birminghammail--2020-04-02--Medical expert explains the high rate of coronavirus in the Midlands

The high rate of coronavirus in the Midlands is `` not unexpected '' , one of the nation 's top medical experts says .
Official figures show that London has been hit hardest by coronavirus , followed by the Midlands .
Professor Stephen Powis , the medical director of NHS England , said the virus had initially affected northern Italy more than the south of the country , and something similar was happening in the UK .
He said : `` We know that the virus will not attack the country uniformly throughout all geographies . ''
There was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than other major urban areas , he said , but he added : `` It is not unexpected to see different parts of the country at different stages in an epidemic at any one time . ''
There have been 4,139 confirmed coronavirus cases in the Midlands , more than in any other NHS region other than London .
Talking about hospital admissions earlier this week , Professor Yvonne Doyle from Public Health England said London `` is where coronavirus is most advanced '' , adding : `` But the chart shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to protect the NHS everywhere and the Midlands now is obviously a concern as well . ''
Professor Powis was responding to a question from BirminghamLive at the Government 's daily Downing Street press conference .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock , speaking at the same press conference , attempted to head off criticism of the amount of coronavirus testing taking place in the UK .
Germany is believed to be carrying out around 100,000 tests a day , while the number in the UK is around 10,000 .
But Mr Hancock said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing to 100,000 each day .
He said Germany had been ahead of the UK because it had a larger bio-technology industry .
Professor John Newton the Director of Health Improvement , Public Health England , has been appointed to help deliver the new plans and bring together industry , universities , NHS and government behind the ambitious testing targets .
Mr Hancock said : “ We have had our plan on expanding testing all the way through .
We were one of the first countries in the world to come up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we had fewer than 2,000 tests , we have now got 10,000 .
We always had a commitment to get to the 10,000 by the end of March , which we hit.
” Mr Hancock said NHS frontline staff and their families will get tested if they need it “ over the coming weeks ” .
He said : “ I will , over the coming weeks , seek that every NHS frontline staff member who needs a test gets one , and crucially their families .
“ Because sometimes some NHS staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are following the rules on household isolation if one of their family gets ( ill ) .
” Mr Hancock outlined the order of testing prioritisation as being patients , then critical care staff , then NHS and social care staff more generally , then other key workers and finally the general population .
He said : “ I ’ ve set out why we ’ ve prioritised patients first , the next prioritisation is of course NHS staff working in critical care and then after that , we will spread the availability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care and then other key workers and then over time to the population as a whole .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
The high rate of coronavirus in the Midlands is "not unexpected", one of the nation's top medical experts says.
Official figures show that London has been hit hardest by coronavirus, followed by the Midlands.
Professor Stephen Powis, the medical director of NHS England, said the virus had initially affected northern Italy more than the south of the country, and something similar was happening in the UK.
He said: "We know that the virus will not attack the country uniformly throughout all geographies."
There was no obvious reason why the Midlands was suffering more than other major urban areas, he said, but he added: "It is not unexpected to see different parts of the country at different stages in an epidemic at any one time."
There have been 4,139 confirmed coronavirus cases in the Midlands, more than in any other NHS region other than London.
Talking about hospital admissions earlier this week, Professor Yvonne Doyle from Public Health England said London "is where coronavirus is most advanced", adding: "But the chart shows that the threat is everywhere, we need to protect the NHS everywhere and the Midlands now is obviously a concern as well."
Professor Powis was responding to a question from BirminghamLive at the Government's daily Downing Street press conference.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, speaking at the same press conference, attempted to head off criticism of the amount of coronavirus testing taking place in the UK. Germany is believed to be carrying out around 100,000 tests a day, while the number in the UK is around 10,000.
But Mr Hancock said the UK too would aim to increase testing to 100,000 each day. He said Germany had been ahead of the UK because it had a larger bio-technology industry.
Professor John Newton the Director of Health Improvement, Public Health England, has been appointed to help deliver the new plans and bring together industry, universities, NHS and government behind the ambitious testing targets.
Mr Hancock said: “We have had our plan on expanding testing all the way through. We were one of the first countries in the world to come up with a test.
“A month ago we had fewer than 2,000 tests, we have now got 10,000. We always had a commitment to get to the 10,000 by the end of March, which we hit.”
Mr Hancock said NHS frontline staff and their families will get tested if they need it “over the coming weeks”.
He said: “I will, over the coming weeks, seek that every NHS frontline staff member who needs a test gets one, and crucially their families.
“Because sometimes some NHS staff have to stay at home because they are following the rules on household isolation if one of their family gets (ill).”
Mr Hancock outlined the order of testing prioritisation as being patients, then critical care staff, then NHS and social care staff more generally, then other key workers and finally the general population.
He said: “I’ve set out why we’ve prioritised patients first, the next prioritisation is of course NHS staff working in critical care and then after that, we will spread the availability of tests across the NHS and social care and then other key workers and then over time to the population as a whole.”


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Muslim prayers to be broadcast on radio during coronavirus mosque closures

Muslims unable to visit their mosques during the coronavirus crisis will be able to tune into their local BBC station .
Qari Asim MBE , a senior imam in Leeds , will lead reflections on 14 stations at 5.50am .
Starting from Friday , April 3 , this is to become a weekly spot , led by a different Muslim imam each week .
Chris Burns , head of BBC Local Radio , said : `` Many Muslims will feel a void in their lives where prayers used to be - a feeling the will be magnified as we approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about connecting communities and we hope these weekly reflections will go some way to helping Muslims feel a sense of community while they are isolating . ''
The stations broadcasting the reflections are : The reflections will be available afterwards on BBC Sounds .
A Christian service is being broadcast each Sunday at 8am on all 39 BBC local radio stations .
Mosques and all other places of worship have been closed as part of the Government 's lockdown announced on March 23 .
There have been concerns from worshippers about forced cremations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have asked for the maximum attendance at funerals to be increased .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Muslims unable to visit their mosques during the coronavirus crisis will be able to tune into their local BBC station.
Qari Asim MBE, a senior imam in Leeds, will lead reflections on 14 stations at 5.50am.
Starting from Friday, April 3, this is to become a weekly spot, led by a different Muslim imam each week.
Chris Burns, head of BBC Local Radio, said: "Many Muslims will feel a void in their lives where prayers used to be - a feeling the will be magnified as we approach Ramadan.
"Local radio is all about connecting communities and we hope these weekly reflections will go some way to helping Muslims feel a sense of community while they are isolating."
The stations broadcasting the reflections are:
Leeds
Sheffield
Lancashire
Manchester
WM
Leicester
Stoke
Derby
Nottingham
Coventry and Warwickshire
Three Counties
London
Merseyside
Berkshire
The reflections will be available afterwards on BBC Sounds.
A Christian service is being broadcast each Sunday at 8am on all 39 BBC local radio stations.
Mosques and all other places of worship have been closed as part of the Government's lockdown announced on March 23.
There have been concerns from worshippers about forced cremations under new coronavirus legislation.
And some have asked for the maximum attendance at funerals to be increased.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Aston Villa players urged to take wage cuts by government

The government has urged Premier League footballers to 'play their part ' in beating coronavirus - by taking pay cuts .
Matt Hancock , the Health and Social Care Secretary , made the plea as he hosted Downing 's Street daily press briefing on Thursday .
He told top-flight footballers to look at the sacrifices being made by NHS staff fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and take a financial hit to help others .
Aston Villa are continuing to pay players and other employees as normal while keeping the situation under close review , according to the Guardian .
Mr Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play their part in this national effort and that means Premier League footballers too .
“ Given the sacrifices people are making , including some of my colleagues in the NHS , who have made the ultimate sacrifice and gone into work and caught the disease and have sadly died , I think the first thing Premier League footballers can do is make a contribution ; take a pay cut and play their part.
” Some Premier League clubs have furloughed staff in response to the crisis , while in the Championship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wage cuts .
No top-flight side has announced any impact on player wages as things stand ahead of another conference call meeting on Friday .
Mr Hancock spoke hours after it emerged coronavirus-related deaths had jumped to 2,921 , a rise of 569 in 24 hours .
Across the UK the number of hospital fatalities increased from the 2,352 announced yesterday ( Wednesday , April 1 ) .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
The government has urged Premier League footballers to 'play their part' in beating coronavirus - by taking pay cuts.
Matt Hancock, the Health and Social Care Secretary, made the plea as he hosted Downing's Street daily press briefing on Thursday.
He told top-flight footballers to look at the sacrifices being made by NHS staff fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and take a financial hit to help others.
Aston Villa are continuing to pay players and other employees as normal while keeping the situation under close review, according to the Guardian.
Mr Hancock said: “I think everybody needs to play their part in this national effort and that means Premier League footballers too.
“Given the sacrifices people are making, including some of my colleagues in the NHS, who have made the ultimate sacrifice and gone into work and caught the disease and have sadly died, I think the first thing Premier League footballers can do is make a contribution; take a pay cut and play their part.”
Some Premier League clubs have furloughed staff in response to the crisis, while in the Championship Birmingham City and Leeds United players agreed to wage cuts.
No top-flight side has announced any impact on player wages as things stand ahead of another conference call meeting on Friday.
Mr Hancock spoke hours after it emerged coronavirus-related deaths had jumped to 2,921, a rise of 569 in 24 hours.
Across the UK the number of hospital fatalities increased from the 2,352 announced yesterday (Wednesday, April 1).


