birminghammail--2020-04-18--It hurt to breathe but no one would test me for coronavirus

Back in March , weeks before lockdown , I fell very ill from what may have been coronavirus .
After what felt like an eternity of being in isolation , I am only now finally feeling more like my normal self .
It 's been a rough few weeks bouncing back from a virus that I ca n't officially identify due to lack of testing for coronavirus .
All I know is it dragged me from being able and independent to being barely able to breathe and doing simple tasks .
The experience was incredibly scary .
But eading other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to feel like I was n't alone in all this .
So here is my story .
The first night I felt ill I had just returned from London , a few weeks before lockdown was put in place .
My body was aching and hot and I had a runny nose .
To be honest , I thought it was nothing more than the sniffles and I 'd be back to normal in a day or two .
But the next morning - a Tuesday - it was hard to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sweating and my head hurt from the dehydration .
Still , I pulled myself up and got to work .
I 'd missed the morning meeting by the time I was able to scrape myself up , I sat at my desk and was there 10 minutes before a colleague came over and asked me why I was in if I was feeling so drained .
As soon as my manager heard I was ill , she sent me home .
I thought it was dramatic at first , I was more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I went home to rest up and hoped that I 'd be able to go back to work in a day or two .
I spent the whole week in bed trying to get bette .
But by the Friday , it hurt to breathe outside when I went to grab some shopping .
The pain stayed there even when I was resting and I could feel myself breathing heavier and coughing like I had something stuck .
I woke up at 4am on Saturday morning feeling like I had something tied around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was coughing harder and struggling even more to get my breath back .
I called 111 for advice and was told to wait for a call back from one of their clinicians .
The clinician asked me all the standard questions and said they wanted me to be checked out by paramedics .
The ambulance came to me quickly and I had to get down stairs from my flat to open the gate to them .
What would normally be an ordinary part of my day , felt like a trek down a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS Heroes Please pledge your support for all the amazing NHS staff who are battling the coronavirus crisis on the frontline .
At BirminghamLive , we ’ re proud to be part of the Reach nationwide NHS Heroes campaign , launched to make sure all these incredible people know exactly how much they mean to the nation .
We ’ re asking you to show them love by helping us create a living map of gratitude from every corner of Britain .
By dropping a heart on our online map , you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily in the NHS .
To pledge your support , just go to Thanks A Million NHS .
Add your postcode to put a heart on the map and show your support for the heroes of the NHS .
And please do share the page to encourage others to show their support too .
We also want to hear your stories of NHS Heroes too - it could be something as simple as bringing cakes in for the team or making endless cups of tea to looking after each other 's children when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to swap shifts even when caring for people at home .
Please email details of your hero to zoe.chamberlain @ reachplc.com - we 'd love to feature them .
You can also read heartwarming stories on in our # BrumKIND campaign I got out of the gate and leaned against the wall , coughing harder and gasping for air .
I could barely keep myself up right .
There were workmen in a van outside staring at me .
I was hoping it did n't scare them too much as the paramedics walked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They took me in the ambulance to check me over .
My heart rate was high , I had a slight fever and my oxygen levels were on 98 % which was fine but my respiration count was high .
I was taken into Heartlands Hospital where they also checked me over .
The receptionist had asked the doctor if he ruled out COVID-19 before I went for a scan on my chest but he just looked at me out of the corner of his eye and did n't answer and just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I had a chest X-Ray to check for blood clots in the lungs which came back clear .
They listened for fluid on my chest but my airways were clear .
What was I trying to cough up if there was nothing there ?
Then I had my blood results .
The doctor said it looked 'viral ' but said that because my vitals were fine they were n't going to swab me because they would n't need to keep me in .
I was advised to follow up with my GP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my surgery on the following Monday .
He told me they were going to treat it as COVID-19 and I needed to isolate until the March 30 , take paracetamol and call for help if my breathing got any worse .
It was only later on that day when I almost passed out from going down the stairs to collect some painkillers that my colleagues had dropped off outside for me , when I realised I needed to go back .
I called for help again - heart rate was high , oxygen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above the range they 'd need to keep me in but my fever was higher .
I was taken back to Heartlands Hospital as amber risk for sepsis .
They checked me over in a small side room that smelled like chlorine , advised me to rest and go steady .
I was discharged again because I was n't critical .
Despite my teary pleas for someone to tell me what was wrong with me - no one would tell me what virus I had .
I needed to know to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I had , but that 's the problem with restricted testing .
I was crying not only because I did n't know what was wrong with me while I was in pain but because I felt guilty about being around others while I was ill .
They sent me home in an ambulance , where the paramedic said he was writing on my notes 'suspected COVID ' because 'that 's what they believe it is . '
I had to rest and get myself together .
My friends and family did their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was eating and being there for my mental health .
My colleagues also checked in with me almost everyday to make sure I was getting through it well - something which I 'm aware not many people have had during this time .
I spent a lot of my time sleeping , even just having a wash would exhaust me .
It took just over a week for the coughing and breathlessness to subside but the exhaustion definitely lingered for a while after .
I 've never been taken down by anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to again .
Now I 'm better and I 'm not required to isolate .
But of course I will still be staying safe at home under lockdown .
It 's hard on the mental health , living alone and restricted in leaving the house .
But if it saves one life , it has to be worth it .

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
Back in March, weeks before lockdown, I fell very ill from what may have been coronavirus.
After what felt like an eternity of being in isolation, I am only now finally feeling more like my normal self.
It's been a rough few weeks bouncing back from a virus that I can't officially identify due to lack of testing for coronavirus.
All I know is it dragged me from being able and independent to being barely able to breathe and doing simple tasks.
The experience was incredibly scary. But eading other brave people talk about their symptoms helped me to feel like I wasn't alone in all this.
So here is my story.
Becoming sick
The first night I felt ill I had just returned from London, a few weeks before lockdown was put in place.
My body was aching and hot and I had a runny nose.
To be honest, I thought it was nothing more than the sniffles and I'd be back to normal in a day or two.
But the next morning - a Tuesday - it was hard to get up.
My legs ached, I was sweating and my head hurt from the dehydration. Still, I pulled myself up and got to work.
I'd missed the morning meeting by the time I was able to scrape myself up, I sat at my desk and was there 10 minutes before a colleague came over and asked me why I was in if I was feeling so drained.
As soon as my manager heard I was ill, she sent me home.
I thought it was dramatic at first, I was more than certain it was just flu but I went home to rest up and hoped that I'd be able to go back to work in a day or two.
I spent the whole week in bed trying to get bette.
But by the Friday, it hurt to breathe outside when I went to grab some shopping. The pain stayed there even when I was resting and I could feel myself breathing heavier and coughing like I had something stuck.
Struggling to breathe
I woke up at 4am on Saturday morning feeling like I had something tied around my chest, squeezing me.
I was coughing harder and struggling even more to get my breath back. I called 111 for advice and was told to wait for a call back from one of their clinicians.
The clinician asked me all the standard questions and said they wanted me to be checked out by paramedics.
The ambulance came to me quickly and I had to get down stairs from my flat to open the gate to them. What would normally be an ordinary part of my day, felt like a trek down a mountain.
Show your support for our NHS Heroes Please pledge your support for all the amazing NHS staff who are battling the coronavirus crisis on the frontline. At BirminghamLive, we’re proud to be part of the Reach nationwide NHS Heroes campaign, launched to make sure all these incredible people know exactly how much they mean to the nation. We’re asking you to show them love by helping us create a living map of gratitude from every corner of Britain. By dropping a heart on our online map, you’re saying you appreciate the efforts undertaken daily in the NHS. To pledge your support, just go to Thanks A Million NHS. Add your postcode to put a heart on the map and show your support for the heroes of the NHS. And please do share the page to encourage others to show their support too. We also want to hear your stories of NHS Heroes too - it could be something as simple as bringing cakes in for the team or making endless cups of tea to looking after each other's children when no childcare is available and being available to swap shifts even when caring for people at home. Please email details of your hero to zoe.chamberlain@reachplc.com - we'd love to feature them. You can also read heartwarming stories in our #BrumKIND campaign Thank you
I got out of the gate and leaned against the wall, coughing harder and gasping for air. I could barely keep myself up right.
There were workmen in a van outside staring at me. I was hoping it didn't scare them too much as the paramedics walked towards me in masks and protective gear.
They took me in the ambulance to check me over. My heart rate was high, I had a slight fever and my oxygen levels were on 98% which was fine but my respiration count was high.
I was taken into Heartlands Hospital where they also checked me over.
The receptionist had asked the doctor if he ruled out COVID-19 before I went for a scan on my chest but he just looked at me out of the corner of his eye and didn't answer and just insisted on checking for clots. Reassuring.
I had a chest X-Ray to check for blood clots in the lungs which came back clear. They listened for fluid on my chest but my airways were clear.
What was I trying to cough up if there was nothing there?
Then I had my blood results. The doctor said it looked 'viral' but said that because my vitals were fine they weren't going to swab me because they wouldn't need to keep me in.
I was advised to follow up with my GP over the phone, so I called my surgery on the following Monday. He told me they were going to treat it as COVID-19 and I needed to isolate until the March 30, take paracetamol and call for help if my breathing got any worse.
It was only later on that day when I almost passed out from going down the stairs to collect some painkillers that my colleagues had dropped off outside for me, when I realised I needed to go back.
I called for help again - heart rate was high, oxygen levels on 96% which was still above the range they'd need to keep me in but my fever was higher.
I was taken back to Heartlands Hospital as amber risk for sepsis.
They checked me over in a small side room that smelled like chlorine, advised me to rest and go steady.
I was discharged again because I wasn't critical.
Despite my teary pleas for someone to tell me what was wrong with me - no one would tell me what virus I had.
I needed to know to be able to tell people I'd been around what I had, but that's the problem with restricted testing.
I was crying not only because I didn't know what was wrong with me while I was in pain but because I felt guilty about being around others while I was ill.
They sent me home in an ambulance, where the paramedic said he was writing on my notes 'suspected COVID' because 'that's what they believe it is.'
Resting and recovery
I had to rest and get myself together. My friends and family did their best to support me with making sure I was eating and being there for my mental health.
My colleagues also checked in with me almost everyday to make sure I was getting through it well - something which I'm aware not many people have had during this time.
I spent a lot of my time sleeping, even just having a wash would exhaust me. It took just over a week for the coughing and breathlessness to subside but the exhaustion definitely lingered for a while after.
I've never been taken down by anything like that before and I hope never to again.
Now I'm better and I'm not required to isolate.
But of course I will still be staying safe at home under lockdown.
It's hard on the mental health, living alone and restricted in leaving the house.
But if it saves one life, it has to be worth it.


