loan club next season.”


birminghammail--2020-07-27--FCO advises against all non-essential travel to Spanish islands

The Foreign Office is advising Brits against all non-essential travel to Spain 's Balearic Islands and Canary Islands .
The FCO had previously said it was ok to visit the islands but not mainland Spain .
But this evening , they updated their advice warning holidaymakers not to travel there , the Mirror writes .
A Foreign Office spokesperson said : “ We have considered the overall situation for British nationals travelling to and from the Balearic and Canary Islands , including the impact of the requirement to self-isolate on return to the UK , and concluded that we should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the whole of Spain.
” The decision is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks in the popular tourist destination .
The FCO website states : '' This advice is based on evidence of increases in cases of COVID-19 in several regions , but particularly in Aragon , Navarra and Catalonia ( which include the cities of Zaragoza , Pamplona and Barcelona ) .
However those already travelling in the country are not being asked to return back to the UK .
It continued : `` Travellers should follow the advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect themselves and others , including any measures that they bring in to control the virus . ''
Travellers are already furious with the shock move to impose a 14 day self-quarantine restriction on those returning from Spain which came after the UK government took Spain off the 'air bridge ' list .
It 's thought around 600,000 already there will have to quarantine on their return .
Spain had been pushing for the islands not to be included on the quarantine list because they have a lower rate of infection than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an uncertain wait to see if future breaks to Spain and other countries at risk of being taken off the 'safe ' list , will be impacted .
There are already concerns over a spike in coronavirus cases in France and Germany while this afternoon Jet2 announced it had cancelled all holidays and flights to mainland Spain as well as Portugal .
The tour operator will , however , earlier said it would continue to fly to and from the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands .
Holiday operator TUI and Jet2 said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Balearics and Canaries .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Andy Rudd, Cathrina Hulse-BM)

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The Foreign Office is advising Brits against all non-essential travel to Spain's Balearic Islands and Canary Islands.
The FCO had previously said it was ok to visit the islands but not mainland Spain.
But this evening, they updated their advice warning holidaymakers not to travel there, the Mirror writes.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We have considered the overall situation for British nationals travelling to and from the Balearic and Canary Islands, including the impact of the requirement to self-isolate on return to the UK, and concluded that we should advise British nationals against all non-essential travel to the whole of Spain.”
The decision is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks in the popular tourist destination.
The FCO website states:"This advice is based on evidence of increases in cases of COVID-19 in several regions, but particularly in Aragon, Navarra and Catalonia (which include the cities of Zaragoza, Pamplona and Barcelona).
However those already travelling in the country are not being asked to return back to the UK.
It continued: "Travellers should follow the advice of the local authorities on how best to protect themselves and others, including any measures that they bring in to control the virus."
Travellers are already furious with the shock move to impose a 14 day self-quarantine restriction on those returning from Spain which came after the UK government took Spain off the 'air bridge' list.
It's thought around 600,000 already there will have to quarantine on their return.
(Image: PA)
Spain had been pushing for the islands not to be included on the quarantine list because they have a lower rate of infection than the mainland.
And many tourists face an uncertain wait to see if future breaks to Spain and other countries at risk of being taken off the 'safe' list, will be impacted.
There are already concerns over a spike in coronavirus cases in France and Germany while this afternoon Jet2 announced it had cancelled all holidays and flights to mainland Spain as well as Portugal.
The tour operator will, however, earlier said it would continue to fly to and from the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.
Holiday operator TUI and Jet2 said it would continue to fly to the Balearics and Canaries.


birminghammail--2020-07-27--City residents urged to help avoid lockdown after Covid-19 surge

Wolverhampton residents are urged to do their bit to avoid a local lockdown after a surge in Covid-19 cases across the city .
There were an average of 12.2 cases per 100,000 residents in Wolverhampton in the seven days up to today ( Monday , July 27 ) , compared to 2.7 cases per 100,000 the week before .
Many of these new cases have been linked to family clusters or contacts of known cases .
City health bosses have now encouraged people to get tested if they have coronavirus symptoms , however mild .
Although it became mandatory to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , takeaways and transport hubs on Friday , July 25 - in addition to on public transport and for hospital patients and visitors where they were already required - health chiefs are also strongly recommending they are worn in other enclosed public spaces , where social distancing is more difficult .
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal , City of Wolverhampton Council ’ s cabinet member for public health and wellbeing , said : “ The reopening of more businesses over the weekend , including our WV Active leisure centres , was of course very welcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have seen in Wolverhampton and other parts of the country over the past week or so is an important reminder that coronavirus has not gone away .
“ If we were to let down our guard and allow the virus to begin spreading more easily , we risk not only a second wave of cases and more deaths , but also the re-imposition of lockdown measures as we have seen in places like Leicester and Blackburn in recent weeks .
“ We need to do all we can to ensure that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we all have a key role to play in this .
It is absolutely vital that if anyone choses to go out they must stay alert to reduce the risk of transmission . ''
She continued : “ We also urgently need people to get tested if they have a high temperature , a new , continuous cough , or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste .
“ If you have any symptoms , no matter how mild , or you feel you have put yourself at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must get a test .
“ The test is quick and easy , and a crucial tool in stopping the spread of coronavirus .
We have a great deal of capacity in Wolverhampton , with two drive through test centres and plans to open a number of walk through centres in the near future , so there ’ s no excuse not to book a test if you need one .
“ Please also carry on social distancing and wear a face covering where it is required , unless you are excused for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are pleased to see that the vast majority of retailers are enforcing the rules and I would urge everyone to do their bit and follow the guidelines.
” For more information , and to apply for a Covid-19 test , visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus or call 119 .
All appointments must be booked in advance .
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to isolate and share information about people that have been close contacts recently .