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Woman who dropped iPhone in river finds it 2 months later - and it still works

A woman who dropped her phone in the River Thames found it in the water two months later - and it still worked .
Thayse Bussolo-Vieira , 29 , was feeding the swans when her brand new iPhone 8 fell out of her pocket and into the river in early February .
She was “ devastated ” because the phone contained thousands of treasured photos on she had n't back up .
Thayse , a British Airways administrator , even contemplated jumping in to rescue the £480 device - but decided it was too dangerous .
Almost two months later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 27 , returned to the spot in Staines-upon-Thames , Surrey , on their daily permitted walk .
Astonishingly they found the phone lying on the riverbed .
Thayse , from Staines-upon-Thames , Surrey , said : `` The river was really high and strong because it had been raining a lot and it just fell out .
`` It had almost 20,000 photos on from five trips abroad with my fiancé .
It made me really depressed .
I thought I would have lost them forever .
`` On Wednesday we went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just show me where you dropped it .
`` We looked in the river and it was there .
It was unbelievable . ''
James , 27 , added : “ As the river was calm and the weather was nice we could see the Iphone clearly .
It was in the same place , just sitting at the bottom like a rock . ''
At two metres beneath the surface , the phone was difficult to reach so the pair returned home to look for something to retrieve it with .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided to fashion a homemade fishing net by attaching a kitchen sieve to the end of a broom .
They next day they returned to the site with the contraption and spent 40 minutes fighting against the current to reach the phone .
Thayse said : `` The river was running really quickly .
We were about to give up when James went to find a big stick . ''
James , a Waitrose delivery driver , said : “ Thayse held the net while I got a stick and pushed the phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
We had to work as a team .
It was nice . ''
Thayse , originally from Santa Catarina , Brazil , said the phone was covered in dirt , but was delighted to retrieve the phone nonetheless .
She added : `` We were likely 'oh my god ' we got the phone back after almost two months in the River Thames .
We were screaming and everything .
But of course we did n't know if it was going to work . ''
The couple , who are due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left the phone in a bowl of rice overnight and connected it to a charger last week ( 27 ) .
Thayse said : `` It turned on .
I was like 'yay , it 's working . '
I could not believe it .
I was so pleased I got my photos back .
I thought they were gone forever . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A woman who dropped her phone in the River Thames found it in the water two months later - and it still worked.
Thayse Bussolo-Vieira, 29, was feeding the swans when her brand new iPhone 8 fell out of her pocket and into the river in early February.
She was “devastated” because the phone contained thousands of treasured photos on she hadn't back up.
Thayse, a British Airways administrator, even contemplated jumping in to rescue the £480 device - but decided it was too dangerous.
Almost two months later Thayse and her fiancé, James Tongue, 27, returned to the spot in Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, on their daily permitted walk.
Astonishingly they found the phone lying on the riverbed.
(Image: SWNS)
Thayse, from Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, said: "The river was really high and strong because it had been raining a lot and it just fell out.
"It had almost 20,000 photos on from five trips abroad with my fiancé. It made me really depressed. I thought I would have lost them forever.
"On Wednesday we went for a walk and my fiancé said just show me where you dropped it.
"We looked in the river and it was there. It was unbelievable."
James, 27, added: “As the river was calm and the weather was nice we could see the Iphone clearly. It was in the same place, just sitting at the bottom like a rock."
At two metres beneath the surface, the phone was difficult to reach so the pair returned home to look for something to retrieve it with.
After looking on Amazon, the pair eventually decided to fashion a homemade fishing net by attaching a kitchen sieve to the end of a broom.
They next day they returned to the site with the contraption and spent 40 minutes fighting against the current to reach the phone.
Thayse said: "The river was running really quickly. We were about to give up when James went to find a big stick."
(Image: SWNS)
James, a Waitrose delivery driver, said: “Thayse held the net while I got a stick and pushed the phone into it. Then I fished it out. We had to work as a team. It was nice."
Thayse, originally from Santa Catarina, Brazil, said the phone was covered in dirt, but was delighted to retrieve the phone nonetheless.
She added: "We were likely 'oh my god' we got the phone back after almost two months in the River Thames. We were screaming and everything. But of course we didn't know if it was going to work."
The couple, who are due to wed in Brazil this September, left the phone in a bowl of rice overnight and connected it to a charger last week (27).
Thayse said: "It turned on. I was like 'yay, it's working.' I could not believe it. I was so pleased I got my photos back. I thought they were gone forever."


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Bus driver in self-isolation after he was coughed on

A bus driver is self-isolating amid fears he may have contracted coronavirus after he was deliberately coughed on .
The victim was driving the No.33 service through Kingstanding towards Birmingham city centre when he was targeted at around 8pm on Saturday , March 28 .
West Midlands Police said he was subjected to verbal abuse and was coughed on as the deadly Covid-19 pandemic gripped the country .
The force said the driver was now in isolation - keeping him off work and unable to transport key workers to their jobs .
Officers issued a picture of a man who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ images , the force 's Safer Travel Police said : `` APPEAL | Do you know this man ?
`` We ’ d like to speak to him after a bus driver was verbally abused and coughed on around 8pm on Saturday , March 28 .
`` The driver was driving the No .
33 bus in Kingstanding towards # Birmingham city centre .
`` As a result , the driver has been forced to self-isolate with his family due to the incident .
If you know who he is , please get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Live Chat at http : //west-midlands.pnn.police.uk between 8am and midnight or call 101 anytime .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
A bus driver is self-isolating amid fears he may have contracted coronavirus after he was deliberately coughed on.
The victim was driving the No.33 service through Kingstanding towards Birmingham city centre when he was targeted at around 8pm on Saturday, March 28.
West Midlands Police said he was subjected to verbal abuse and was coughed on as the deadly Covid-19 pandemic gripped the country.
The force said the driver was now in isolation - keeping him off work and unable to transport key workers to their jobs.
(Image: Safer Travel Police)
Officers issued a picture of a man who may have vital information.
Sharing the images, the force's Safer Travel Police said: "APPEAL | Do you know this man?
"We’d like to speak to him after a bus driver was verbally abused and coughed on around 8pm on Saturday, March 28.
"The driver was driving the No. 33 bus in Kingstanding towards #Birmingham city centre.
"As a result, the driver has been forced to self-isolate with his family due to the incident. If you know who he is, please get in touch.
"Contact us via Live Chat at http://west-midlands.pnn.police.uk between 8am and midnight or call 101 anytime.
"Quote crime reference number 20BE/78907G/20."