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Speeding driver hit three cop cars but avoids jail due to coronavirus

A disqualified driver damaged three police vehicles during a high-speed chase in Birmingham - but avoided jail because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Mohammed Hamzabutt , 20 , also missed a pedestrian by inches during the 10 minute pursuit .
Judge Paul Farrer QC said the defendant had shown a `` repeated and flagrant disregard for the rules of the road . ''
But continued : `` These are exceptional times and I am going to take what I view as an exceptional course .
`` It may well be you have had a lucky escape today . ''
Hamzabutt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had previously admitted dangerous driving and driving while disqualified .
He was sentenced to 15 months jail suspended for two years and ordered him to pay £500 compensation .
Birmingham Crown Court was told that despite the fact that the defendant was disqualified he had bought a Volkswagen Golf and was driving it at 2.30pm on October 29 last year in Alum Rock .
When officers tried to stop him he accelerated away and was involved in a `` prolonged '' police pursuit through residential areas for over five miles .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of the road , forcing other drivers to take evasive action .
Hamzabutt drove through one light partly on the pavement and through a second at a pedestrian crossing .
He reached speeds of up to 70mph on roads with a 30mph limit that were heavy with pedestrians .
At one point his tyres became deflated and he drove on the rims with sparks coming off but continued to try and get away .
On another occasion he drove the wrong way round a traffic island .
Judge Farrer said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pavement to avoid being boxed in by pursuing police vehicles .
`` In doing so you came within feet if not inches of striking an innocent member of the public with potential fatal consequences . ''
He said the only reason she was not hit was because she had the presence of mind to flee to the central reservation .
`` You also struck and damaged three police cars . ''
The judge added : `` The pursuit only ended when you crashed into the back of a car that was waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sufficient for that car to be shunted into the path of oncoming cars who then had to take avoiding action . ''
The driver of that vehicle , a BMW , suffered whip lash injuries as a result .
Miohammed Riaz , defending said Hamzabutt was immature , suffered from depression and anxiety and two years ago his father had taken his own life .
He said fortunately no-one else had been injured to a significant degree .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
A disqualified driver damaged three police vehicles during a high-speed chase in Birmingham - but avoided jail because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mohammed Hamzabutt, 20, also missed a pedestrian by inches during the 10 minute pursuit.
Judge Paul Farrer QC said the defendant had shown a "repeated and flagrant disregard for the rules of the road."
But continued: "These are exceptional times and I am going to take what I view as an exceptional course.
"It may well be you have had a lucky escape today."
Hamzabutt, of Cobham Road, Bordesley Green, had previously admitted dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.
He was sentenced to 15 months jail suspended for two years and ordered him to pay £500 compensation.
Birmingham Crown Court was told that despite the fact that the defendant was disqualified he had bought a Volkswagen Golf and was driving it at 2.30pm on October 29 last year in Alum Rock.
When officers tried to stop him he accelerated away and was involved in a "prolonged" police pursuit through residential areas for over five miles.
During the pursuit he drove on the wrong side of the road, forcing other drivers to take evasive action.
Hamzabutt drove through one light partly on the pavement and through a second at a pedestrian crossing.
He reached speeds of up to 70mph on roads with a 30mph limit that were heavy with pedestrians.
At one point his tyres became deflated and he drove on the rims with sparks coming off but continued to try and get away.
On another occasion he drove the wrong way round a traffic island.
Judge Farrer said: "You drove at one stage on to the pavement to avoid being boxed in by pursuing police vehicles.
"In doing so you came within feet if not inches of striking an innocent member of the public with potential fatal consequences."
He said the only reason she was not hit was because she had the presence of mind to flee to the central reservation.
"You also struck and damaged three police cars."
The judge added: "The pursuit only ended when you crashed into the back of a car that was waiting to turn right.
"The force was sufficient for that car to be shunted into the path of oncoming cars who then had to take avoiding action."
The driver of that vehicle, a BMW, suffered whip lash injuries as a result.
Miohammed Riaz, defending said Hamzabutt was immature, suffered from depression and anxiety and two years ago his father had taken his own life.
He said fortunately no-one else had been injured to a significant degree.


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Stalker battered woman and posted nude picture to her brother

An obsessed thug brutally battered a woman before launching a stalking campaign - including sending a naked picture of her to her brother .
Events management worker Denver Holt also threatened to post intimate pictures of the victim on Facebook .
The 28-year-old , of Inverness Road , Northfield , was jailed for 18 months after he admitted assault and stalking .
Birmingham Crown Court heard he attacked the mum-of-three in a van , punching her repeatedly in the face , on October 26 last year .
He caused substantial bruising to her face , knocked out two of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then left without calling an ambulance , but was arrested four days late .
After he was bailed he contacted her repeatedly by sending her up to 100 messages a day - in breach of his bail conditions .
He accused her of being with another man and said he wished he had killed her .
`` He also threatened to post intimate photos of her in a state of undress on Facebook so that members of her family could see them , '' said Alison Scott-Jones , prosecuting .
She said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On November 1 the victim returned home to find her front door open after Holt messaged that he had stabbed her TV and smashed up part of her home .
Four days later the victim received a call from her father who said her brother had received a naked picture of her and video on Facebook .
Miss Scott-Jones said on hearing that the woman had been `` physically sick . ''
In a statement , the victim said she had become a 'shell ' of her former self and was scared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kern , defending , said Holt was determined to take steps to address his offending behaviour .
He was deeply ashamed of his actions , Mr Kern added .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
An obsessed thug brutally battered a woman before launching a stalking campaign - including sending a naked picture of her to her brother.
Events management worker Denver Holt also threatened to post intimate pictures of the victim on Facebook.
The 28-year-old, of Inverness Road, Northfield, was jailed for 18 months after he admitted assault and stalking.
Birmingham Crown Court heard he attacked the mum-of-three in a van, punching her repeatedly in the face, on October 26 last year.
He caused substantial bruising to her face, knocked out two of her teeth and chipped another one.
Holt then left without calling an ambulance, but was arrested four days late.
After he was bailed he contacted her repeatedly by sending her up to 100 messages a day - in breach of his bail conditions.
He accused her of being with another man and said he wished he had killed her.
"He also threatened to post intimate photos of her in a state of undress on Facebook so that members of her family could see them," said Alison Scott-Jones, prosecuting.
She said he also sent the victim an indecent picture.
On November 1 the victim returned home to find her front door open after Holt messaged that he had stabbed her TV and smashed up part of her home.
Four days later the victim received a call from her father who said her brother had received a naked picture of her and video on Facebook.
Miss Scott-Jones said on hearing that the woman had been "physically sick."
In a statement, the victim said she had become a 'shell' of her former self and was scared of what Holt might do.
Joshua Kern, defending, said Holt was determined to take steps to address his offending behaviour.
He was deeply ashamed of his actions, Mr Kern added.