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Wolverhampton residents are urged to do their bit to avoid a local lockdown after a surge in Covid-19 cases across the city.
There were an average of 12.2 cases per 100,000 residents in Wolverhampton in the seven days up to today (Monday, July 27), compared to 2.7 cases per 100,000 the week before.
Many of these new cases have been linked to family clusters or contacts of known cases.
City health bosses have now encouraged people to get tested if they have coronavirus symptoms, however mild.
Although it became mandatory to wear face coverings in shops, supermarkets, takeaways and transport hubs on Friday, July 25 - in addition to on public transport and for hospital patients and visitors where they were already required - health chiefs are also strongly recommending they are worn in other enclosed public spaces, where social distancing is more difficult.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “The reopening of more businesses over the weekend, including our WV Active leisure centres, was of course very welcome news, but the spike in cases we have seen in Wolverhampton and other parts of the country over the past week or so is an important reminder that coronavirus has not gone away.
“If we were to let down our guard and allow the virus to begin spreading more easily, we risk not only a second wave of cases and more deaths, but also the re-imposition of lockdown measures as we have seen in places like Leicester and Blackburn in recent weeks.
“We need to do all we can to ensure that we avoid a local lockdown in Wolverhampton, and we all have a key role to play in this. It is absolutely vital that if anyone choses to go out they must stay alert to reduce the risk of transmission."
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She continued: “We also urgently need people to get tested if they have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste.
“If you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, or you feel you have put yourself at risk of exposure to Covid-19, you must get a test.
“The test is quick and easy, and a crucial tool in stopping the spread of coronavirus. We have a great deal of capacity in Wolverhampton, with two drive through test centres and plans to open a number of walk through centres in the near future, so there’s no excuse not to book a test if you need one.
“Please also carry on social distancing and wear a face covering where it is required, unless you are excused for doing so for any particular reason; we are pleased to see that the vast majority of retailers are enforcing the rules and I would urge everyone to do their bit and follow the guidelines.”
For more information, and to apply for a Covid-19 test, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus or call 119.
All appointments must be booked in advance.
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to isolate and share information about people that have been close contacts recently.


birminghammail--2020-07-27--A 'flop' & four nines - Wolves players rated in the Premier League

The Premier League season is done and dusted and Wolverhampton Wanderers have finished seventh again .
Nuno Espirito Santo 's side threatened to break into the top four during the longest campaign in history before succumbing in the final weeks .
It 's been another mightily impressive season , yet there 's also a tinge of disappointment at what might have been had Wolves not stuttered at the finish .
The following ratings are for contributions in the Premier League only and only those who have featured in eight or more matches have been included .
Patricio was pretty good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s improved tenfold in his second .
The goalkeeper kept 13 clean sheets in the Premier League which is an improvement on the club record of eight that he and John Ruddy set last season .
Patricio is now completely at ease with the ball at his feet and it ’ s hard to pinpoint a goal that Wolves have conceded which can be blamed on the Portuguese .
He really is one of the best in the business and is deservedly a contender for Wolves ’ player of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight goals this season have come in the league , and they ’ ve been important ones too .
The Irishman ’ s sublime finish clinched that breathtaking comeback win over Manchester City at Christmas - a moment which is a contender for highlight of the season .
Doherty ’ s rise has been remarkable and he continues to improve under Nuno ’ s tutelage .
If it hadn ’ t been for a three-month injury lay-off Boly would have been battling it out for the player of the year trophy , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ stunning clean sheet record - nine in 14 Premier League matches - since Boly returned from injury shows just how important the Frenchman is .
No Wolves player is more dominant in the air than Boly with the centre-back averaging four aerial wins per match .
For the second successive season Coady has played every minute of every league game .
We ’ ll let Nuno sum this one up… “ He ’ s the captain of the team and he ’ s a really important player and I ’ m very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During three seasons he has been available for every training session .
Big , big credit to Coady.
” Saiss was marginalised last season but Nuno has failed to find another Willy Boly , leaving Wolverhampton ’ s favourite Moroccan to slot in .
He earned shouts for player of the year at one stage , such was his improvement and consistency .
Wolves are likely to attempt to find another defender this summer but there will always be room for Saiss at Molineux .
Name a better 26-year-old Spanish wing-back in Europe… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked like a full-back playing at wing-back in his first season but he ’ s adapted to become a far bigger attacking threat in his second .
Statistically , Jonny has doubled his goals and assists output this term in comparison to last .
Two goals and two assists for the powerfully-built defender .
Vinagre has just turned 21 and we ’ re approaching the time where he needs to showcase his talents more frequently to become a Wolves regular .
The Portuguese has spent three seasons as one of Nuno ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him now is to double his appearance tally in the next campaign .
Where do we start ?
You can count the mistakes Neves has made since November on one hand .
He played second fiddle to Joao Moutinho last season but Neves has well and truly moved out of his compatriot ’ s shadow recently .
The worry for Wolves is that Neves wouldn ’ t look out of place at any of the top teams in the world and it ’ s inevitable that a superpower will come calling eventually .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to marvel over Neves and his majestic right boot .
Veteran midfielder Moutinho faded towards the end of the season , understandably given that he ’ s made 60 appearances for club and country in 2019/20 .
And he barely had a break last summer after helping Portugal win the inaugural Nations League .
No Wolves player created more chances than Moutinho ( 76 ) in the Premier League which shows just how dependent the Molineux men still are on the 33-year-old .
Moutinho is no stranger to a sublime pass but his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daniel Podence ’ s goal against Crystal Palace was outrageous .
Dendoncker is one of six players to have featured in every league game and no player has featured more prominently for Wolves across all competitions .
Whether he ’ s in defence or midfield , the Belgian is a pillar of this Wolves team and deserves the extra recognition which has flowed his way recently .
Four of Dendoncker ’ s six goals arrived in the Premier League , making him Wolves ’ most potent midfielder .
Four goals , nine assists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the match awards , it has been a season to savour for Wolves wideman Traore .
Traore has exceeded all expectations and won admirers right across the league , with many of the game ’ s top managers describing him with words such as ‘ unstoppable ’ and ‘ unplayable ’ .
Traore has completed the most take-ons ( 182 ) and is part of the league ’ s most potent partnership with him and Raul Jimenez combining for 10 goals in total .
Neto ’ s emergence has saved last summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unmitigated disaster .
He wasn ’ t expected to develop so quickly after joining from Lazio but Neto finished the season in Nuno ’ s starting XI .
Three goals and three assists is an acceptable return for a player largely used from the bench .
Podence just makes the cut having featured in nine games and , based on what we ’ ve seen of him of late , we expect him to be a star next season .
The diminutive winger has terrific speed , skill and vision to die @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in starts versus Everton , Burnley and Palace .
When Jota plays well , so do Wolves - it ’ s a well known fact .
The issue is Jota didn ’ t play well a lot in the Premier League this season , especially after the restart .
Jota has slipped into the unusual habit of being a 10 or a five with back-to-back hat-tricks in the Europa League favourably skewing his figures for the campaign .
In the Premier League Jota has just seven goals and one assist but all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five matches .
With 26 goals Jimenez has enjoyed the best season of his career and 17 of those arrived in the Premier League .
He also made six assists - a total only bettered by Traore .
Jimenez ’ s season has been packed with brilliant goalscoring moments but it ’ s the importance of those strikes which sets him apart from his peers .
If you take Jimenez ’ s goals away from Wolves they would lose 19 points .
His £32.6million transfer from Benfica has worked out much better than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club do sell him , they stand to make a massive profit .
Given the fee that Wolves paid for him and the limited impact he made during six months at Molineux , Cutrone will probably fall into the transfer ‘ flop ’ category .
It ’ s unfortunate because he wasn ’ t given lots of chances to impress , but it was enough for Nuno to make his judgement .
He only scored two league goals - a tally he ’ s already doubled at new club Fiorentina .