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Alan Hutton begs Dean Smith to complete Aston Villa deal

Alan Hutton has begged Dean Smith to hand Keinan Davis a new contract at Aston Villa .
The 22-year-old striker is in limbo with his current deal set to expire at the end of June - and no sign of being able to stake a claim for fresh terms on the pitch anytime soon .
Davis has struggled with injuries this season , missing a significant period of Villa 's battle against the drop , but before fixtures were suspended due to the coronanvirus crisis he had returned back as Smith 's backup for Mbwana Samatta off the bench .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of him and Villa should move soon to tie him down .
He told Football Insider : “ There ’ s other boys , like Keinan Davis , I think he ’ s out of contract .
He ’ s one I would be desperate to tie down even though he ’ s had his injury problems this season .
“ I think he ’ s got everything to be a top centre-forward .
It ’ s just as a club where you see them in the future.
” Davis , plucked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was crocked for three months after pulling up against Wolves in October then suffered a hamstring setback when playing for Villa 's under-23s in February .
He has scored once this season , in the 6-1 dismantling of League Two Crewe Alexandra in the Carabao Cup second round .
Davis ' contract could be extended beyond its June expiry date as FIFA draws up plans to restructure deals to last until the disrupted season is completed .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Alan Hutton has begged Dean Smith to hand Keinan Davis a new contract at Aston Villa.
The 22-year-old striker is in limbo with his current deal set to expire at the end of June - and no sign of being able to stake a claim for fresh terms on the pitch anytime soon.
Davis has struggled with injuries this season, missing a significant period of Villa's battle against the drop, but before fixtures were suspended due to the coronanvirus crisis he had returned back as Smith's backup for Mbwana Samatta off the bench.
Hutton says Davis has a big future ahead of him and Villa should move soon to tie him down.
He told Football Insider: “There’s other boys, like Keinan Davis, I think he’s out of contract. He’s one I would be desperate to tie down even though he’s had his injury problems this season.
“I think he’s got everything to be a top centre-forward. It’s just as a club where you see them in the future.”
Davis, plucked from Biggleswade Town five years ago, was crocked for three months after pulling up against Wolves in October then suffered a hamstring setback when playing for Villa's under-23s in February.
He has scored once this season, in the 6-1 dismantling of League Two Crewe Alexandra in the Carabao Cup second round.
Davis' contract could be extended beyond its June expiry date as FIFA draws up plans to restructure deals to last until the disrupted season is completed.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Coronavirus goal of 100,000 tests a day as new action plan unveiled for UK

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was `` setting the goal '' of reaching 100,000 tests for coronavirus per day by the end of April 2020 .
Speaking at the Downing Street daily briefing on the Covid-19 crisis , Mr Hancock said the new goal was across `` all five pillars '' of a new action plan .
`` I am calling on the life sciences industry , the universities and of course the public agencies that report to me - the NHS and Public Health England - to unite together to meet that goal '' , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy , Mr Hancock said that would be the route to moving from 10,000 tests a day to 100,000 .
The 'five pillars ' he announced are : - Swab testing in Public Health England and NHS labs to find out if people currently have the virus , with a target of 25,000 tests a day by the end of April at the latest ; - Using commercial partners , including universities and private businesses , to establish more swab testing ; - Introducing antibody blood tests to determine whether people have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home with a fingerprick and deliver results in as little as 20 minutes ; - Surveillance to determine the rate of infection and how it is spreading across the country ; - Build an `` at-scale '' diagnostics industry to reach 100,000 tests by end of April .
`` We are steadfast as a country in our resolve to defeat this invisible killer , '' said Mr Hancock .
He admitted there would be problems with putting all elements of the plan in place but said he had returned from illness - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined than ever to fight this disease .
And he added that large-scale antibody testing - to see if someone has been infected with the virus and recovered - will only be rolled out when clinicians are confident it is a valid test .
He said : `` No test is better than a bad test . ''
He revealed that the rate of coronavirus infection is doubling every three to four days .
Latest figures show 12,949 people have been admitted to hospital with coronavirus .
Of those who contracted the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also revealed a record quantity of 45 million pieces of equipment - including 6 million surgical masks - have been delivered to the NHS frontline .
And more than £13 billion of historic NHS debt will be written off to place trusts in a `` stronger position '' to respond to the coronavirus crisis , Mr Hancock announced .
The Health Secretary said he had made £300 million available for community pharmacies and that he wanted to make sure `` every part '' of the health and care system is supported .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS trusts to deliver what 's needed without worrying about past finances , I can announce that I 'm writing off £13.4 billion of historic NHS debt .
`` This landmark step will not only put the NHS in a stronger position to be able to respond to this global coronavirus pandemic , but it will ensure that our NHS has stronger foundations for the future too . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was "setting the goal" of reaching 100,000 tests for coronavirus per day by the end of April 2020.
Speaking at the Downing Street daily briefing on the Covid-19 crisis, Mr Hancock said the new goal was across "all five pillars" of a new action plan.
"I am calling on the life sciences industry, the universities and of course the public agencies that report to me - the NHS and Public Health England - to unite together to meet that goal", he said.
(Image: PA)
Laying out his "comprehensive" testing strategy, Mr Hancock said that would be the route to moving from 10,000 tests a day to 100,000.
The 'five pillars' he announced are:
- Swab testing in Public Health England and NHS labs to find out if people currently have the virus, with a target of 25,000 tests a day by the end of April at the latest;
- Using commercial partners, including universities and private businesses, to establish more swab testing;
- Introducing antibody blood tests to determine whether people have had Covid-19. These could potentially be done at home with a fingerprick and deliver results in as little as 20 minutes;
- Surveillance to determine the rate of infection and how it is spreading across the country;
- Build an "at-scale" diagnostics industry to reach 100,000 tests by end of April.
"We are steadfast as a country in our resolve to defeat this invisible killer," said Mr Hancock.
He admitted there would be problems with putting all elements of the plan in place but said he had returned from illness - after testing positive for Covid-19 - more determined than ever to fight this disease.
And he added that large-scale antibody testing - to see if someone has been infected with the virus and recovered - will only be rolled out when clinicians are confident it is a valid test.
He said: "No test is better than a bad test."
He revealed that the rate of coronavirus infection is doubling every three to four days.
Latest figures show 12,949 people have been admitted to hospital with coronavirus. Of those who contracted the virus, 2,921 have died.
Mr Hancock also revealed a record quantity of 45 million pieces of equipment - including 6 million surgical masks - have been delivered to the NHS frontline.
And more than £13 billion of historic NHS debt will be written off to place trusts in a "stronger position" to respond to the coronavirus crisis, Mr Hancock announced.
The Health Secretary said he had made £300 million available for community pharmacies and that he wanted to make sure "every part" of the health and care system is supported.
He added: "Today, to help NHS trusts to deliver what's needed without worrying about past finances, I can announce that I'm writing off £13.4 billion of historic NHS debt.
"This landmark step will not only put the NHS in a stronger position to be able to respond to this global coronavirus pandemic, but it will ensure that our NHS has stronger foundations for the future too."


birminghammail--2020-04-02--West Brom will be promoted if EFL follows new precedent

West Bromwich Albion will be promoted without another ball being kicked if the EFL follows the precedent set by the Rugby Football Union .
The RFU confirmed today that the season will come to a close using a `` best playing record formula '' to decide promotions and relegations .
No more fixtures will be played , with a points-per-game method used to work out which clubs will go up to the Premiership and other leagues below .
The Indepenent outlines that the average points per home game and points per away game up until March 14 will be applied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final league tables .
Only one side is promoted from the RFU Championship with Newcastle Falcons going into the top tier for next season .
If the EFL follow suit and apply the same method to its promotion rules , Albion would go up with 87 points ( 86.8 ) .
Leeds United would be promoted as champions with 89 points ( 88.5 ) while Fulham would remain in third place with 79 points ( 79.2 ) .
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney confirmed in a conference call today : “ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 per cent of the games had been played and we felt that the most fair and reasonable way to approach this was to apply a simple formula in terms of home record and away record , apply that to the balance of games outstanding and then announce promotion and relegation .
“ We did consult the game ; the overwhelming response was that they had a preference to go that route.
” English football matches are currently suspended until April 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic with discussions over finding a possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
West Bromwich Albion will be promoted without another ball being kicked if the EFL follows the precedent set by the Rugby Football Union.
The RFU confirmed today that the season will come to a close using a "best playing record formula" to decide promotions and relegations.
No more fixtures will be played, with a points-per-game method used to work out which clubs will go up to the Premiership and other leagues below.
The Indepenent outlines that the average points per home game and points per away game up until March 14 will be applied to the remaining matches to work out the final league tables.
Only one side is promoted from the RFU Championship with Newcastle Falcons going into the top tier for next season.
If the EFL follow suit and apply the same method to its promotion rules, Albion would go up with 87 points (86.8). Leeds United would be promoted as champions with 89 points (88.5) while Fulham would remain in third place with 79 points (79.2).
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney confirmed in a conference call today: “When the game stopped on 14 March, 80 per cent of the games had been played and we felt that the most fair and reasonable way to approach this was to apply a simple formula in terms of home record and away record, apply that to the balance of games outstanding and then announce promotion and relegation.
“We did consult the game; the overwhelming response was that they had a preference to go that route.”
English football matches are currently suspended until April 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic with discussions over finding a possible solution to complete the campaign set to continue.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--NHS workers can travel free on National Express West Midlands buses