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Bike security team protecting city centre streets during lockdown

People who think they can sneak unnoticed into Birmingham city centre during the coronavirus lockdown are facing yet another deterrent .
Joining the network of CCTV cameras and police units are teams of Retail BID patrol officers who have just been given an injection of pace thanks to their new set of mountain bikes .
The delivery means they will not only be keeping fitter and taking the weight off their feet .
But they will be able to ask the police to feel the collars of ne'er-do-wells even more quickly than Bradley Wiggins can trim his sideburns .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city centre unless they are a key worker with a job to do .
Or if they live there and need to buy essential items on foot or to exercise .
All of which means the increasingly conspicuous few who are seen out and about should be prepared to be asked what they are doing .
Now , Retail BID Birmingham has bought four mountain bikes to enable its patrol officers to cover large parts of the city centre swiftly during the coronavirus lockdown .
The Business Improvement District ’ s high-vis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police and neighbouring BIDs to protect closed businesses as well as essential stores that are still training .
With two dedicated walking and cycling routes to follow , the BID officers are regularly checking that all premises remain secure while ensuring that anti-social behaviour is minimised .
Working throughout the week and keeping in touch via the City Safe digital radio network , the Retail BID officers are also helping to keep doctors and nurses safe as they travel to and from Birmingham Children 's Hospital .
Sam Watson runs Selfridges as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been supporting local businesses through a levy since 2007 .
“ During these very worrying times we appreciate the concerns of members , '' she said .
`` The Retail BID team of Business Patrol Officers are continuing to offer a full security service each day for businesses , offering support for the essential food stores , chemists and banks as well as offering high-visibility protection for business premises that have had to close .
“ Our dedicated Retail BID Patrol Officers were adamant they wanted to continue to patrol the city centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores still open and offer high-visibility protection for business premises that are closed .
“ The BID ’ s investment in four mountain bikes will enable the team to respond quickly to any incidents and help their daily patrols as they continue to carry out a vital role in the city centre .
`` We are here to help our members in any way possible.
” In December , team member Bryan Edwards used his first aid skills to administer a bleed kit after a teenager had been stabbed in the Bullring Recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plants to soften the built-up environment as well as an annual jetwashing programme to keep the street surfaces looking sparkling fresh .
This service began in April last year just in time for the opening of the world 's biggest Primark and has made a massive different to how the city looks .
The only problem now is getting people back in to the city see for themselves what a difference it has all made .

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
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
People who think they can sneak unnoticed into Birmingham city centre during the coronavirus lockdown are facing yet another deterrent.
Joining the network of CCTV cameras and police units are teams of Retail BID patrol officers who have just been given an injection of pace thanks to their new set of mountain bikes.
The delivery means they will not only be keeping fitter and taking the weight off their feet.
But they will be able to ask the police to feel the collars of ne'er-do-wells even more quickly than Bradley Wiggins can trim his sideburns.
(Image: Retail BID Birmingham)
The city centre routine
Most people no longer need to be in the city centre unless they are a key worker with a job to do.
Or if they live there and need to buy essential items on foot or to exercise.
All of which means the increasingly conspicuous few who are seen out and about should be prepared to be asked what they are doing.
Now, Retail BID Birmingham has bought four mountain bikes to enable its patrol officers to cover large parts of the city centre swiftly during the coronavirus lockdown.
(Image: Retail BID Birmingham)
The Business Improvement District’s high-vis security team is working with West Midlands Police and neighbouring BIDs to protect closed businesses as well as essential stores that are still training.
With two dedicated walking and cycling routes to follow, the BID officers are regularly checking that all premises remain secure while ensuring that anti-social behaviour is minimised.
Working throughout the week and keeping in touch via the City Safe digital radio network, the Retail BID officers are also helping to keep doctors and nurses safe as they travel to and from Birmingham Children's Hospital.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Sam Watson runs Selfridges as well as chairing Retail BID Birmingham which has been supporting local businesses through a levy since 2007.
“During these very worrying times we appreciate the concerns of members," she said.
"The Retail BID team of Business Patrol Officers are continuing to offer a full security service each day for businesses, offering support for the essential food stores, chemists and banks as well as offering high-visibility protection for business premises that have had to close.
“Our dedicated Retail BID Patrol Officers were adamant they wanted to continue to patrol the city centre and they continue to assist those essential stores still open and offer high-visibility protection for business premises that are closed.
“The BID’s investment in four mountain bikes will enable the team to respond quickly to any incidents and help their daily patrols as they continue to carry out a vital role in the city centre.
"We are here to help our members in any way possible.”
In December, team member Bryan Edwards used his first aid skills to administer a bleed kit after a teenager had been stabbed in the Bullring
Clean as a whistle
Recent improvements funded by the BID include extra plants to soften the built-up environment as well as an annual jetwashing programme to keep the street surfaces looking sparkling fresh.
This service began in April last year just in time for the opening of the world's biggest Primark and has made a massive different to how the city looks.
The only problem now is getting people back in to the city see for themselves what a difference it has all made.


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Will Birmingham's German Market be back this year? City council gives update