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The Premier League season is done and dusted and Wolverhampton Wanderers have finished seventh again.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side threatened to break into the top four during the longest campaign in history before succumbing in the final weeks.
It's been another mightily impressive season, yet there's also a tinge of disappointment at what might have been had Wolves not stuttered at the finish.
The following ratings are for contributions in the Premier League only and only those who have featured in eight or more matches have been included.
Rui Patricio 9
Games: 38
Patricio was pretty good in his first season at Molineux but he’s improved tenfold in his second.
The goalkeeper kept 13 clean sheets in the Premier League which is an improvement on the club record of eight that he and John Ruddy set last season.
Patricio is now completely at ease with the ball at his feet and it’s hard to pinpoint a goal that Wolves have conceded which can be blamed on the Portuguese.
He really is one of the best in the business and is deservedly a contender for Wolves’ player of the year award.
Matt Doherty 7
Games: 32 (4)
Four of Doherty’s eight goals this season have come in the league, and they’ve been important ones too.
The Irishman’s sublime finish clinched that breathtaking comeback win over Manchester City at Christmas - a moment which is a contender for highlight of the season.
Doherty’s rise has been remarkable and he continues to improve under Nuno’s tutelage.
(Image: PA)
Willy Boly 8
Games: 22
If it hadn’t been for a three-month injury lay-off Boly would have been battling it out for the player of the year trophy, he really has been that good.
Wolves’ stunning clean sheet record - nine in 14 Premier League matches - since Boly returned from injury shows just how important the Frenchman is.
No Wolves player is more dominant in the air than Boly with the centre-back averaging four aerial wins per match.
Conor Coady 7
Games: 38
For the second successive season Coady has played every minute of every league game. We’ll let Nuno sum this one up…
“He’s the captain of the team and he’s a really important player and I’m very happy to count on him.
“During three seasons he has been available for every training session. Big, big credit to Coady.”
Romain Saiss 7.5
Games: 31 (2)
Saiss was marginalised last season but Nuno has failed to find another Willy Boly, leaving Wolverhampton’s favourite Moroccan to slot in.
He earned shouts for player of the year at one stage, such was his improvement and consistency.
Wolves are likely to attempt to find another defender this summer but there will always be room for Saiss at Molineux.
Jonny Otto 7.5
Games: 33 (2)
Name a better 26-year-old Spanish wing-back in Europe… We’ll wait.
Jonny often looked like a full-back playing at wing-back in his first season but he’s adapted to become a far bigger attacking threat in his second.
Statistically, Jonny has doubled his goals and assists output this term in comparison to last. Two goals and two assists for the powerfully-built defender.
Ruben Vinagre 6
Games: 6 (10)
Vinagre has just turned 21 and we’re approaching the time where he needs to showcase his talents more frequently to become a Wolves regular.
The Portuguese has spent three seasons as one of Nuno’s most dependable back-ups and the challenge for him now is to double his appearance tally in the next campaign.
Ruben Neves 9
Games: 35 (3)
Where do we start? You can count the mistakes Neves has made since November on one hand.
He played second fiddle to Joao Moutinho last season but Neves has well and truly moved out of his compatriot’s shadow recently.
The worry for Wolves is that Neves wouldn’t look out of place at any of the top teams in the world and it’s inevitable that a superpower will come calling eventually.
Until then, Wolves fans will continue to marvel over Neves and his majestic right boot.
Joao Moutinho 8
Games: 34 (4)
Veteran midfielder Moutinho faded towards the end of the season, understandably given that he’s made 60 appearances for club and country in 2019/20.
And he barely had a break last summer after helping Portugal win the inaugural Nations League.
No Wolves player created more chances than Moutinho (76) in the Premier League which shows just how dependent the Molineux men still are on the 33-year-old.
Moutinho is no stranger to a sublime pass but his dink to Doherty in the build-up to Daniel Podence’s goal against Crystal Palace was outrageous.
(Image: Getty Images)
Leander Dendoncker 7.5
Games: 32 (6)
Dendoncker is one of six players to have featured in every league game and no player has featured more prominently for Wolves across all competitions.
Whether he’s in defence or midfield, the Belgian is a pillar of this Wolves team and deserves the extra recognition which has flowed his way recently.
Four of Dendoncker’s six goals arrived in the Premier League, making him Wolves’ most potent midfielder.
(Image: Getty Images)
Adama Traore 9
Games: 27 (10)
Four goals, nine assists and half a dozen Who Scored man of the match awards, it has been a season to savour for Wolves wideman Traore.
Traore has exceeded all expectations and won admirers right across the league, with many of the game’s top managers describing him with words such as ‘unstoppable’ and ‘unplayable’.
Traore has completed the most take-ons (182) and is part of the league’s most potent partnership with him and Raul Jimenez combining for 10 goals in total.
Pedro Neto 7
Games: 9 (20)
Neto’s emergence has saved last summer’s transfer window from being dubbed an unmitigated disaster.
He wasn’t expected to develop so quickly after joining from Lazio but Neto finished the season in Nuno’s starting XI.
Three goals and three assists is an acceptable return for a player largely used from the bench.
(Image: PA)
Daniel Podence 7
Games: 3 (6)
Podence just makes the cut having featured in nine games and, based on what we’ve seen of him of late, we expect him to be a star next season.
The diminutive winger has terrific speed, skill and vision to die for and was a joy to watch in starts versus Everton, Burnley and Palace.
Diogo Jota 6.5
Games: 27 (7)
When Jota plays well, so do Wolves - it’s a well known fact.
The issue is Jota didn’t play well a lot in the Premier League this season, especially after the restart.
Jota has slipped into the unusual habit of being a 10 or a five with back-to-back hat-tricks in the Europa League favourably skewing his figures for the campaign.
In the Premier League Jota has just seven goals and one assist but all of those goal contributions have come in just five matches.
(Image: Eddie Keogh NMC Pool)
Raul Jimenez 9
Games: 37 (1)
With 26 goals Jimenez has enjoyed the best season of his career and 17 of those arrived in the Premier League. He also made six assists - a total only bettered by Traore.
Jimenez’s season has been packed with brilliant goalscoring moments but it’s the importance of those strikes which sets him apart from his peers. If you take Jimenez’s goals away from Wolves they would lose 19 points.
His £32.6million transfer from Benfica has worked out much better than Wolves could ever have imagined and IF the club do sell him, they stand to make a massive profit.
(Image: 2020 Pool)
Patrick Cutrone 5
Games: 3 (9)
Given the fee that Wolves paid for him and the limited impact he made during six months at Molineux, Cutrone will probably fall into the transfer ‘flop’ category.
It’s unfortunate because he wasn’t given lots of chances to impress, but it was enough for Nuno to make his judgement.
He only scored two league goals - a tally he’s already doubled at new club Fiorentina.