NHS workers will be able to travel for free on National Express West Midlands buses .
The travel provider made the move to thank medical staff working tirelessly to combat the coronavirus pandemic .
Staff will need to show the driver their NHS pass as they make their journey to and from work from tomorrow , Friday , April 3 .
The children of all key workers will also be able to travel at no cost to school and back .
The company said on its website : “ As a thank you to our NHS heroes , from Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Midlands Bus Alliance , we have agreed with Transport for West Midlands that we will carry all NHS staff on our National Express West Midlands & National Express Coventry buses free of charge while they are on their way to and from work .
“ They will simply need to show their NHS staff pass to our driver .
“ In addition , children of all key workers will also be able to travel free of charge to and from school .
“ Children of key workers wanting to travel for free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have with them the confirmation letter from their school , so they can show it to our driver if asked .
“ Senior citizens and disabled people are also still able to travel for free all day ( including before 9.30am ) on National Express West Midlands & National Express Coventry buses using their concessionary passes.
” Any NHS worker with an existing bus pass should fill in an online refund form .
The move comes as West Midlands ring and ride minibuses are redeployed as free shuttle buses for NHS hospital staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular elderly and vulnerable ring and ride users are now on a strict 12-week lockdown following the coronavirus outbreak meaning the minibuses were not being used .
So the buses , operated by National Express Accessible Transport ( NEAT ) under contract from Transport for West Midlands ( TfWM ) , will instead be redeployed as shuttle buses ferrying NHS staff from car parks and transport hubs to the region ’ s major hospitals .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
NHS workers will be able to travel for free on National Express West Midlands buses.
The travel provider made the move to thank medical staff working tirelessly to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Staff will need to show the driver their NHS pass as they make their journey to and from work from tomorrow, Friday, April 3.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
The children of all key workers will also be able to travel at no cost to school and back.
The company said on its website: “As a thank you to our NHS heroes, from Friday 3rd April 2020, working through the West Midlands Bus Alliance, we have agreed with Transport for West Midlands that we will carry all NHS staff on our National Express West Midlands & National Express Coventry buses free of charge while they are on their way to and from work.
“They will simply need to show their NHS staff pass to our driver.
“In addition, children of all key workers will also be able to travel free of charge to and from school.
“Children of key workers wanting to travel for free on our buses should make sure they have with them the confirmation letter from their school, so they can show it to our driver if asked.
“ Senior citizens and disabled people are also still able to travel for free all day (including before 9.30am) on National Express West Midlands & National Express Coventry buses using their concessionary passes.”
Any NHS worker with an existing bus pass should fill in an online refund form.
The move comes as West Midlands ring and ride minibuses are redeployed as free shuttle buses for NHS hospital staff and key workers.
The majority of regular elderly and vulnerable ring and ride users are now on a strict 12-week lockdown following the coronavirus outbreak meaning the minibuses were not being used.
So the buses, operated by National Express Accessible Transport (NEAT) under contract from Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), will instead be redeployed as shuttle buses ferrying NHS staff from car parks and transport hubs to the region’s major hospitals.


birminghammail--2020-04-02--Tamworth FC's Henri Wilder reveals where he's improved as a player this season

Henri Wilder says he will take massive positives out of the season with Tamworth despite an agonising finish to the campaign .
The Lambs were leading contenders for promotion from the Southern Premier Central , second in the table but level on points and with three games in hand on leaders Peterborough Sports .
But the coronavirus outbreak has cut things short and the season has been declared null and void with no planned promotions or relegations .
For former Mansfield Town defender Wilder , as with his team-mates , it ’ s a massive blow after eight months of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have put so much into it over the last eight or nine months .
All the lads have brought into everything in training .
“ We ’ ve had lads staying on and training for extra hours and we ’ ve been involved in some big , big games , putting in some massive performances .
So we are obviously gutted .
“ It ’ s not easy but we just have to look at the bigger picture with what is happening right now .
“ We can get back to playing football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t get lives back.
” Wilder says it has been a good season for him as an individual as well as for the team .
“ It ’ s my first proper season in men ’ s football so I am not going to forget anything about it , ” he added .
“ I ’ ve managed about 35 games in total and I ’ d say I have learnt something in every single game I have played .
It ’ s been massive for me .
The management have been superb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance .
We have disagreed at times but they have handled me brilliantly and I couldn ’ t have asked for better managers and team-mates . ''
“ My confidence has really grown .
I didn ’ t talk a lot when I first arrived .
`` But the lads have really brought me out of my shell and that has allowed me to bring some personality into my game .
As a player , I have definitely improved.
” Wilder is now hoping to get back out on the pitch as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will be ?
” he said .
“ None of us know what will happen .
“ I just hope that we all get through this and can start the process of getting football back to the way it was .
“ For me personally , I ’ d love to wear a Tamworth FC shirt again .
I ’ d say a lot of lads would want to finish the job but who knows ?
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
Henri Wilder says he will take massive positives out of the season with Tamworth despite an agonising finish to the campaign.
The Lambs were leading contenders for promotion from the Southern Premier Central, second in the table but level on points and with three games in hand on leaders Peterborough Sports.
But the coronavirus outbreak has cut things short and the season has been declared null and void with no planned promotions or relegations.
For former Mansfield Town defender Wilder, as with his team-mates, it’s a massive blow after eight months of endeavour.
(Image: Paul Barber)
He said: “We have put so much into it over the last eight or nine months. All the lads have brought into everything in training.
“We’ve had lads staying on and training for extra hours and we’ve been involved in some big, big games, putting in some massive performances. So we are obviously gutted.
“It’s not easy but we just have to look at the bigger picture with what is happening right now.
“We can get back to playing football at some point but we can’t get lives back.”
Wilder says it has been a good season for him as an individual as well as for the team.
“It’s my first proper season in men’s football so I am not going to forget anything about it,” he added. “I’ve managed about 35 games in total and I’d say I have learnt something in every single game I have played. It’s been massive for me. The management have been superb.
“They have given me a chance. We have disagreed at times but they have handled me brilliantly and I couldn’t have asked for better managers and team-mates."
“My confidence has really grown. I didn’t talk a lot when I first arrived.
"But the lads have really brought me out of my shell and that has allowed me to bring some personality into my game. As a player, I have definitely improved.”
Wilder is now hoping to get back out on the pitch as soon as possible.
“Who knows when that will be?” he said. “None of us know what will happen.
“I just hope that we all get through this and can start the process of getting football back to the way it was.
“For me personally, I’d love to wear a Tamworth FC shirt again. I’d say a lot of lads would want to finish the job but who knows?”


birminghammail--2020-04-03--'My life was with her' - sister of tragic nurse reveals heartache