Will we see the return of Birmingham 's German Market as part of the Christmas calendar for 2020 ?
It 's a question some have been asking .
However , Britain is on lockdown .
Many events later this year have been cancelled and large public gatherings are not permitted .
That leaves us stuck indoors or pacing around the back garden - and venturing out only for daily exercise that takes us past pubs and cafes that are normally open .
So you might well be dreaming far ahead to a time when you can stand around outside with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wine while tucking into bratwursts , chips and sugary snacks .
Yes , you guessed it , the German Market is already on some people 's minds .
But will it go ahead and , if so , what are the dates ?
In 2019 , the festive event - known officially as Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market - was here from November 7 to December 23 .
It was the first time in recent years the attraction had not ended on a Sunday but continued for another day ( though ending on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With the assumption that lockdown will be well and truly over by then , meaning the market will be back as normal , similar dates can be expected .
And while tourism sites Visit Birmingham and European Best Destinations are provisionally giving the exact same dates for the German Market this year , the organisers have said no such thing .
We think it 's more likely that we can expect the dates to be from November 5 ( it tends to start on a Thursday ) to December 23 - if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are in uncertain times and any coronavirus restrictions on travel and events could still have an impact if the crisis is not over by then .
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson told Birmingham Live : `` Planning for this year ’ s Frankfurt Christmas Market began in January .
`` This is the case every year , given the complex logistics involved .
`` We are monitoring the situation and any updates to the Government ’ s advice as part of this process – and therefore details of this year 's event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year . ''
Some of this winter 's festive events elsewhere in the UK have already been scrapped .
In Bury St Edmunds , the council has cancelled the Christmas Fayre , saying it was following instructions from the Government not to tie up public and emergency services in events so that they could concentrate on dealing with the impact of Covid-19 instead .
According to a report on Cambridgeshire Live , John Griffiths , the leader of West Suffolk Council , said : `` We know how popular the fayre is and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have taken this decision .
“ But in the circumstances , and when you see events like the Olympics being postponed , it is the right one .
`` Planning for the Christmas Fayre is a massive task and much has to be planned or booked now .
`` Postponing it this year means we and our emergency service partners can continue to concentrate on helping our businesses and communities through this difficult time . ''
Not far away from there , Lavenham Christmas Fair has also been cancelled .
Organisers told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not without a great deal of deliberation that the decision to cancel the 2020 event was made and with no certainty that life will be back to normal by Christmas , we firmly believe it to be the correct one .
`` We would like to assure businesses , residents and visitors that we are very optimistic that Lavenham Christmas Fair will return better and stronger in 2021 . ''
• We will bring you all the details of whether Birmingham 's German Christmas Market will go ahead - and , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are confirmed .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year
Will we see the return of Birmingham's German Market as part of the Christmas calendar for 2020?
It's a question some have been asking.
However, Britain is on lockdown. Many events later this year have been cancelled and large public gatherings are not permitted.
That leaves us stuck indoors or pacing around the back garden - and venturing out only for daily exercise that takes us past pubs and cafes that are normally open.
So you might well be dreaming far ahead to a time when you can stand around outside with all your friends, supping beer and wine while tucking into bratwursts, chips and sugary snacks.
Yes, you guessed it, the German Market is already on some people's minds.
But will it go ahead and, if so, what are the dates?
In 2019, the festive event - known officially as Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market - was here from November 7 to December 23.
It was the first time in recent years the attraction had not ended on a Sunday but continued for another day (though ending on the same date as in 2018).
With the assumption that lockdown will be well and truly over by then, meaning the market will be back as normal, similar dates can be expected.
And while tourism sites Visit Birmingham and European Best Destinations are provisionally giving the exact same dates for the German Market this year, the organisers have said no such thing.
We think it's more likely that we can expect the dates to be from November 5 (it tends to start on a Thursday) to December 23 - if the market does indeed go ahead.
But we are in uncertain times and any coronavirus restrictions on travel and events could still have an impact if the crisis is not over by then.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson told Birmingham Live: "Planning for this year’s Frankfurt Christmas Market began in January.
"This is the case every year, given the complex logistics involved.
"We are monitoring the situation and any updates to the Government’s advice as part of this process – and therefore details of this year's event will not be announced until later this year."
Some of this winter's festive events elsewhere in the UK have already been scrapped.
In Bury St Edmunds, the council has cancelled the Christmas Fayre, saying it was following instructions from the Government not to tie up public and emergency services in events so that they could concentrate on dealing with the impact of Covid-19 instead.
According to a report on Cambridgeshire Live, John Griffiths, the leader of West Suffolk Council, said: "We know how popular the fayre is and it is with a heavy heart we have taken this decision.
“But in the circumstances, and when you see events like the Olympics being postponed, it is the right one.
"Planning for the Christmas Fayre is a massive task and much has to be planned or booked now.
"Postponing it this year means we and our emergency service partners can continue to concentrate on helping our businesses and communities through this difficult time."
Not far away from there, Lavenham Christmas Fair has also been cancelled.
Organisers told The East Anglian Daily Times: "It was not without a great deal of deliberation that the decision to cancel the 2020 event was made and with no certainty that life will be back to normal by Christmas, we firmly believe it to be the correct one.
"We would like to assure businesses, residents and visitors that we are very optimistic that Lavenham Christmas Fair will return better and stronger in 2021."


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Are you a Midlands pub expert? Take our quiz to find out

The Black Country is home to some bostin ' pubs - although it 's been a few weeks since they were last open .
Hopefully it wo n't be too long before we 're able to prop up the bar again or soak up the sunshine in the beer garden - and when we are , there 's plenty to choose from .
It does n't matter if you 're a real ale fan or prefer a fancy flavoured gin , there 's something to suit all tastes , whether they 're slap-bang in the middle of bustling town centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve up delicious pub grub , while others leave you to pad out the booze with a crusty cob and pork scratchings .
From the barely-touched beauties to the brand new establishments doing their level best to deliver a been-here-forever atmosphere , every single one is weird and wonderful in its own way .
But how many are you familiar with ?
Take the quiz below and see how you fare .
So , how did you get on ?
With any luck you should have been able to identify your local , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boozers from further afield ?
We like to encourage a bit of healthy competition , so why not challenge your friends to see if they can beat your score ?
The loser can get the first round in when the pub doors finally reopen .
Do n't forget to share on your social media platforms too .
You can also post your score in the comments section below .

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 Black Country is home to some bostin' pubs - although it's been a few weeks since they were last open.
Hopefully it won't be too long before we're able to prop up the bar again or soak up the sunshine in the beer garden - and when we are, there's plenty to choose from.
It doesn't matter if you're a real ale fan or prefer a fancy flavoured gin, there's something to suit all tastes, whether they're slap-bang in the middle of bustling town centres or hidden down unlikely alleyways.
Some serve up delicious pub grub, while others leave you to pad out the booze with a crusty cob and pork scratchings.
From the barely-touched beauties to the brand new establishments doing their level best to deliver a been-here-forever atmosphere, every single one is weird and wonderful in its own way.
But how many are you familiar with?
Take the quiz below and see how you fare.
So, how did you get on? With any luck you should have been able to identify your local, but did you recognise any of the boozers from further afield?
We like to encourage a bit of healthy competition, so why not challenge your friends to see if they can beat your score? The loser can get the first round in when the pub doors finally reopen.
Don't forget to share on your social media platforms too. You can also post your score in the comments section below.


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Manchester City ace makes worrying Raul Jimenez transfer claim

Ilkay Gundogan believes Wolves hit man Raul Jimenez could play with him at Manchester City .
The German was asked about the Premier League 's top strikers , before comparing Wolves ' Mexican with Robert Lewandowski .
`` I think he has everything a world-class striker needs , '' Gundogan told ESPN .
`` For a striker he is so mobile , but also physically so good and talented technically on the ball .
I can imagine him playing with us . ''
`` Maybe [ he 's ] not on that level yet , but he reminds me a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I 've played with him .
`` In terms of style I think there is still a lot of potential . ''
Gundogan , of course , was on the City side that got beat twice by Wolves in October and December , with Jimenez excelling in both games .
`` Sometimes it 's so difficult to predict , '' Gundogan said of Jimenez , who has 22 goals from 45 appearances this season .
`` A player can have all the quality and everything it takes to play for a big-six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams in the world but then sometimes it happens and it does n't work out .
`` It 's not because of the player or the club , sometimes it 's just the environment , it 's the wrong timing .
It 's so difficult to predict but I think [ Jimenez ] would get a chance in every single top-six team and there 's a good possibility he could do well . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Ilkay Gundogan believes Wolves hit man Raul Jimenez could play with him at Manchester City.
The German was asked about the Premier League's top strikers, before comparing Wolves' Mexican with Robert Lewandowski.
"I think he has everything a world-class striker needs," Gundogan told ESPN .
"For a striker he is so mobile, but also physically so good and talented technically on the ball. I can imagine him playing with us."
(Image: PA)
"Maybe [he's] not on that level yet, but he reminds me a little bit of [Robert] Lewandowski because I've played with him.
"In terms of style I think there is still a lot of potential."
Gundogan, of course, was on the City side that got beat twice by Wolves in October and December, with Jimenez excelling in both games.
"Sometimes it's so difficult to predict," Gundogan said of Jimenez, who has 22 goals from 45 appearances this season.
"A player can have all the quality and everything it takes to play for a big-six team or to play for the best teams in the world but then sometimes it happens and it doesn't work out.
"It's not because of the player or the club, sometimes it's just the environment, it's the wrong timing. It's so difficult to predict but I think [Jimenez] would get a chance in every single top-six team and there's a good possibility he could do well."


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Newcastle close in on takeover deal - what impact could it have?