birminghammail--2020-07-27--X Factor contestant Phillip Blackwell finally jailed over horrific sex attacks

An X Factor hopeful uncovered as a serial rapist who preyed on lone women at night has finally been jailed for life after he escaped justice for more than 20 years .
Phillip Blackwell , who grew up in Birmingham , has now been caged over his sickening rapes and sex attacks on a total of nine women across three counties over a 22 year period .
The evil predator , now aged 56 , carefully targeted and attacked five young females in the south of Birmingham and Nuneaton in the late 1990s before moving to Cornwall .
In each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking alone in the early hours of the morning when they were attacked from behind before being raped or subjected to other sexual offences .
• Two counts of assault by penetration • None One count of taking an indecent photograph of a child Blackwell was sentenced to life in prison today ( July 28 ) at Warwick Crown Court and will serve a minimum of nine years before he can be considered for parole .
He will also have to sign the sex offenders ' register for life .
He was finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crimes against women following one of the biggest investigations ever led by Warwickshire Police .
Alongside West Midlands Police and the National Crime Agency , DNA samples were taken from thousands of men in the area .
But Blackwell , who lived in Birmingham at the time , did not come to light as a suspect .
In 2003 , Blackwell moved to Cornwall where he continued to offend .
He was finally linked to two of the attacks in the Midlands - one in Nuneaton and one in Birmingham - when DNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cornwall Police as part of a 2019 investigation into a rape in Cornwall .
He was arrested at his home in Launceston by officers from Devon and Cornwall Police in January this year .
Blackwell admitted to these attacks and three more in Birmingham .
Enquiries by Warwickshire Police led to offences against four more females in Cornwall being identified .
Assistant Chief Constable Debbie Tedds from Warwickshire Police said : “ Today is about Blackwell ’ s victims .
Nothing can ever take away the pain they have suffered but I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him behind bars .
“ They have shown great bravery throughout ; their collective courage has ensured a very dangerous man is going to prison .
“ As a detective constable working on the case for Warwickshire Police in the 1990s I saw first hand the terror Blackwell caused in the community .
We were telling women not to go out alone ; something you never want to have to do as a police officer .
“ Despite not being solved at the time , the offences in the Nuneaton and Birmingham were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was clear that Blackwell was very careful in his offending and this may have led him to believe he had got away with it .
However , the bravery of one his victims in Cornwall in reporting her ordeal at his hands and the wonders of DNA technology have today ensured Blackwell ’ s past has caught up with him .
“ The scale of his offending was astonishing ; he is a very dangerous man and prison is undoubtedly the best place for him .
“ I hope today ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will work tirelessly to bring sex offenders to justice no matter how long ago the offences occurred.
” If you have been a victim of a sexual offence , no matter when it occurred , support is available .
For more information go to https : //www.warwickshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/

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An X Factor hopeful uncovered as a serial rapist who preyed on lone women at night has finally been jailed for life after he escaped justice for more than 20 years.
Phillip Blackwell, who grew up in Birmingham, has now been caged over his sickening rapes and sex attacks on a total of nine women across three counties over a 22 year period.
The evil predator, now aged 56, carefully targeted and attacked five young females in the south of Birmingham and Nuneaton in the late 1990s before moving to Cornwall.
In each horrifying case, the young women were walking alone in the early hours of the morning when they were attacked from behind before being raped or subjected to other sexual offences.
(Image: ITV)
He previously pleaded guilty to:
13 counts of rape
One count of attempted rape
Five counts of indecent assault
One count of false imprisonment
Four counts of sexual assault
Two counts of assault by penetration
Four counts of voyeurism
One count of taking an indecent photograph of a child
Blackwell was sentenced to life in prison today (July 27) at Warwick Crown Court and will serve a minimum of nine years before he can be considered for parole.
He will also have to sign the sex offenders' register for life. He was finally locked up for his string of horrific crimes against women following one of the biggest investigations ever led by Warwickshire Police.
Alongside West Midlands Police and the National Crime Agency, DNA samples were taken from thousands of men in the area. But Blackwell, who lived in Birmingham at the time, did not come to light as a suspect.
In 2003, Blackwell moved to Cornwall where he continued to offend.
He was finally linked to two of the attacks in the Midlands - one in Nuneaton and one in Birmingham - when DNA was checked by officers from Devon and Cornwall Police as part of a 2019 investigation into a rape in Cornwall.
He was arrested at his home in Launceston by officers from Devon and Cornwall Police in January this year.
Blackwell admitted to these attacks and three more in Birmingham. Enquiries by Warwickshire Police led to offences against four more females in Cornwall being identified.
Assistant Chief Constable Debbie Tedds from Warwickshire Police said: “Today is about Blackwell’s victims. Nothing can ever take away the pain they have suffered but I hope they can take some comfort from seeing him behind bars.
“They have shown great bravery throughout; their collective courage has ensured a very dangerous man is going to prison.
“As a detective constable working on the case for Warwickshire Police in the 1990s I saw first hand the terror Blackwell caused in the community. We were telling women not to go out alone; something you never want to have to do as a police officer.
(Image: SWNS)
“Despite not being solved at the time, the offences in the Nuneaton and Birmingham were regularly reviewed for new evidence.
“It was clear that Blackwell was very careful in his offending and this may have led him to believe he had got away with it. However, the bravery of one his victims in Cornwall in reporting her ordeal at his hands and the wonders of DNA technology have today ensured Blackwell’s past has caught up with him.
“The scale of his offending was astonishing; he is a very dangerous man and prison is undoubtedly the best place for him.
“I hope today’s outcome gives everyone the confidence that we will work tirelessly to bring sex offenders to justice no matter how long ago the offences occurred.”
If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, no matter when it occurred, support is available. For more information go to https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Coronavirus cases double in Birmingham 'as more people socialise'