The devastated sister of a devoted Walsall nurse who died from coronavirus has revealed the heartache of losing her 'queen ' .
Tributes have flooded in for Areema Nasreen , 36 , after she passed away in the early hours of this morning ( April 3 ) .
The mum-of-three had been fighting for her life at Walsall Manor Hospital - where she had worked - for around two weeks after contracting the deadly virus .
Just last week , her sister Kazeema Afzal said her condition had `` improved `` - and it was hoped she could slowly be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time : `` She is my queen and is truly loved by everyone - always putting others first . ''
But tragically , despite the `` amazing '' care she received and the well-wishes from thousands of people nationwide , Areema lost her fight with Covid-19 this morning .
Her heartbroken sibling told Black Country Live : `` I lost my amazing sister , how will I live without her ? ''
Kazeema , who also works at the hospital , added : `` Everything we done together .
She left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with so many memories .
I want to run and never look back .
`` My life was with her . ''
The nurse , who is believed to have had diet-controlled diabetes , has been described as an `` absolute heroine '' by Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan .
He is one of many people to post heartfelt tributes on social media .
Another emotional post from a fellow nurse and friend said : `` She was the most loveliest , genuine person you could ever meet , she went above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I ’ m so grateful that I had the honour to call her my best friend , she saw me at my best and my worst and accepted my every flaw .
`` I am so broken that words can ’ t explain .
I can ’ t believe I will not see your smile again .
You made me the nurse that I am today , with your support , motivation and inspiration . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
The devastated sister of a devoted Walsall nurse who died from coronavirus has revealed the heartache of losing her 'queen'.
Tributes have flooded in for Areema Nasreen, 36, after she passed away in the early hours of this morning (April 3).
The mum-of-three had been fighting for her life at Walsall Manor Hospital - where she had worked - for around two weeks after contracting the deadly virus.
Just last week, her sister Kazeema Afzal said her condition had "improved " - and it was hoped she could slowly be removed from a ventilator.
She said at the time: "She is my queen and is truly loved by everyone - always putting others first."
But tragically, despite the "amazing" care she received and the well-wishes from thousands of people nationwide, Areema lost her fight with Covid-19 this morning.
Her heartbroken sibling told Black Country Live: "I lost my amazing sister, how will I live without her?"
Kazeema, who also works at the hospital, added: "Everything we done together. She left me alone.
"She left me with so many memories. I want to run and never look back.
"My life was with her."
The nurse, who is believed to have had diet-controlled diabetes, has been described as an "absolute heroine" by Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan.
He is one of many people to post heartfelt tributes on social media.
Another emotional post from a fellow nurse and friend said: "She was the most loveliest, genuine person you could ever meet, she went above and beyond for everyone she met.
"I’m so grateful that I had the honour to call her my best friend, she saw me at my best and my worst and accepted my every flaw.
"I am so broken that words can’t explain. I can’t believe I will not see your smile again. You made me the nurse that I am today, with your support, motivation and inspiration."


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Police issue stark warning to 'stay at home' despite mini-heatwave

Sunseekers have been begged to stay at home despite forecasters predicting temperatures climbing to 20C in many areas of the UK this weekend .
The cold snap will be replaced by much milder values with long sunny spells also forecast .
Health experts have urged people not to ignore official guidance issued amid the coronavirus pandemic - despite the warmest day of the year so far expected on Sunday .
It should turn a lot warmer with temperatures reaching 21C ( 70F ) in the southeast and values ranging from 16C ( 61F ) to 19C ( 66F ) in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officials and police forces are hoping people exasperated by the coronavirus lockdown do not use the Spring-like weather to head to beaches and beauty spots .
Prof Jonathan Van Tam , the deputy chief medical officer for England , told The Guardian : `` Whatever the weather , we all have a shared responsibility to protect those around us , and the single most important action we can all take in fighting coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives . ''
Many police forces are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afield after many days in self-isolation - with some ignoring social distancing advice already .
Officers in tourist hotspots like the Lake District are still having to warn visitors to leave the area and go home despite the widely-publicised restrictions on movement .
Cumbria assistant chief constable Andy Slattery said he was concerned that people might try to take advantage of the good weather conditions .
He said : “ I am worried that people [ who ] had decided to stay at home , now a week , 10 days in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get in the car and go here or there.
” Sussex Police stated : `` The legislation has been introduced to prevent , protect against , delay or otherwise control the spread of coronavirus . ''
West Midlands Police posted : `` This is a national emergency and we all need to play our part to stop the spread of the virus .
Officers and PCSOs will be visible in your community to make sure everybody is following the social distancing restrictions .
`` The social distancing restrictions apply to everybody .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and work with us to keep you safe . ''
Meanwhile , messages will be pumped out on social media in London from Friday urging people to resist the mini-heatwave and stay inside .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Sunseekers have been begged to stay at home despite forecasters predicting temperatures climbing to 20C in many areas of the UK this weekend.
The cold snap will be replaced by much milder values with long sunny spells also forecast.
Health experts have urged people not to ignore official guidance issued amid the coronavirus pandemic - despite the warmest day of the year so far expected on Sunday.
It should turn a lot warmer with temperatures reaching 21C (70F) in the southeast and values ranging from 16C (61F) to 19C (66F) in many other parts of the country.
Officials and police forces are hoping people exasperated by the coronavirus lockdown do not use the Spring-like weather to head to beaches and beauty spots.
Prof Jonathan Van Tam, the deputy chief medical officer for England, told The Guardian: "Whatever the weather, we all have a shared responsibility to protect those around us, and the single most important action we can all take in fighting coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives."
Many police forces are braced for people choosing to venture further afield after many days in self-isolation - with some ignoring social distancing advice already.
Officers in tourist hotspots like the Lake District are still having to warn visitors to leave the area and go home despite the widely-publicised restrictions on movement.
(Image: PA)
Cumbria assistant chief constable Andy Slattery said he was concerned that people might try to take advantage of the good weather conditions.
He said: “I am worried that people [who] had decided to stay at home, now a week, 10 days in, may be thinking they’ll just get in the car and go here or there.”
Sussex Police stated: "The legislation has been introduced to prevent, protect against, delay or otherwise control the spread of coronavirus."
West Midlands Police posted: "This is a national emergency and we all need to play our part to stop the spread of the virus. Officers and PCSOs will be visible in your community to make sure everybody is following the social distancing restrictions.
"The social distancing restrictions apply to everybody. We trust that everyone will follow the advice and work with us to keep you safe."
Meanwhile, messages will be pumped out on social media in London from Friday urging people to resist the mini-heatwave and stay inside.


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Aston Villa have donated nearly 2,000 items to NHS

Aston Villa have donated food and drinks to the National Health Service as part of their contribution to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic .
A total of nearly 2,000 items have been sent to the NHS , with around 1,300 drinks , 300 packets of crisps and 200 chocolate bars sent to staff fighting on the frontline in hostpitals .
Those items would usually have been sold on matchday but , with the Premier League suspending all play until April 30 at the earliest , but Villa have made the classy gesture of giving them to the University Hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trust ’ s City Hospital earlier this week .
The club have also helped out with security barriers , with 40 which would also be used on matchday given to Birmingham Women ’ s and Children ’ s Hospitals to help the hospitals manage the movement of people entering and exiting the buildings .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who himself has tested positive for Covid-19 , implemented lockdown measures on the country last week that has restricted the movement of the general public as the reality starts to bite .
So far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus with 33,718 confirmed cases .
“ We ’ ve all seen how hard doctors , nurses and NHS staff are working to combat the spread of Coronavirus , and they need all the support they can get right now , '' Guy Ripon of the club 's foundation told the Express and Star .
“ We ’ ve been in constant dialogue with key stakeholders in the city about ways that we can provide support where it is most needed .
“ Aston Villa will always look to support the needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this week has provided two instances of that .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Aston Villa have donated food and drinks to the National Health Service as part of their contribution to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
A total of nearly 2,000 items have been sent to the NHS, with around 1,300 drinks, 300 packets of crisps and 200 chocolate bars sent to staff fighting on the frontline in hostpitals.
Those items would usually have been sold on matchday but, with the Premier League suspending all play until April 30 at the earliest, but Villa have made the classy gesture of giving them to the University Hospitals Birmingham Charity and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust’s City Hospital earlier this week.
The club have also helped out with security barriers, with 40 which would also be used on matchday given to Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospitals to help the hospitals manage the movement of people entering and exiting the buildings.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who himself has tested positive for Covid-19, implemented lockdown measures on the country last week that has restricted the movement of the general public as the reality starts to bite.
So far the UK has reported 2,921 deaths from the virus with 33,718 confirmed cases.
“We’ve all seen how hard doctors, nurses and NHS staff are working to combat the spread of Coronavirus, and they need all the support they can get right now," Guy Ripon of the club's foundation told the Express and Star.
“We’ve been in constant dialogue with key stakeholders in the city about ways that we can provide support where it is most needed.
“Aston Villa will always look to support the needs of its community, where possible, and this week has provided two instances of that.”