Takeover talk has been resurrected once more in Newcastle , and considering the figures that are being bandied about , you can forgive the Toon Army for getting excited - as a huge takeover deal looks to be going ahead that will provide Steve Bruce 's team with enough wealth to dwarf Wolves and Aston Villa .
Reports earlier this month claimed the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund ( PiF ) was moving closer to a £300m takeover of the club from Mike Ashley - which now seems to be a £350m takeover of the club with Amanda Staveley 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deal .
Combine that with movement on Companies House that indicate talks between Ashley and Staveley , and fans have been talking .
After a number of false dawns , could this finally be the moment Magpies fans have long been waiting for ?
Billionaire Ashley has often expressed his willingness to sell the club , but has yet to confirm that any talks have taken place over the latest offer .
The Saudi fund , headed by Yasir Al-Rumayyan , is rumoured to be teaming up with businesswomen Amanda Staveley , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Along with the billionaire Reuben brothers , they had reportedly registered a company called NCUK Investment Limited - but focus remains on a company linked to a Toon takeover last year - Staveley 's Cantervale Limited , which ties in a Reuben company and PiF funding .
Together - that represents funding from Staveley , the Saudi PiF and the Reuben Brothers , in a complex web of an arrangement .
Companies House documents filed by Ashley 's lawyers and his company St James Holdings have agreed to loan a sum of at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while legal framework for the massive deal is being set up .
It has n't yet been confirmed , but it is a lot of evidence that hints at takeover action .
Until a takeover is confirmed , it is unclear how much each party would actually put into the club .
But the Saudi fund is said to manage assets worth a staggering £257bn , while the Reuben Brothers are worth £18.6bn , according to the current Sunday Times Rich List , while Staveley , well connected with investors in the Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £115 million .
Just a small proportion of that considerable wealth would be enough to give Newcastle ’ s potential new owners the kind of riches to dwarf those of their Premier League rivals and it will likely eclipse the wealth of Midlands clubs Villa and Wolves .
Take a look for yourself : MAN CITY - Abu Dhabi Group / Sheikh Mansour .
Net Worth £17.7bn : The 2008 takeover of City changed the face of English football , turning the previously inconsistent Blues into a footballing powerhouse .
Since ending a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win in 2011 , the club have not looked back , claiming four league titles and an unprecedented treble in 2019 .
CHELSEA - Roman Abramovich .
Net Worth £9.2bn : Russian-Israeli Abramovich bought the Blues in 2003 and has overseen an era of unprecedented success at the club , including the winning of five Premier League titles .
However , the crowning glory of the Abramovich era came in 2012 when the club lifted the Champions League .
ARSENAL - Stan Kroenke .
Net Worth £8bn : The American tycoon ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US sports teams , including the NFL ’ s LA Rams and NBA side Denver Nuggets .
Kroenke , who took over Arsenal in 2011 , also owns a number of sports arenas and media ventures .
WOLVES - Fosun International / Guo Guangchang .
Net Worth £5.4bn : The Chinese investment company ’ s arrival in the Black Country has seen Wolves transformed from a middling Championship side to a Premier League heavyweight who are among the favourites to win this year ’ s Europa League .
ASTON VILLA - Nassef Sawiris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sawiris £4.6bn , Eden £2bn : Egyptian construction billionaire Sawiris and American businessman Eden rescued the struggling Midlands club from the ownership of Dr Tony Xia in July 2018 .
The two have overseen the Villans ’ return to the top flight and funded a complete overhaul of Dean Smith ’ s squad in the summer of 2019 .
Best of the rest ...

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Aidan McCartney, James Rushton)

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
Takeover talk has been resurrected once more in Newcastle, and considering the figures that are being bandied about, you can forgive the Toon Army for getting excited - as a huge takeover deal looks to be going ahead that will provide Steve Bruce's team with enough wealth to dwarf Wolves and Aston Villa.
Reports earlier this month claimed the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PiF) was moving closer to a £300m takeover of the club from Mike Ashley - which now seems to be a £350m takeover of the club with Amanda Staveley's PCP group as the 'face' of the deal.
Combine that with movement on Companies House that indicate talks between Ashley and Staveley, and fans have been talking.
After a number of false dawns, could this finally be the moment Magpies fans have long been waiting for?
Billionaire Ashley has often expressed his willingness to sell the club, but has yet to confirm that any talks have taken place over the latest offer.
The Saudi fund, headed by Yasir Al-Rumayyan, is rumoured to be teaming up with businesswomen Amanda Staveley, a long-time pursuer of the club. Along with the billionaire Reuben brothers, they had reportedly registered a company called NCUK Investment Limited - but focus remains on a company linked to a Toon takeover last year - Staveley's Cantervale Limited, which ties in a Reuben company and PiF funding.
Together - that represents funding from Staveley, the Saudi PiF and the Reuben Brothers, in a complex web of an arrangement.
Companies House documents filed by Ashley's lawyers and his company St James Holdings have agreed to loan a sum of at least £150m to Staveley's company, while legal framework for the massive deal is being set up.
It hasn't yet been confirmed, but it is a lot of evidence that hints at takeover action.
Until a takeover is confirmed, it is unclear how much each party would actually put into the club. But the Saudi fund is said to manage assets worth a staggering £257bn, while the Reuben Brothers are worth £18.6bn, according to the current Sunday Times Rich List, while Staveley, well connected with investors in the Middle East has a reported net worth of £115 million.
Just a small proportion of that considerable wealth would be enough to give Newcastle’s potential new owners the kind of riches to dwarf those of their Premier League rivals and it will likely eclipse the wealth of Midlands clubs Villa and Wolves.
Take a look for yourself:
The top five richest Premier League owners
MAN CITY - Abu Dhabi Group / Sheikh Mansour. Net Worth £17.7bn: The 2008 takeover of City changed the face of English football, turning the previously inconsistent Blues into a footballing powerhouse. Since ending a 35-year trophy drought with an FA Cup win in 2011, the club have not looked back, claiming four league titles and an unprecedented treble in 2019.
CHELSEA - Roman Abramovich. Net Worth £9.2bn: Russian-Israeli Abramovich bought the Blues in 2003 and has overseen an era of unprecedented success at the club, including the winning of five Premier League titles. However, the crowning glory of the Abramovich era came in 2012 when the club lifted the Champions League.
(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
ARSENAL - Stan Kroenke. Net Worth £8bn: The American tycoon’s KSE company also owns a number of US sports teams, including the NFL’s LA Rams and NBA side Denver Nuggets. Kroenke, who took over Arsenal in 2011, also owns a number of sports arenas and media ventures.
WOLVES - Fosun International / Guo Guangchang. Net Worth £5.4bn: The Chinese investment company’s arrival in the Black Country has seen Wolves transformed from a middling Championship side to a Premier League heavyweight who are among the favourites to win this year’s Europa League.
ASTON VILLA - Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens. Net Worth - Sawiris £4.6bn, Eden £2bn: Egyptian construction billionaire Sawiris and American businessman Eden rescued the struggling Midlands club from the ownership of Dr Tony Xia in July 2018. The two have overseen the Villans’ return to the top flight and funded a complete overhaul of Dean Smith’s squad in the summer of 2019.
Best of the rest...
Man United - Glazer Family - £3.8bn.
Tottenham - Joe Lewis £3.7bn.
Crystal Palace - Joshua Harris £3.3bn.
Leicester - Srivaddhanaprabha family - £2.9bn.
Liverpool - Fenway Sports group / John Henry - £2bn.
Newcastle - Mike Ashley £2bn.
Everton - Farhad Moshiri - £1.8bn.
Brighton - Tony Bloom £1.3bn.


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Kortney Hause donating everything from debut single to NHS staff

Aston Villa centre-half Kortney Hause is the latest first-team star to throw his support behind the fantastic NHS .
Away from football , the 24-year-old is a modest R & B singer who 's constantly behind a booth recording music in his spare time .
The defender is currently working towards an album after first making his YouTube debut back in 2017 alongside Alpha in Cheques .
Going by the name of Korts , Hause is set to release his first solo single Worth It next week with all proceeds going straight to the NHS .
`` Music has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mine for many years , '' Hause said , `` it is something I do to relax when I am away from my first love , football .
`` With this extra time that most of us now have and the situation we currently all fine ourselves in , I believe it is an ideal time to try to give something back and help support the real heroes that are NHS staff .
`` I will be releasing this single , Worth It , and will be donating all proceeds to our amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service in these extremely difficult times .
`` Stay at home , support the NHS .
Hope you enjoy it . ''
Hause 's new single Worth It will be out on Spotify from Friday , April 24 .