The number of positive cases in Birmingham has doubled since lockdown was eased in the city in early July , new data reveals .
Positive tests have gone up from around 10 a day at the start of July to an average of more than 20 a day now , according to government statistics .
In neighbouring Sandwell , which has experienced a worrying rise centred on one town , Smethwick , the number of cases has gone up from less than five a day to an average of 13 a day now .
While the figures revealed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they are a vital reminder to everyone to follow Government guidance , maintain social distancing , wash hands regularly - and get tested at the first sign of symptoms , said Birmingham 's public health director Dr Justin Varney .
Visible spikes of up to 12 cases at a time have occurred in some inner city communities in the last fortnight `` generally due to several large households being infected '' , said Dr Varney .
But each time these have been contained and have not spread to the wider community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also been detected among those aged 20 to 40 thought to `` reflect people socialising more . ''
`` We have seen some variation across the city over the last couple weeks as more postcode data has become available to the Public Health Team , '' he said , referring to improved access to testing information at local level .
`` There have been a few areas that have spiked over the last week or two and these are generally due to several large households being affected - this has led to 10-12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causing a visible spike .
This hasn ’ t lasted . ''
In the Hodge Hill ward , a spike of 20 cases detected over a week ago has since fallen away , `` suggesting this is n't a wider community outbreak '' , he said .
But , he added : `` Across the city we have seen a small rise in many areas ; these are primarily in 20 to 40 year olds and reflect people socialising more , rather than being linked to workplaces . ''
`` We are encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly - ring 119 or go on the NHS website to organise a test , and then talk to the confidential NHS test and trace service to identify anyone at risk so they can be given the right advice quickly to prevent the spread of the disease in the city . ''
The update comes as a new report goes to city councillors on progress in containing the virus and preparing for the year ahead .
The report to the council 's new Local Covid Outbreak Engagement Board , meeting Thursday , outlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trace team to coordinate local outbreak management plans as part of an £8 million investment over two years .
It reveals the city now has three mobile testing sites , set up in the car parks at Brewery Street Coach Station , Moseley Rugby Football Club and Birmingham City Football Stadium , alongside existing regional test centres .
A new walk through testing centre opened in Villa Street , Newtown , serving Lozells and other nearby communities , has tested more than 1,600 people in a fortnight .
The site is managed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has bilingual staff and translation support on site , says the report .
People can also get tests by post .
Test results are quickest from the drive-through and walk-in sites , but usually received within two to three days , the report adds .
Testing uptake in Birmingham is fluctuating - with 472 tests carried out per 100,000 of the population , which is lower than hoped for , said Dr Varney 's report .
`` The council is currently working with the NHS and Department for Health and Social Care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly expanding the walk-through provision and ensuring there are potential pop-up sites identified in each ward of the city as part of the outbreak response planning . ''
We have reported previously - and at length - about concerns around data sharing between the national test and trace operation and local public health directors , who say gaps in data have hampered their attempts to crack down on local outbreaks quickly .
In his report , Dr Varney says the situation has improved but `` there remain some significant gaps '' .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have the information they need to see which groups are getting tested , and which are not - `` which limits the ability of local teams to understand poor uptake and target a response . ''
He said data is also often incomplete , particularly regarding workplaces , and there is `` limited information from the national contact tracing service on social gatherings which may be underpinning spread locally . ''

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The number of positive cases in Birmingham has doubled since lockdown was eased in the city in early July, new data reveals.
Positive tests have gone up from around 10 a day at the start of July to an average of more than 20 a day now, according to government statistics.
In neighbouring Sandwell, which has experienced a worrying rise centred on one town, Smethwick, the number of cases has gone up from less than five a day to an average of 13 a day now.
While the figures revealed by the weekly positive tests data are not large, they are a vital reminder to everyone to follow Government guidance, maintain social distancing, wash hands regularly - and get tested at the first sign of symptoms, said Birmingham's public health director Dr Justin Varney.
Visible spikes of up to 12 cases at a time have occurred in some inner city communities in the last fortnight "generally due to several large households being infected", said Dr Varney.
But each time these have been contained and have not spread to the wider community, he said.
Predictably, cases have also been detected among those aged 20 to 40 thought to "reflect people socialising more."
"We have seen some variation across the city over the last couple weeks as more postcode data has become available to the Public Health Team," he said, referring to improved access to testing information at local level.
"There have been a few areas that have spiked over the last week or two and these are generally due to several large households being affected - this has led to 10-12 cases in a small geographic area, causing a visible spike. This hasn’t lasted."
In the Hodge Hill ward, a spike of 20 cases detected over a week ago has since fallen away, "suggesting this isn't a wider community outbreak", he said.
But, he added: "Across the city we have seen a small rise in many areas; these are primarily in 20 to 40 year olds and reflect people socialising more, rather than being linked to workplaces."
"We are encouraging anyone with symptoms to get a test quickly - ring 119 or go on the NHS website to organise a test, and then talk to the confidential NHS test and trace service to identify anyone at risk so they can be given the right advice quickly to prevent the spread of the disease in the city."
The update comes as a new report goes to city councillors on progress in containing the virus and preparing for the year ahead.
The report to the council's new Local Covid Outbreak Engagement Board, meeting Thursday, outlines plans to recruit a local test and trace team to coordinate local outbreak management plans as part of an £8 million investment over two years.
It reveals the city now has three mobile testing sites, set up in the car parks at Brewery Street Coach Station, Moseley Rugby Football Club and Birmingham City Football Stadium, alongside existing regional test centres.
A new walk through testing centre opened in Villa Street, Newtown, serving Lozells and other nearby communities, has tested more than 1,600 people in a fortnight.
The site is managed by Deloitte on behalf of NHS England, and has bilingual staff and translation support on site, says the report.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
People can also get tests by post.
Test results are quickest from the drive-through and walk-in sites, but usually received within two to three days, the report adds.
Testing uptake in Birmingham is fluctuating - with 472 tests carried out per 100,000 of the population, which is lower than hoped for, said Dr Varney's report.
"The council is currently working with the NHS and Department for Health and Social Care to explore other potential testing sites, particularly expanding the walk-through provision and ensuring there are potential pop-up sites identified in each ward of the city as part of the outbreak response planning."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
We have reported previously - and at length - about concerns around data sharing between the national test and trace operation and local public health directors, who say gaps in data have hampered their attempts to crack down on local outbreaks quickly.
In his report, Dr Varney says the situation has improved but "there remain some significant gaps".
He is concerned that his local team do not have the information they need to see which groups are getting tested, and which are not - "which limits the ability of local teams to understand poor uptake and target a response."
He said data is also often incomplete, particularly regarding workplaces, and there is "limited information from the national contact tracing service on social gatherings which may be underpinning spread locally."