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Judge Rinder breaks down as he reveals grandfather's death from coronavirus

Robert Rinder 's grandfather has died of coronavirus at the age of 92 .
The barrister and TV judge , who himself fell ill with the virus last month , said his grandfather died of `` this terrible disease '' on Wednesday night .
The 41-year-old , stylised as Judge Rinder , announced the news during a tearful appearance on This Morning during which he urged the public to remain optimistic about the nation 's efforts to combat the outbreak .
He told hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford that his grandfather had `` survived the Second World War '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and conspired to see joy in the world '' .
Speaking via video call , he said : `` As much as there is terrible and appalling news out there , we also as a community , as neighbours , as a country , need to remember that there are thousands of people who are recovering from this disease every single day , that our police are doing their very best , our front-line workers are too - and that we , as a nation , are responding positively .
`` That is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have wanted to share .
`` Whenever I saw him , which was very often , I loved him very much , it was : 'What good news is there , son ? '
`` That 's something that that generation reminds us all of .
It has been a challenging time but I remember him in that positive way . ''
He said people can choose to `` drown ourselves in the negativity and the horror , or choose to galvanise ourselves to be at our very best '' .
Rinder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovering from coronavirus and seeing out his time in self-isolation .
Describing his symptoms , he said : `` Terrible temperature , appalling cough and lying with my feet on the ground .
`` My head on the bed , in a coma watching the Kardashians .
So I must have been really ill . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Robert Rinder's grandfather has died of coronavirus at the age of 92.
The barrister and TV judge, who himself fell ill with the virus last month, said his grandfather died of "this terrible disease" on Wednesday night.
The 41-year-old, stylised as Judge Rinder, announced the news during a tearful appearance on This Morning during which he urged the public to remain optimistic about the nation's efforts to combat the outbreak.
He told hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford that his grandfather had "survived the Second World War" and was a man who "determined and conspired to see joy in the world".
Speaking via video call, he said: "As much as there is terrible and appalling news out there, we also as a community, as neighbours, as a country, need to remember that there are thousands of people who are recovering from this disease every single day, that our police are doing their very best, our front-line workers are too - and that we, as a nation, are responding positively.
"That is absolutely the message that I know he would have wanted to share.
"Whenever I saw him, which was very often, I loved him very much, it was: 'What good news is there, son?'
"That's something that that generation reminds us all of. It has been a challenging time but I remember him in that positive way."
(Image: ITV)
He said people can choose to "drown ourselves in the negativity and the horror, or choose to galvanise ourselves to be at our very best".
Rinder appeared on This Morning last month after recovering from coronavirus and seeing out his time in self-isolation.
Describing his symptoms, he said: "Terrible temperature, appalling cough and lying with my feet on the ground.
"My head on the bed, in a coma watching the Kardashians. So I must have been really ill."


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Man charged over stealing nurse's laptop and bank cards from car

A 37-year-old man has been charged with stealing a laptop and bank cards from a district nurse 's car amid @ @ @ @ @ Police said Gareth Gilson was arrested after the nurse found her car window had been @ @ @ @ @ patients in Bilborough on March 31 .
Gilson , of Minver Crescent , has been @ @ @ @ @ counts of fraud by false representation after the nurse 's bank cards were found to @ @ @ @ @ shops , the force added .
He has been remanded into custody to appear at @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
There has been a rapid increase in positive coronavirus cases reported across the @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
So far , there are 33,718 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country and @ @ @ @ @ died after contracting the virus .
Figures from Public Heath England show that 28,221 of @ @ @ @ @ .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A 37-year-old man has been charged with stealing a laptop and bank cards from a district nurse's car amid the coronavirus crisis.
Nottinghamshire Police said Gareth Gilson was arrested after the nurse found her car window had been smashed following visits to her patients in Bilborough on March 31.
Gilson, of Minver Crescent, has been charged with theft and five counts of fraud by false representation after the nurse's bank cards were found to have been used in several shops, the force added.
He has been remanded into custody to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Friday.
There has been a rapid increase in positive coronavirus cases reported across the UK over the past few weeks.
So far, there are 33,718 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country and sadly 2,921 people have now died after contracting the virus.
Figures from Public Heath England show that 28,221 of those cases are in England.


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Patient charged over coughing in nurse's face claiming to have coronavirus

A hospital patient has been charged with deliberately coughing in the face of a nurse and claiming to have coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ , was charged with common assault of an emergency worker at an NHS hospital after @ @ @ @ @ to cover his mouth at around 6.30am on March 26 , Nottinghamshire Police said .
@ @ @ @ @ `` Nottinghamshire Police takes assaults on emergency services workers extremely seriously and protecting the health @ @ @ @ @ extremely important during the current coronavirus pandemic . ''
Payne , of no fixed address @ @ @ @ @ Magistrates ' Court on Friday .
There has been a rapid increase in positive coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ over the past few weeks .
So far , there are 33,718 confirmed COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ 2,921 people have now died after contracting the virus .
Figures from Public Heath England @ @ @ @ @ cases are in England .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A hospital patient has been charged with deliberately coughing in the face of a nurse and claiming to have coronavirus.
Mark Payne, 45, was charged with common assault of an emergency worker at an NHS hospital after a man was asked repeatedly to cover his mouth at around 6.30am on March 26, Nottinghamshire Police said.
Inspector Christine Busuttil said: "Nottinghamshire Police takes assaults on emergency services workers extremely seriously and protecting the health of frontline NHS staff is extremely important during the current coronavirus pandemic."
Payne, of no fixed address, will appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Friday.
There has been a rapid increase in positive coronavirus cases reported across the UK over the past few weeks.
So far, there are 33,718 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country and sadly 2,921 people have now died after contracting the virus.
Figures from Public Heath England show that 28,221 of those cases are in England.


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Mum's lockdown fears for kid who only eats Dairylea Dunkers breadsticks