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 centre-half Kortney Hause is the latest first-team star to throw his support behind the fantastic NHS.
Away from football, the 24-year-old is a modest R&B singer who's constantly behind a booth recording music in his spare time.
The defender is currently working towards an album after first making his YouTube debut back in 2017 alongside Alpha in Cheques.
Going by the name of Korts, Hause is set to release his first solo single Worth It next week with all proceeds going straight to the NHS.
"Music has always been a hobby and a passion of mine for many years," Hause said, "it is something I do to relax when I am away from my first love, football.
"With this extra time that most of us now have and the situation we currently all fine ourselves in, I believe it is an ideal time to try to give something back and help support the real heroes that are NHS staff.
"I will be releasing this single, Worth It, and will be donating all proceeds to our amazing NHS who are doing a truly remarkable service in these extremely difficult times.
"Stay at home, support the NHS. Hope you enjoy it."
Hause's new single Worth It will be out on Spotify from Friday, April 24.


birminghammail--2020-04-18--'Unscrupulous' visits sparked concern as £1million cannabis factory found

A massive £1million drugs bust came after 'unscrupulous ' people were spotted visiting a shuttered-up warehouse , it has emerged .
Police smashed one of the city 's biggest cannabis factories , containing an astonishing 1,000 plants , in Alum Rock during a major raid on Friday night , April 17 .
Officers uncovered rows and rows of almost-matured plants spread across several rooms of the two-storey unit in Parkfield Road at around 8pm .
Worried businessmen in the local area had raised the alarm with West Midlands Police , prompting officers to execute an 'emergency ' warrant on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the bust , traders have revealed how the warehouse was shuttered-up for years .
The premises raised suspicions among locals as it remained locked up for a 'very long time ' , sparking fears it was being used to cultivate cannabis .
One business owner said : `` It has been closed up for a long time , I 've noticed a few unscrupulous people going in there , I did raise a few concerns yeah .
`` It 's been closed for a while so it just looked a bit suspicious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a business on the street until six months ago , added : `` To be honest I 've never seen the unit open . ''
Officers uncovered an extensive hydroponics set up inside the warehouse , but no one was inside the property at the time of the raid .
A hunt to find those behind the cannabis farm is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the police .
A statement from West Midlands Police read : `` We executed a warrant at a warehouse premises in Parkfield Road , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 17 April ) following community concerns it was being used to cultivate drugs .
`` Officers forced entry and found up to 1,000 cannabis plants nearing maturity across several rooms of the two-storey property .
An extensive hydroponics set-up was also discovered .
`` The scene is being held by police for examination and clearance .
No-one was in the property at the time ; enquiries continue .
`` Anyone with information is asked to get in touch via Live Chat at WMP Online or by calling 101 quoting log number 4002 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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 massive £1million drugs bust came after 'unscrupulous' people were spotted visiting a shuttered-up warehouse, it has emerged.
Police smashed one of the city's biggest cannabis factories, containing an astonishing 1,000 plants, in Alum Rock during a major raid on Friday night, April 17.
Officers uncovered rows and rows of almost-matured plants spread across several rooms of the two-storey unit in Parkfield Road at around 8pm.
Worried businessmen in the local area had raised the alarm with West Midlands Police, prompting officers to execute an 'emergency' warrant on the building.
(Image: WMP)
Now, in the wake of the bust, traders have revealed how the warehouse was shuttered-up for years.
The premises raised suspicions among locals as it remained locked up for a 'very long time', sparking fears it was being used to cultivate cannabis.
One business owner said: "It has been closed up for a long time, I've noticed a few unscrupulous people going in there, I did raise a few concerns yeah.
"It's been closed for a while so it just looked a bit suspicious."
Another trader, who had a business on the street until six months ago, added: "To be honest I've never seen the unit open."
Officers uncovered an extensive hydroponics set up inside the warehouse, but no one was inside the property at the time of the raid.
(Image: WMP)
A hunt to find those behind the cannabis farm is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the police.
A statement from West Midlands Police read: "We executed a warrant at a warehouse premises in Parkfield Road, Alum Rock just after 8pm on Friday (17 April) following community concerns it was being used to cultivate drugs.
"Officers forced entry and found up to 1,000 cannabis plants nearing maturity across several rooms of the two-storey property. An extensive hydroponics set-up was also discovered.
"The scene is being held by police for examination and clearance. No-one was in the property at the time; enquiries continue.
"Anyone with information is asked to get in touch via Live Chat at WMP Online or by calling 101 quoting log number 4002 from 17 April."/,.


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Charlton boss explains the biggest problem to finishing the season

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has explained the biggest problem with resuming the 2019/20 season at a later date , due to the contract situations for a wealth of players .
The current campaign is currently suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus crisis but the plan is for the season to be completed at a later date by extending the season into the summer months .
However , there are still a number of issues that need to be overcome and Bowyer has identified a huge issue - speaking about the wealth of players in his squad approaching the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players in the Addicks squad see their contracts set to expire on June 30th and Bowyer is n't convinced a universal agreement to extend their deals is not possible .
`` There are so many details that nobody is thinking about and then say you do start playing in the middle of June , you play three games and then you 've got six left to go , then you 've got the contract problems , '' he told TalkSport .
`` Lyle Taylor , his contract finishes on June 30 , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it 's ok UEFA and FIFA saying players have to extend it , but legally they do n't have to .
`` Taylor , who I guess will be going to another club and getting more money , why would he then risk getting a long-term injury ?
`` It 's not just him , I 'm only using him as an example , would they run around and give you everything like they would at any other time and risk having a dream move that will secure him for the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just my team , we 've got 15 that finish on 30th June - six loans and nine players .
So are you telling me that players we 've told we 're not going to extend their contract , then saying we want them for an extra month , they 'd think we 're joking .
`` These are the problems that noone is actually thinking about . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has explained the biggest problem with resuming the 2019/20 season at a later date, due to the contract situations for a wealth of players.
The current campaign is currently suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus crisis but the plan is for the season to be completed at a later date by extending the season into the summer months.
However, there are still a number of issues that need to be overcome and Bowyer has identified a huge issue - speaking about the wealth of players in his squad approaching the end of their deals.
In total, 16 players in the Addicks squad see their contracts set to expire on June 30th and Bowyer isn't convinced a universal agreement to extend their deals is not possible.
"There are so many details that nobody is thinking about and then say you do start playing in the middle of June, you play three games and then you've got six left to go, then you've got the contract problems," he told TalkSport.
"Lyle Taylor, his contract finishes on June 30, if he decides not to extend it, because it's ok UEFA and FIFA saying players have to extend it, but legally they don't have to.
"Taylor, who I guess will be going to another club and getting more money, why would he then risk getting a long-term injury?
"It's not just him, I'm only using him as an example, would they run around and give you everything like they would at any other time and risk having a dream move that will secure him for the rest of his life.
"That's not just my team, we've got 15 that finish on 30th June - six loans and nine players. So are you telling me that players we've told we're not going to extend their contract, then saying we want them for an extra month, they'd think we're joking.
"These are the problems that noone is actually thinking about."