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Jet2 cancels all holidays and flights to mainland Spain

Jet2 has cancelled all holidays and flights to mainland Spain .
The tour operator will , however , continue to fly to and from the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands .
Jet2 is also cancelling flights and holidays to Faro in Portugal .
Just 24 hours ago the carrier had said it would not be cancelling flights and holidays to Spain and advised travellers to turn up for flights as normal , reports the Mirror .
The four destinations they fly to in mainland Spain - Costa de Almeria , Alicante , Malaga and Murcia - were not 'impacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it said .
However this afternoon Jet2 issued a statement to customers stating it had decided to suspend flights and holidays until August 16 .
The same dates apply to Portugal holidays and flights .
The statement reads : `` Following the latest government advice regarding travel to Mainland Spain from the UK , we have taken the decision to suspend our flights and holidays programme to Costa de Almeria , Alicante , Malaga and Murcia from 28th July up to and including 16th August . ''
Holidaymakers will still be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Canary Islands .
Customers are being offered a full refund , the option to rebook with no administration fee or a Refund Credit Note .
The firm is urgently contacting customers on holiday in mainland Spain to `` advise them of their options regarding flying back to the UK . ''
It has also urged customers not to call them .
Those travelling to mainland Spain from August 17 will be provided with 'further information ' when the tour operator is in receipt of advice from the government , it added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all airlines and tour operators , we are operating in an extremely difficult and fast-moving situation .
`` Travel advice is changing all the time , often with little or no notice , and in the case of Spain and its islands , the advice is inconsistent .
`` We are having to make difficult and complex decisions in response to this , including keeping our policies under constant review .
`` We urge the government to provide the industry with more clarity , so that we can keep our all-important customers up-to-date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said it will continue its flights in and out to the country and EasyJet is cancelling all holidays to Spanish destinations but flights will still go ahead .
TUI had previously cancelled all trips to Spain but it too has resumed flights to the Balearic and Canary Islands as planned from today .

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Jet2 has cancelled all holidays and flights to mainland Spain.
The tour operator will, however, continue to fly to and from the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.
Jet2 is also cancelling flights and holidays to Faro in Portugal.
Just 24 hours ago the carrier had said it would not be cancelling flights and holidays to Spain and advised travellers to turn up for flights as normal, reports the Mirror.
The four destinations they fly to in mainland Spain - Costa de Almeria, Alicante, Malaga and Murcia - were not 'impacted by increased cases of Covid-19', it said.
However this afternoon Jet2 issued a statement to customers stating it had decided to suspend flights and holidays until August 16.
The same dates apply to Portugal holidays and flights.
The statement reads: "Following the latest government advice regarding travel to Mainland Spain from the UK, we have taken the decision to suspend our flights and holidays programme to Costa de Almeria, Alicante, Malaga and Murcia from 28th July up to and including 16th August."
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Holidaymakers will still be able to travel to from the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.
Customers are being offered a full refund, the option to rebook with no administration fee or a Refund Credit Note.
The firm is urgently contacting customers on holiday in mainland Spain to "advise them of their options regarding flying back to the UK."
It has also urged customers not to call them.
Those travelling to mainland Spain from August 17 will be provided with 'further information' when the tour operator is in receipt of advice from the government, it added.
A Jet2 spokesperson said: “Like all airlines and tour operators, we are operating in an extremely difficult and fast-moving situation.
"Travel advice is changing all the time, often with little or no notice, and in the case of Spain and its islands, the advice is inconsistent.
Follow Cathrina Hulse on social media Cathrina Hulse is a multi-media journalist for Birmingham Live and Birmingham Mail. Follow Cathrina here Follow Cathrina on Facebook here Read more of Cathrina's stories here Have you got a story? Email cathrina.hulse@reachplc.com or call 0121 234 5552
"We are having to make difficult and complex decisions in response to this, including keeping our policies under constant review.
"We urge the government to provide the industry with more clarity, so that we can keep our all-important customers up-to-date and informed."
Meanwhile, Ryanair has said it will continue its flights in and out to the country and EasyJet is cancelling all holidays to Spanish destinations but flights will still go ahead.
TUI had previously cancelled all trips to Spain but it too has resumed flights to the Balearic and Canary Islands as planned from today.


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Birmingham Airport sees first passengers coming back to new UK quarantine rules

Birmingham Airport has welcomed back some of its first passengers who now have to follow the Government 's new quarantine rules .
Many of the holidaymakers exiting the arrivals hall at the airport showed off the bronzed glows of sun-soaked resorts as they hauled their luggage to cars and waiting taxis .
Wearing face coverings with their T-shirts and shorts , large numbers of travellers came home knowing they now have to stay indoors for the next two weeks rather than showing off their suntans and visiting friends and family they have n't seen while they 've been away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ airport doors asking people to keep their distance and follow other guidance - including floor markings , hand sanitisers and contactless payments - but this latest ruling has brought scores of travellers back down to earth with a bump .
From Sunday , July 26 , the Foreign Office said that those returning from Spain - including from the Balearics and Canaries - would be required to self-isolate on return to the UK .
The Foreign Advice also advises against all non-essential travel to mainland Spain based on the current assessment of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tenerife , Fuerteventura , Gran Canaria , Lanzarote , La Palma , La Gomera , El Hierro and La Graciosa ) and Balearic Islands ( Mallorca , Menorca , Ibiza , and Formentera ) are exempt from the advice against all non-essential international travel .
This advice is based on increased cases of Covid-19 in several regions , particularly Aragon , Navarra and Catalonia ( which include the cities of Zaragoza , Pamplona and Barcelona ) .
So far , just one person has been fined by police for breaching quarantine rules after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces in England and Wales show .
The data released by the National Police Chiefs ' Council ( NPCC ) on Monday does not include fines issued by UK Border Force , which had issued three penalties by July 10 , when quarantine rules for people returning to or visiting the UK from a list of countries were relaxed .
NPCC chairman Martin Hewitt said enforcement of the regulations , breaches of which can be punished with fines of between £100 and £1,000 , is primarily a matter for Border Force and public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules had been good , but added `` it 's really difficult to understand how people will respond '' after Spain was removed from the UK 's list of safe destinations over a spike in the number of coronavirus cases .
`` You would hope that people would come back and be responsible , '' he said .
`` I would hope they would be , but we will be in a position to carry out the role that we have in this , which is a secondary role to both the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we are required to do so .
But I guess time will tell how that plays through .
`` And of course , you know it 's not inconceivable that this could happen with other countries as we move forward , and I think the Government has made clear about that as well , so we will monitor that and work through the process . ''
The ticket for breaching quarantine rules , which was issued by Lincolnshire Police , was one of only eight fixed penalty notices handed out in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with none in Wales .
Some six of the fines were handed to people who failed to wear face coverings on public transport , making a total of 32 under the regulations introduced on June 15 .
Passengers caught not complying with the regulations can be fined £100 and removed from services .
The other fine in the latest two-week period was issued by Northamptonshire Police for a breach of rules around gatherings .
Figures are not yet available for breaches of regulations introduced on Friday making it compulsory for most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Mr Hewitt said : `` I certainly , in my trawl around how the weekend has gone , have heard of no instances around particular issues in shops .
I 'm not aware of any fines having been issued . ''
A total of 18,669 fixed-penalty notices ( FPNs ) , including 16,029 in England and 2,640 in Wales , have been recorded by forces up to July 20 .
The NPCC said the figures do not include fines issued during the local Leicester lockdown .
A Government spokesman said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , backed by the public and designed to keep us all safe .
`` We are seeing a high level of compliance and we expect this to continue as the vast majority of people will play their part to help stop the spread of this disease .
`` We will publish full data on the enforcement of these measures at the border in due course . ''
The Scottish Government has been urged to set up a fund to help holidaymakers returning from Spain who are required to quarantine .
Scottish Liberal Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' are needed to help people who could face a `` significant loss of income '' as a result of having to self-isolate for two weeks .
He said : `` The Scottish Government should put in place a hotline to help workers directly affected and whose employers can not afford to have them off work .
`` The reduction in earnings imposed by going on to statutory sick pay can be huge at a time when household incomes are strained .
`` The Scottish Government need to take responsibility for their error @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Speaking on the BBC 's Good Morning Scotland radio programme earlier , Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf acknowledged how `` frustrating and disappointing '' the situation is for many tourists but said travel during the pandemic will always have an element of risk .
`` In the space of a week , from July 17 to July 24 , we saw cases in Spain almost double from 5,700 to 11,000 , '' he said .
Mr Yousaf added : `` Clearly on reflection , perhaps there are some lessons for us to learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
`` I think that 's important for us to do , particularly because without a global vaccine being available there are going to be times when countries are going to be taken off the exempt list , put back on the list , depending on the data that we receive . ''