A mother is concerned over her autistic child ’ s welfare as she only eats the breadsticks in Dairylea Dunkers , with the Coronavirus pandemic tightening supplies in supermarkets .
Alicia-Mae Jones , 12 , only eats the snack and will not eat any other type of food , going through 18 packs on a daily basis .
Her mum , Stacey Smith , 33 , from Worcester , is anxious her daughter won ’ t get enough calories and her health could suffer , after buying limits on items were imposed by supermarkets .
Stacey said : “ She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheese in each box .
“ Friends and family , when they go shopping , pick up the two allowed .
They try to explain the situation to staff but the supermarkets do n't allow you to get anymore .
“ At the minute we are okay but it 's not going to continue forever .
We do n't know how long this lockdown is going to be for .
“ That 's my concern and what I worry about , I need to buy bulk , in case they stop stocking .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hungry she will eat ' but she has had a number of health problems since she was born .
“ On a monthly basis , the price of these Dunkers costs more than my rent .
It 's £2.25 for a box of four , which she will easily eat before lunch .
“ You are looking at around 18 packs a day , at over £10 a day .
It 's a lot of money and it 's pretty much the same as my monthly house rent.
” At birth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition in newborn babies .
She was also diagnosed with visual impairment at six months old , autism at two and then liquid on the brain at four , which required a shunt to clear the fluid .
It puts her at risk of contracting Coronavirus , meaning mum Stacey has to self-isolate to protect her daughter .
She continued : “ People assume I have just given what she wants , but Alicia has all these problems .
“ The dietician has said to leave her without food for days if she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has gone three days without eating before .
“ She does n't eat the cheese so she does n't get her calcium fix .
People comment on her size , but she has been on steroids for her conditions .
“ She has vitamin drops so we can keep her healthy .
“ Her hair , skin , nails are all fine .
Alicia is bigger than average , but she has the same condition as Harvey Price .
“ People can be so ignorant and have been saying nasty things about my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some .
“ Toby Stringer , who runs a Facebook page called Plate One Up and Pass It On which is supporting people struggling to get food , has kindly got us some .
“ He has turned up a few times , paid for out of his own pocket , and left us some Dairylea Dunkers on the doorstep.
” Stacey said that the issues around Alicia ’ s eating started at 12 months old after they tried to move her onto more solid foods .
She explained : “ We were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a baby , which she was absolutely fine with .
“ But when we moved onto solids , she started to gag and refused to eat it at weaning age , which is 12 months .
She would even headbutt the wall .
“ The dietician told us to try dry food and let her feed herself , with the breadsticks being the only thing she stuck too .
“ For a week or two , she really liked sweet potatoes but then could n't eat those .
“ Anything and everything we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vegetables , she would n't have .
It would all get thrown to the side .
“ She does n't have crisps , chocolate , cake , ice cream , so it 's not like she solely eats bad food .
“ She had a phase of trying McDonald 's fries , but that 's closed now anyway .
`` Alicia does try new things , but it does not stick .
These Dunkers are the only thing that has consistently had .
“ I 've been a single parent for 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my own .
She has so many medical issues , so it 's not an easy job .
“ When people say she will end up blind because of her diet , it 's really cruel as she is visually impaired anyway .
“ People saying 'Oh she is a big girl it wo n't hurt it ' well it will .
You try and not eat for days .
To be called a lazy parent is shocking .
“ Every meal that I eat , I plate up for her as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If she does n't eat it , I wo n't force her as she has a multitude of medical issues and that 's not her fault .
“ Friends and family do go out and try to help us .
However , they 've got their own kids , so it 's a case of them grabbing packs when they can .
“ Everybody 's in the same situation .
Some people are n't even leaving their house and trying to get deliveries online , so it is really concerning .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has done it before .
It really is a nightmare situation.
” Towards the end of March , supermarkets introduced a range of new measures to keep stores open and shelves stocked during the lockdown .
Opening hours have been altered and some chains have increased worker pay as panic buying continues across the UK .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A mother is concerned over her autistic child’s welfare as she only eats the breadsticks in Dairylea Dunkers, with the Coronavirus pandemic tightening supplies in supermarkets.
Alicia-Mae Jones, 12, only eats the snack and will not eat any other type of food, going through 18 packs on a daily basis.
Her mum, Stacey Smith, 33, from Worcester, is anxious her daughter won’t get enough calories and her health could suffer, after buying limits on items were imposed by supermarkets.
Stacey said: “She only eats the breadstick and not the cheese in each box.
“Friends and family, when they go shopping, pick up the two allowed. They try to explain the situation to staff but the supermarkets don't allow you to get anymore.
“At the minute we are okay but it's not going to continue forever. We don't know how long this lockdown is going to be for.
“That's my concern and what I worry about, I need to buy bulk, in case they stop stocking.
“People have commented that 'If she is hungry she will eat' but she has had a number of health problems since she was born.
“On a monthly basis, the price of these Dunkers costs more than my rent. It's £2.25 for a box of four, which she will easily eat before lunch.
“You are looking at around 18 packs a day, at over £10 a day. It's a lot of money and it's pretty much the same as my monthly house rent.”
(Image: SWNS.com)
At birth, Alicia-Mae suffered from gastroschisis, a bowel condition in newborn babies.
She was also diagnosed with visual impairment at six months old, autism at two and then liquid on the brain at four, which required a shunt to clear the fluid.
It puts her at risk of contracting Coronavirus, meaning mum Stacey has to self-isolate to protect her daughter.
(Image: SWNS.com)
She continued: “People assume I have just given what she wants, but Alicia has all these problems.
“The dietician has said to leave her without food for days if she refuses to eat anything else. She has gone three days without eating before.
“She doesn't eat the cheese so she doesn't get her calcium fix. People comment on her size, but she has been on steroids for her conditions.
“She has vitamin drops so we can keep her healthy.
“Her hair, skin, nails are all fine. Alicia is bigger than average, but she has the same condition as Harvey Price.
“People can be so ignorant and have been saying nasty things about my child. We are managing to get some.
“Toby Stringer, who runs a Facebook page called Plate One Up and Pass It On which is supporting people struggling to get food, has kindly got us some.
“He has turned up a few times, paid for out of his own pocket, and left us some Dairylea Dunkers on the doorstep.”
Stacey said that the issues around Alicia’s eating started at 12 months old after they tried to move her onto more solid foods.
She explained: “We were doing the pureed veg when she was a baby, which she was absolutely fine with.
“But when we moved onto solids, she started to gag and refused to eat it at weaning age, which is 12 months. She would even headbutt the wall.
“The dietician told us to try dry food and let her feed herself, with the breadsticks being the only thing she stuck too.
“For a week or two, she really liked sweet potatoes but then couldn't eat those.
“Anything and everything we piled on her plate, carrot sticks, vegetables, she wouldn't have. It would all get thrown to the side.
“She doesn't have crisps, chocolate, cake, ice cream, so it's not like she solely eats bad food.
“She had a phase of trying McDonald's fries, but that's closed now anyway.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"Alicia does try new things, but it does not stick. These Dunkers are the only thing that has consistently had.
“I've been a single parent for 12 years. I have done this on my own. She has so many medical issues, so it's not an easy job.
“When people say she will end up blind because of her diet, it's really cruel as she is visually impaired anyway.
“People saying 'Oh she is a big girl it won't hurt it' well it will. You try and not eat for days. To be called a lazy parent is shocking.
“Every meal that I eat, I plate up for her as well. I don't just give up. If she doesn't eat it, I won't force her as she has a multitude of medical issues and that's not her fault.
“Friends and family do go out and try to help us. However, they've got their own kids, so it's a case of them grabbing packs when they can.
“Everybody's in the same situation. Some people aren't even leaving their house and trying to get deliveries online, so it is really concerning.
“I know she will not eat as she has done it before. It really is a nightmare situation.”
Towards the end of March, supermarkets introduced a range of new measures to keep stores open and shelves stocked during the lockdown.
Opening hours have been altered and some chains have increased worker pay as panic buying continues across the UK.


birminghammail--2020-04-03--The TOP TEN Brum hotspots where drivers were caught using bus lanes

The top ten list of Birmingham hotspots where drivers have been caught out for driving in bus lanes has been revealed .
Birmingham City Council released the figures in response to a Freedom of Information Request made by the Local Democracy Reporting Service .
It shows the top ten locations where cameras picked up drivers in bus lanes for the 2018/19 year after the council previously revealed it made a total of £2.1 million from 70,430 fines issued .
St Martin 's Queensway - A total of 9,744 penalty charge notices ( PCNs ) were handed out to drivers using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the city centre which is open only to buses , bicycles and taxis .
That means an average of 27 drivers were caught out per day .
Corporation Street - Next up was Corporation Street in the city centre , with 9,109 fines handed out .
Part of the road is closed to all traffic except trams .
Bordesley Green East - Bordesley Green East near the entrance to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital at Little Bromwich saw 6,026 drivers caught out by the bus lane which takes up the left hand side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - A total of 5,186 drivers travelling out from the centre were caught on Lichfield Road at the junction with Grosvenor Road in Ashted .
Lichfield Road - Further south on Lichfield Road , where it meets Rocky Lane , 4,980 fines were handed out to drivers .
Bordesley Green East - Drivers travelling east on Bordesley Green East from Station Road at Stechford were issued 4,282 fines .
Bordesley Green East - Further west on Bordesley Green East at Eastfield Road in Little Bromwich , 4,070 fines were handed out .
Bull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city centre , which is in places closed off to all vehicles except trams , 3,585 fines were issued .
The Priory Queensway - Elsewhere in the city centre , 3,514 fines were handed out after drivers strayed onto The Priory Queensway south bound , which is closed to all traffic except buses , taxis and bicycles .
Pershore Road - Finally , 3,262 drivers were caught out after going into the bus lane while driving north on Pershore Road between Pebble Mill Road and Priory Road in Moor Green .
These ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fines handed out that year .
Birmingham City Council states on its website : “ The fine for driving in a bus lane or bus only street is £60 , reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days of the Penalty Charge Notice ( PCN ) being issued .
You will not receive points on your license .
“ Money the council receives from bus lane fines pays for the cost of enforcement .
“ This includes : the camera system ; maintenance of bus lane signs and lines ; printing and postage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and process PCNs and appeals .
“ Any money left over must be used to improve public transport and roads .
”