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Conor Hourihane explains Aston Villa's Premier League concerns

Conor Hourihane admits `` the doubt and the worry '' is beginning to kick in with Aston Villa 's Premier League future still undecided .
The 29-year-old is currently in lockdown with the rest of his teammates for the foreseeable future , and gave a frank account of life at home .
`` It 's a strange time at the minute , '' he explained .
`` We 're all in the same boat and we 've got to get on with it .
`` It 's been challenging .
We 've got a programme from the club and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best possible .
`` Training individually is n't easy because we 're very team orientated .
`` It 's hard to replicate , that individual work away from the training ground .
Naturally we 're going to lose match fitness and our levels of fitness .
`` Listen , we 're trying the best we can .
We ca n't complain too much , everyone 's in the same boat in the soccer world .
`` There 's a lot more worse things going on in life at the moment . ''
Hourihane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other guy 's out-training me .
We 're not going to get a pre-season either , really .
`` We 're having as much off-time at the minute as we would have had in the summertime , you know .
`` Our last game was six weeks ago now and it 's going to be an interesting time when we get back , that 's for sure .
`` Clubs and players are looking for that little bit of clarity and answers and nobody really has them .
`` And that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to creep in , what 's going to happen ?
Hopefully it 'll come in the coming weeks . ''
Hourihane , meanwhile , who became a dad for the first time last year , is enjoying spending much more time with his daughter .
`` My daughter 's making all the decisions , '' he laughed , when asked about what he 's upto .
`` I 'm trying to eat healthy every day because usually I 'd have breakfast and lunch at the training ground and we 'd cook one meal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home ( after training ) .
Now I 'm cooking three times a day , it 's things like that you forget about .
`` I 'm trying to enjoy the downtime as well , spending time with my daughter as much as possible because you do n't get chance too much .
`` I tell you one thing , the respect for my partner has gone through the roof because I do n't know how she does it !
`` I 'm all for women after this !
Fair play to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortunate from that point of view and I try to chip in throughout the day . ''
Speaking to Irish radio station Today FM , Hourihane was asked about his favourite Villa Park moments to date after signing back in 2017 .
`` That was a brilliant goal ( against Birmingham City in 2018 ) , I loved that one , what with the rivalry against Birmingham in the city .
`` Honestly the game 's are through the roof , they 're so tense .
The fans are amazing from both sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ atmosphere so special .
That 's right up there .
`` The West Brom goal in the play-offs last year , I ca n't forget that one either .
It was an amazing goal .
`` My first Premier League goal for the club was another box I wanted to tick off as well , I really enjoyed that . ''

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
Conor Hourihane admits "the doubt and the worry" is beginning to kick in with Aston Villa's Premier League future still undecided.
The 29-year-old is currently in lockdown with the rest of his teammates for the foreseeable future, and gave a frank account of life at home.
"It's a strange time at the minute," he explained. "We're all in the same boat and we've got to get on with it.
"It's been challenging. We've got a programme from the club and we're trying to stick to that at best possible.
"Training individually isn't easy because we're very team orientated.
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
"It's hard to replicate, that individual work away from the training ground. Naturally we're going to lose match fitness and our levels of fitness.
"Listen, we're trying the best we can. We can't complain too much, everyone's in the same boat in the soccer world.
"There's a lot more worse things going on in life at the moment."
Hourihane added: "I'm always fearing the other guy's out-training me. We're not going to get a pre-season either, really.
"We're having as much off-time at the minute as we would have had in the summertime, you know.
"Our last game was six weeks ago now and it's going to be an interesting time when we get back, that's for sure.
"Clubs and players are looking for that little bit of clarity and answers and nobody really has them.
"And that's when the doubt and the worry starts to creep in, what's going to happen? Hopefully it'll come in the coming weeks."
Hourihane, meanwhile, who became a dad for the first time last year, is enjoying spending much more time with his daughter.
"My daughter's making all the decisions," he laughed, when asked about what he's upto.
"I'm trying to eat healthy every day because usually I'd have breakfast and lunch at the training ground and we'd cook one meal a night, what with being at home (after training). Now I'm cooking three times a day, it's things like that you forget about.
"I'm trying to enjoy the downtime as well, spending time with my daughter as much as possible because you don't get chance too much.
"I tell you one thing, the respect for my partner has gone through the roof because I don't know how she does it!
"I'm all for women after this! Fair play to her, she's amazing. I'm fortunate from that point of view and I try to chip in throughout the day."
Speaking to Irish radio station Today FM , Hourihane was asked about his favourite Villa Park moments to date after signing back in 2017.
"That was a brilliant goal (against Birmingham City in 2018), I loved that one, what with the rivalry against Birmingham in the city.
"Honestly the game's are through the roof, they're so tense. The fans are amazing from both sides, you know, to make the atmosphere so special. That's right up there.
"The West Brom goal in the play-offs last year, I can't forget that one either. It was an amazing goal.
"My first Premier League goal for the club was another box I wanted to tick off as well, I really enjoyed that."


birminghammail--2020-04-18--A former Birmingham City loanee is pulling up trees in Italy

Birmingham City supporters have been enjoying the trickery and pace of winger Jeremie Bela this season , after his mid-season arrival .
He ’ s not the first Jeremie to pass through the club in recent years , though .
There was of course his namesake Boga , who was signed as part of that rather crazy transfer window during Harry Redknapp ’ s tenure in the summer of 2017 .
Boga came in on a season-long loan from Premier League Chelsea , and continued to feature under Redknapp ’ s successor Steve Cotterill , and had a bit part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ d play 35 times , score twice - including that wonder strike at Sheffield United - and , in an era where Blues ’ history of loan deals ranged from the excellent to the downright ridiculous , Boga was widely considered to be somewhere in between .
Unlikely to have a long-term future in the Chelsea first-team set up , he left Stamford Bridge for good the same summer he returned from St Andrew ’ s .
Boga made for Sassuolo , in Italy ’ s Serie A , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide-man bagged three goals in 27 appearances last term but , prior to the coronavirus pandemic suspending football , he ’ d netted eight goals in 25 outings this .
According to stats website Who Scored , he currently ranks as being the 12th highest performing player in the entire division - it ’ s not exactly a disgrace to be below Cristiano Ronaldo , Edin Dzeko , Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala in such a list .
Sassuolo as a collective aren ’ t achieving anything out of the ordinary - they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their reliance on Boga ’ s contribution , judging by the numbers , is significant .
The Ivorian has certainly moved onto the next level since his stint in royal blue .

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
Birmingham City supporters have been enjoying the trickery and pace of winger Jeremie Bela this season, after his mid-season arrival.
He’s not the first Jeremie to pass through the club in recent years, though.
There was of course his namesake Boga, who was signed as part of that rather crazy transfer window during Harry Redknapp’s tenure in the summer of 2017.
Boga came in on a season-long loan from Premier League Chelsea, and continued to feature under Redknapp’s successor Steve Cotterill, and had a bit part to play under Garry Monk too.
He’d play 35 times, score twice - including that wonder strike at Sheffield United - and, in an era where Blues’ history of loan deals ranged from the excellent to the downright ridiculous, Boga was widely considered to be somewhere in between.
Unlikely to have a long-term future in the Chelsea first-team set up, he left Stamford Bridge for good the same summer he returned from St Andrew’s.
Boga made for Sassuolo, in Italy’s Serie A, and he made an instant impression; the nimble wide-man bagged three goals in 27 appearances last term but, prior to the coronavirus pandemic suspending football, he’d netted eight goals in 25 outings this.
According to stats website Who Scored, he currently ranks as being the 12th highest performing player in the entire division - it’s not exactly a disgrace to be below Cristiano Ronaldo, Edin Dzeko, Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala in such a list.
Sassuolo as a collective aren’t achieving anything out of the ordinary - they’re comfortable in mid-table, but their reliance on Boga’s contribution, judging by the numbers, is significant.
The Ivorian has certainly moved onto the next level since his stint in royal blue.


birminghammail--2020-04-18--A fan favourite whose time at Albion ended in a bitter dispute