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Birmingham Airport has welcomed back some of its first passengers who now have to follow the Government's new quarantine rules.
Many of the holidaymakers exiting the arrivals hall at the airport showed off the bronzed glows of sun-soaked resorts as they hauled their luggage to cars and waiting taxis.
Wearing face coverings with their T-shirts and shorts, large numbers of travellers came home knowing they now have to stay indoors for the next two weeks rather than showing off their suntans and visiting friends and family they haven't seen while they've been away.
There are already big signs at the airport doors asking people to keep their distance and follow other guidance - including floor markings, hand sanitisers and contactless payments - but this latest ruling has brought scores of travellers back down to earth with a bump.
From Sunday, July 26, the Foreign Office said that those returning from Spain - including from the Balearics and Canaries - would be required to self-isolate on return to the UK.
(Image: Getty Images)
This advice is based on increased cases of Covid-19 in several regions, particularly Aragon, Navarra and Catalonia (which include the cities of Zaragoza, Pamplona and Barcelona).
So far, just one person has been fined by police for breaching quarantine rules after arriving from abroad, new figures from forces in England and Wales show.
(Image: PA)
The data released by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) on Monday does not include fines issued by UK Border Force, which had issued three penalties by July 10, when quarantine rules for people returning to or visiting the UK from a list of countries were relaxed.
NPCC chairman Martin Hewitt said enforcement of the regulations, breaches of which can be punished with fines of between £100 and £1,000, is primarily a matter for Border Force and public health officials.
He said compliance with the rules had been good, but added "it's really difficult to understand how people will respond" after Spain was removed from the UK's list of safe destinations over a spike in the number of coronavirus cases.
"You would hope that people would come back and be responsible," he said.
"I would hope they would be, but we will be in a position to carry out the role that we have in this, which is a secondary role to both the border force and Public Health England, as we are required to do so. But I guess time will tell how that plays through.
"And of course, you know it's not inconceivable that this could happen with other countries as we move forward, and I think the Government has made clear about that as well, so we will monitor that and work through the process."
The ticket for breaching quarantine rules, which was issued by Lincolnshire Police, was one of only eight fixed penalty notices handed out in England in the two weeks to July 20, with none in Wales.
Some six of the fines were handed to people who failed to wear face coverings on public transport, making a total of 32 under the regulations introduced on June 15.
Passengers caught not complying with the regulations can be fined £100 and removed from services.
The other fine in the latest two-week period was issued by Northamptonshire Police for a breach of rules around gatherings.
Figures are not yet available for breaches of regulations introduced on Friday making it compulsory for most people to wear face coverings in shops.
But Mr Hewitt said: "I certainly, in my trawl around how the weekend has gone, have heard of no instances around particular issues in shops. I'm not aware of any fines having been issued."
A total of 18,669 fixed-penalty notices (FPNs), including 16,029 in England and 2,640 in Wales, have been recorded by forces up to July 20.
The NPCC said the figures do not include fines issued during the local Leicester lockdown.
A Government spokesman said: "The quarantine system is informed by science, backed by the public and designed to keep us all safe.
"We are seeing a high level of compliance and we expect this to continue as the vast majority of people will play their part to help stop the spread of this disease.
"We will publish full data on the enforcement of these measures at the border in due course."
The Scottish Government has been urged to set up a fund to help holidaymakers returning from Spain who are required to quarantine.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said "practical solutions" are needed to help people who could face a "significant loss of income" as a result of having to self-isolate for two weeks.
He said: "The Scottish Government should put in place a hotline to help workers directly affected and whose employers cannot afford to have them off work.
"The reduction in earnings imposed by going on to statutory sick pay can be huge at a time when household incomes are strained.
"The Scottish Government need to take responsibility for their error and ensure that people are supported."
Speaking on the BBC's Good Morning Scotland radio programme earlier, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf acknowledged how "frustrating and disappointing" the situation is for many tourists but said travel during the pandemic will always have an element of risk.
"In the space of a week, from July 17 to July 24, we saw cases in Spain almost double from 5,700 to 11,000," he said.
Mr Yousaf added: "Clearly on reflection, perhaps there are some lessons for us to learn, I'm never against us doing that.
"I think that's important for us to do, particularly because without a global vaccine being available there are going to be times when countries are going to be taken off the exempt list, put back on the list, depending on the data that we receive."