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
The top ten list of Birmingham hotspots where drivers have been caught out for driving in bus lanes has been revealed.
Birmingham City Council released the figures in response to a Freedom of Information Request made by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
It shows the top ten locations where cameras picked up drivers in bus lanes for the 2018/19 year after the council previously revealed it made a total of £2.1 million from 70,430 fines issued.
(Image: Google Street View)
St Martin's Queensway - A total of 9,744 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were handed out to drivers using St Martin's Queensway under the Bullring in the city centre which is open only to buses, bicycles and taxis. That means an average of 27 drivers were caught out per day.
Corporation Street - Next up was Corporation Street in the city centre, with 9,109 fines handed out. Part of the road is closed to all traffic except trams.
(Image: Google Street View)
Bordesley Green East - Bordesley Green East near the entrance to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital at Little Bromwich saw 6,026 drivers caught out by the bus lane which takes up the left hand side of the road heading west.
Lichfield Road - A total of 5,186 drivers travelling out from the centre were caught on Lichfield Road at the junction with Grosvenor Road in Ashted.
(Image: Google Street View)
Lichfield Road - Further south on Lichfield Road, where it meets Rocky Lane, 4,980 fines were handed out to drivers.
Bordesley Green East - Drivers travelling east on Bordesley Green East from Station Road at Stechford were issued 4,282 fines.
(Image: Google Street View)
Bordesley Green East - Further west on Bordesley Green East at Eastfield Road in Little Bromwich, 4,070 fines were handed out.
Bull Street - At Bull Street in the city centre, which is in places closed off to all vehicles except trams, 3,585 fines were issued.
The Priory Queensway - Elsewhere in the city centre, 3,514 fines were handed out after drivers strayed onto The Priory Queensway south bound, which is closed to all traffic except buses, taxis and bicycles.
Pershore Road - Finally, 3,262 drivers were caught out after going into the bus lane while driving north on Pershore Road between Pebble Mill Road and Priory Road in Moor Green.
These ten locations accounted for three quarters of the fines handed out that year.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Birmingham City Council states on its website: “The fine for driving in a bus lane or bus only street is £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days of the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) being issued. You will not receive points on your license.
“Money the council receives from bus lane fines pays for the cost of enforcement.
“This includes: the camera system; maintenance of bus lane signs and lines; printing and postage to issue PCNs; staff to check and process PCNs and appeals.
“Any money left over must be used to improve public transport and roads.”


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Weston-super-Mare pleads 'stay away' as UK set for 20C weekend warmth

A popular seaside town which often sees Brummies flock to it has issued a stark warning amid the coronavirus outbreak : `` Stay away . ''
The tourist board for Weston-super-Mare has urged Brits - including Brummies - to stay away this weekend .
It comes as media reports surface of Britain enjoying a mini-heatwave , with temperatures set to reach the low-twenties .
In Birmingham , the mercury will hit as high as 18C , with Brummies facing the prospect of being stuck indoors amid the glorious sunshine .
Amid the coronavirus lockdown , the tourist board told BirminghamLive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , quite literally , people were staying at home just as the Government is advising . ''
They added : `` But the weather is set to be sunny for the coming weekend , so Visit Weston , the official tourist board for Weston-super-Mare and temporarily known as Don ’ t Visit Weston , is repeating its call for people to stay away .
We know it ’ s hard being stuck at home , but please do not even think about leaving the safe environment of your four walls to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The weather for this weekend is set to be glorious , and as tempting as it will be to soak up the sun on Weston seafront , we must once again remind you to stay at home .
`` Unfortunately , too many people are choosing not to take this message seriously and it is still the case that when the sun shines , our open spaces fill up with visitors and it is not safe .
`` Do not risk the health of your family and the families of others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beaches , promenade and parks .
The more stringently we follow the advice from the Government and the experts , the sooner we will defeat Coronavirus and the sooner Weston-super-Mare will welcome everybody back . ''
`` Stay at home ; enjoy your garden , dust off the barbecue , bask on your balcony or throw open your windows , '' they concluded .
Caroline Darlington , Tourism Manager for Weston-super-Mare town council , said “ It goes against the grain to discourage visitors to Weston-super-Mare .
`` We have wonderful fresh air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be able to enjoy them in health when the time is right .
At the moment , the time is definitely not right so all we can do is ask for patience .
`` We ’ ll be happy to welcome visitors with our usual friendly smiles just as soon as the Government tells the country that it ’ s safe to travel again .
`` Even those of us locals who live in Weston-super-Mare outside reasonable walking distance to the beach can ’ t enjoy the pleasures of our home town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sacrifice to pay in order to keep one another safe and well . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A popular seaside town which often sees Brummies flock to it has issued a stark warning amid the coronavirus outbreak: "Stay away."
The tourist board for Weston-super-Mare has urged Brits - including Brummies - to stay away this weekend.
It comes as media reports surface of Britain enjoying a mini-heatwave, with temperatures set to reach the low-twenties.
In Birmingham, the mercury will hit as high as 18C, with Brummies facing the prospect of being stuck indoors amid the glorious sunshine.
Amid the coronavirus lockdown, the tourist board told BirminghamLive: "Our message started to hit home, quite literally, people were staying at home just as the Government is advising."
They added: "But the weather is set to be sunny for the coming weekend, so Visit Weston, the official tourist board for Weston-super-Mare and temporarily known as Don’t Visit Weston, is repeating its call for people to stay away. We know it’s hard being stuck at home, but please do not even think about leaving the safe environment of your four walls to come to our beach."
It continued: "The weather for this weekend is set to be glorious, and as tempting as it will be to soak up the sun on Weston seafront, we must once again remind you to stay at home.
"Unfortunately, too many people are choosing not to take this message seriously and it is still the case that when the sun shines, our open spaces fill up with visitors and it is not safe.
"Do not risk the health of your family and the families of others by making unnecessary journeys and crowding our beaches, promenade and parks. The more stringently we follow the advice from the Government and the experts, the sooner we will defeat Coronavirus and the sooner Weston-super-Mare will welcome everybody back."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"Stay at home; enjoy your garden, dust off the barbecue, bask on your balcony or throw open your windows," they concluded.
Caroline Darlington, Tourism Manager for Weston-super-Mare town council, said “It goes against the grain to discourage visitors to Weston-super-Mare.
"We have wonderful fresh air and superb beaches and we want everyone to be able to enjoy them in health when the time is right. At the moment, the time is definitely not right so all we can do is ask for patience.
"We’ll be happy to welcome visitors with our usual friendly smiles just as soon as the Government tells the country that it’s safe to travel again.
"Even those of us locals who live in Weston-super-Mare outside reasonable walking distance to the beach can’t enjoy the pleasures of our home town, but it’s a small sacrifice to pay in order to keep one another safe and well."


birminghammail--2020-04-03--Aston Villa continue to pay staff as clamour for Premier League wage cut grows

Aston Villa 's situation regarding paying wages to non-playing staff is under regular review , according to a report in the national press as the clamour for Premier League players to take a wage cut grows .
The Guardian say that the club are paying their staff as normal and that causal employees who were due to work the March 14 match against Chelsea were paid even though the match has been postponed .
Villa 's clash with Chelsea was due to be held at Villa Park and was the first game postponed as the Football Assosciation and Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all matches until April 3 , with the hiatus then extended to April 30 .
Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have already taken advantage of the government 's furlough scheme .
Meanwhile , Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter and AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe have both taken pay cuts .
Matt Hancock , the health secretary , called on Premier League players to take a pay cut in order to help their clubs continue to pay non-playing staff .
“ I think everybody needs to play their part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League footballers too , '' he said yesterday .
“ Given the sacrifices people are making , including some of my colleagues in the NHS , who have made the ultimate sacrifice and gone into work and caught the disease and have sadly died , I think the first thing Premier League footballers can do is make a contribution ; take a pay cut and play their part .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Aston Villa's situation regarding paying wages to non-playing staff is under regular review, according to a report in the national press as the clamour for Premier League players to take a wage cut grows.
The Guardian say that the club are paying their staff as normal and that causal employees who were due to work the March 14 match against Chelsea were paid even though the match has been postponed.
Villa 's clash with Chelsea was due to be held at Villa Park and was the first game postponed as the Football Assosciation and Premier League took the unprecedented step of calling off all matches until April 3, with the hiatus then extended to April 30.
Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have already taken advantage of the government's furlough scheme.
Meanwhile, Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter and AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe have both taken pay cuts.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, called on Premier League players to take a pay cut in order to help their clubs continue to pay non-playing staff.
“I think everybody needs to play their part in this national effort and that means Premier League footballers too," he said yesterday.
“Given the sacrifices people are making, including some of my colleagues in the NHS, who have made the ultimate sacrifice and gone into work and caught the disease and have sadly died, I think the first thing Premier League footballers can do is make a contribution; take a pay cut and play their part.”