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Aston Villa tie down 'best 16-year-old in England' Chukwuemeka

England under-17 midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has put pen to paper to sign his first professional contract at Aston Villa .
The 16-year-old , touted as `` probably the best 16-year-old in England '' by chief executive Christian Purslow , has today announced his new deal at Bodymoor Heath .
`` I am happy to have finally committed my future to Aston Villa , can ’ t wait for the new season , '' he said , via his Instagram account .
To tie the talented box-to-box midfielder down will be seen as a huge coup for Villa 's academy manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Chukwuemeka .
The likes of Manchester United , Manchester City and Liverpool were all monitoring the youngster 's contract situation while , back in May , Newcastle United were reported to have been willing to pay £1million to poach Chukwuemeka away from Villa .
In 16 appearances for Villa 's under-18s , he scored two goals and provided six assists last term , with one of his goals coming against Arsenal .
His performances saw him break into Mark Delaney ’ s under-23 side and was playing against opponents , some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chukwuemeka is the perfect example of what academy boss Harrison is working to promote , Purslow told the Villa Supporters Trust ’ s most-recent AGM .
`` Frankly , I ’ m going to be brutal , 22-year-olds playing in an under-23 team means your system isn ’ t working , '' detailed Purslow .
`` It means your system has failed because 22-year-old footballers at Aston Villa need to be in the first team .
`` The ultimate goal is to populate the under-23 team with 11 outstanding 16 , 17 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s working .
`` And that will take years , not months .
We need to be higher in recruiting the best eight-year-old , nine-year-old , 10-year-old , 11-year-old , 12-year-old , 14 , 16 , one a year that makes it and gets a professional contract at 16 .
“ I want that player .
We have one right now , probably the best 16-year-old in England , Carney ( Chukwuemeka ) .
Absolutely no debate , he ’ s starting for the U23s . ''
Last month , Villa announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players have agreed professional contracts , which included Louie Barry and right-back Kaine Kesler , with the latter named amongst Dean Smith 's substitutes for the 1-1 draw against Everton .
Youngsters who also committed their futures are twins Myles and Harrison Sohna , defender Bradley Burton , midfielder Charlie Farr and striker Tristan Goodridge .

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England under-17 midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has put pen to paper to sign his first professional contract at Aston Villa.
The 16-year-old, touted as "probably the best 16-year-old in England" by chief executive Christian Purslow, has today announced his new deal at Bodymoor Heath.
"I am happy to have finally committed my future to Aston Villa, can’t wait for the new season," he said, via his Instagram account.
To tie the talented box-to-box midfielder down will be seen as a huge coup for Villa's academy manager Mark Harrison given stern Premier League interest in Chukwuemeka.
The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool were all monitoring the youngster's contract situation while, back in May, Newcastle United were reported to have been willing to pay £1million to poach Chukwuemeka away from Villa.
In 16 appearances for Villa's under-18s, he scored two goals and provided six assists last term, with one of his goals coming against Arsenal.
His performances saw him break into Mark Delaney’s under-23 side and was playing against opponents, some of whom are seven years his senior.
Chukwuemeka is the perfect example of what academy boss Harrison is working to promote, Purslow told the Villa Supporters Trust’s most-recent AGM .
"Frankly, I’m going to be brutal, 22-year-olds playing in an under-23 team means your system isn’t working," detailed Purslow.
"It means your system has failed because 22-year-old footballers at Aston Villa need to be in the first team.
"The ultimate goal is to populate the under-23 team with 11 outstanding 16, 17 and 18-year-olds, then I will know it’s working.
"And that will take years, not months. We need to be higher in recruiting the best eight-year-old, nine-year-old, 10-year-old, 11-year-old, 12-year-old, 14, 16, one a year that makes it and gets a professional contract at 16.
“I want that player. We have one right now, probably the best 16-year-old in England, Carney (Chukwuemeka). Absolutely no debate, he’s starting for the U23s."
Last month, Villa announced that seven of their up and coming players have agreed professional contracts, which included Louie Barry and right-back Kaine Kesler, with the latter named amongst Dean Smith's substitutes for the 1-1 draw against Everton.
Youngsters who also committed their futures are twins Myles and Harrison Sohna, defender Bradley Burton, midfielder Charlie Farr and striker Tristan Goodridge.


birminghammail--2020-07-27--Dean Smith outlines transfer strategy, Villa's Jack Grealish stance

It 's exactly 24 hours since news filtered through onto the pitch at the London Stadium that Aston Villa pulled off their Great Escape .
Dean Smith , his back-room staff and players embraced inside the centre-circle and celebrated wildly before they headed in for dressing-room beers .
The two club coaches ferried Villa 's survival heroes to their night out last night with the party going on long until the night , with Smith himself admitting he kipped in his office .
Back to more serious matters , though , and attention will quickly shift to next season which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks ) .
The head coach has already spoken about Villa 's transfer strategy and pointed out how the club `` must be smart in the market now '' given last summer 's huge turnaround .
Villa will , of course , be a little more settled given the 2019 arrivals are finally bedded in .
Superstar Jack Grealish , meanwhile , will continue to dominate transfer reports after he was uncertain over his future just last week .
BirminghamLive understands Villa will be reluctant to sell their prize asset who they value @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club writer , Ashley Preece , will be on-hand for a Monday night web chat talking all things AVFC .
Whether you 're like Smith and the boys nursing a hangover , or you 're just craving the latest transfer news and behind-the-scenes insight , join Ash from 5.30pm onwards .
Remember , pop your email into the chat box at the top of this page and fire over your questions and talking points .
Do n't be late and , while you wait , be sure to check out all of latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And if the chat is n't loading on your screen , please click HERE .
See you soon .

It's exactly 24 hours since news filtered through onto the pitch at the London Stadium that Aston Villa pulled off their Great Escape.
Dean Smith, his back-room staff and players embraced inside the centre-circle and celebrated wildly before they headed in for dressing-room beers.
The two club coaches ferried Villa's survival heroes to their night out last night with the party going on long until the night, with Smith himself admitting he kipped in his office.
Back to more serious matters, though, and attention will quickly shift to next season which starts in just 47 days (six weeks). The head coach has already spoken about Villa's transfer strategy and pointed out how the club "must be smart in the market now" given last summer's huge turnaround.
Villa will, of course, be a little more settled given the 2019 arrivals are finally bedded in. Superstar Jack Grealish, meanwhile, will continue to dominate transfer reports after he was uncertain over his future just last week.
BirminghamLive understands Villa will be reluctant to sell their prize asset who they value at more than £80 million. Our club writer, Ashley Preece, will be on-hand for a Monday night web chat talking all things AVFC.
Whether you're like Smith and the boys nursing a hangover, or you're just craving the latest transfer news and behind-the-scenes insight, join Ash from 5.30pm onwards. Remember, pop your email into the chat box at the top of this page and fire over your questions and talking points.
Don't be late and, while you wait, be sure to check out all of latest Aston Villa news on the BirminghamLive website. And if the chat isn't loading on your screen, please click HERE. See you soon.