For the most part , Thomas Gaardsoe enjoyed his time at West Brom - but he still regrets the sour ending in which both parties parted ways .
The centre half arrived from Ipswich Town for around £500,000 in the summer of 2003 , as Albion boss Gary Megson sought to oversee an immediate return back to the Premier League .
His first campaign at The Hawthorns could scarcely have gone much better ; the Dane earned the player of the year as the Baggies bounced back instantly alongside Norwich City and Crystal Palace .
“ I loved my time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time , West Brom was maybe in a better place and I got a good feeling about it , ” Gaardsoe said in an interview with the East Anglian Daily Times .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com “ I gave it a really good go and it worked out very well .
I played against Ipswich a few games after I moved and scored the first goal , that made a few people at West Brom very happy.
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Derby , Sheffield United and Wigan as Albion finished second , and he played his part as Bryan Robson led the club to the Great Escape a season later .
In 2005 , though , things began to go wrong on the injury front .
Gaardsoe ’ s final appearance in professional football would be in that dreadful 6-1 hammering at Fulham in 2006 as Albion failed to escape the drop second time around .
It was only when he returned to Denmark that Gaardsoe , a former fan favourite in the Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not received adequate medical care in England .
“ I moved back to Denmark and met with some Danish medical specialists , ” he revealed .
“ One of them looked at me and said ‘ I know why you can ’ t play professional football , your body is totally out of order and out of place - you need to be straightened up from the back , the hips and the core ’ .
“ They ( West Brom ) should have seen I was out of order .
That told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weren ’ t so good for me at the time and that was a kick in the teeth .
“ I had an insurance case ongoing and West Brom did their own thing and didn ’ t want to help me .
I spent a lot of money on that over two or three years and never got a result because I was on my own with it .
“ The club didn ’ t help me in that situation because , if they had , I would have been a lot better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost a little bit of respect for the club because they didn ’ t want to help me .
I was off their books so I had to help myself.
” You can read the full interview with the EADT here .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
For the most part, Thomas Gaardsoe enjoyed his time at West Brom - but he still regrets the sour ending in which both parties parted ways.
The centre half arrived from Ipswich Town for around £500,000 in the summer of 2003, as Albion boss Gary Megson sought to oversee an immediate return back to the Premier League.
His first campaign at The Hawthorns could scarcely have gone much better; the Dane earned the player of the year as the Baggies bounced back instantly alongside Norwich City and Crystal Palace.
“I loved my time at Ipswich but I felt, at the time, West Brom was maybe in a better place and I got a good feeling about it,” Gaardsoe said in an interview with the East Anglian Daily Times.
“I gave it a really good go and it worked out very well. I played against Ipswich a few games after I moved and scored the first goal, that made a few people at West Brom very happy.”
He went on to score late goals against Derby, Sheffield United and Wigan as Albion finished second, and he played his part as Bryan Robson led the club to the Great Escape a season later.
In 2005, though, things began to go wrong on the injury front. Gaardsoe’s final appearance in professional football would be in that dreadful 6-1 hammering at Fulham in 2006 as Albion failed to escape the drop second time around.
It was only when he returned to Denmark that Gaardsoe, a former fan favourite in the Black Country, was informed he’d not received adequate medical care in England.
“I moved back to Denmark and met with some Danish medical specialists,” he revealed.
“One of them looked at me and said ‘I know why you can’t play professional football, your body is totally out of order and out of place - you need to be straightened up from the back, the hips and the core’.
“They (West Brom) should have seen I was out of order. That told me that the so-called experts in England weren’t so good for me at the time and that was a kick in the teeth.
“I had an insurance case ongoing and West Brom did their own thing and didn’t want to help me. I spent a lot of money on that over two or three years and never got a result because I was on my own with it.
“The club didn’t help me in that situation because, if they had, I would have been a lot better off.
“I felt like I lost a little bit of respect for the club because they didn’t want to help me. I was off their books so I had to help myself.”
You can read the full interview with the EADT here.


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Aston Villa have rejected three job applications - Stiliyan Petrov

Stiliyan Petrov has revealed he 's applied for jobs at Aston Villa three times - but has been rejected each time .
The 40-year-old retired after failing to earn a contract at Villa in the summer of 2016 after battling back from leukemia .
The Bulgarian has since gained a Masters in sport management , learning alongside the likes of Gaizka Mendieta and ex-Liverpool man Luis Garcia .
Petrov , though , told The Herald he 's been turned down on three separate occasions by Villa for different jobs .
The inspirational midfielder has set his sights on either becoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director at a `` big club '' in the not too distant future .
`` As somebody who played for Celtic , or any big club , if somebody came and said , 'One day would you like to manage [ them ] ? '
of course [ I would ] , '' Petrov explained .
`` It is one of the best things that you can do .
It shows you how good you are as a manager , what you have achieved and you have been appreciated to do the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment they have a very good man as manager , my ex-teammate who is doing a great job .
It ’ s his second spell but , in the future , who knows ?
If you ask Neil Lennon if he would like to be Man United manager or Chelsea manager , of course he is going to say , ‘ Yes ’ .
He won ’ t say , ‘ No ’ .
`` Sometimes we try to make people happy with what we say or don ’ t say but if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you should be aiming to reach these ambitions .
If you want to be a manager at Celtic then you work towards that .
Is it going to happen ?
Who knows ?
Maybe not , maybe yes .
`` Not long ago I did a presentation on management and what is more important – man management or on-the-pitch management .
I asked a manager – I won ’ t mention his name – would you rather be a good man manager or the manager that can put on the best sessions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew the answer .
My answer is the same I would rather be a better man manager than anything else and some managers do complicate it .
`` Martin O ’ Neill was the one that I have really learned a lot from – how to keep things simple , how to manage people , how to communicate with people , with what is important in football .
`` Gordon Strachan is another one , he is a man who had things down to every single detail .
When you balance these two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , maybe you are going to come out with something unique that you can use to further your career – or my career . ''
Petrov , on hopes of getting into management , added : `` Not everything that you believe in will happen but you have to believe that you are going to get into a job some way , you have to keep tracking it , and aim to reach it . ''

Stiliyan Petrov has revealed he's applied for jobs at Aston Villa three times - but has been rejected each time.
The 40-year-old retired after failing to earn a contract at Villa in the summer of 2016 after battling back from leukemia.
The Bulgarian has since gained a Masters in sport management, learning alongside the likes of Gaizka Mendieta and ex-Liverpool man Luis Garcia.
Petrov, though, told The Herald he's been turned down on three separate occasions by Villa for different jobs.
The inspirational midfielder has set his sights on either becoming a manager or working as a sporting director at a "big club" in the not too distant future.
"As somebody who played for Celtic, or any big club, if somebody came and said, 'One day would you like to manage [them]?' of course [I would]," Petrov explained.
"It is one of the best things that you can do. It shows you how good you are as a manager, what you have achieved and you have been appreciated to do the right job.
"But, at the moment they have a very good man as manager, my ex-teammate who is doing a great job. It’s his second spell but, in the future, who knows? If you ask Neil Lennon if he would like to be Man United manager or Chelsea manager, of course he is going to say, ‘Yes’. He won’t say, ‘No’.
"Sometimes we try to make people happy with what we say or don’t say but if you don’t have ambition, you should be aiming to reach these ambitions. If you want to be a manager at Celtic then you work towards that. Is it going to happen? Who knows? Maybe not, maybe yes.
"Not long ago I did a presentation on management and what is more important – man management or on-the-pitch management. I asked a manager – I won’t mention his name – would you rather be a good man manager or the manager that can put on the best sessions on the training pitch? Obviously, I knew the answer. My answer is the same I would rather be a better man manager than anything else and some managers do complicate it.
"Martin O’Neill was the one that I have really learned a lot from – how to keep things simple, how to manage people, how to communicate with people, with what is important in football.
"Gordon Strachan is another one, he is a man who had things down to every single detail. When you balance these two things and take the best of it, maybe you are going to come out with something unique that you can use to further your career – or my career."
Petrov, on hopes of getting into management, added: "Not everything that you believe in will happen but you have to believe that you are going to get into a job some way, you have to keep tracking it, and aim to reach it."


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Public health probe into higher Covid-19 risks and deaths among ethnic groups

The UK Government has ordered research to be done into the `` increased risk and increased deaths '' from coronavirus among ethnic minorities .
Secretary of State for Housing , Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick says Public Health England will look into the issue .
Asked about the effect of coronavirus on those from black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) communities , Mr Jenrick said : `` There does appear to be a disproportionate impact of the virus upon BAME communities in the UK , and we have also seen that in other countries around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chief medical officer commissioned work from Public Health England to better understand this issue . ''
He said it was `` right that we do thorough research swiftly . ''
Prof Stephen Powis , national medical director of NHS England , said of the effect of the virus on BAME communities : `` This is something that I am very concerned about , and I know that the Chief Medical Officer is concerned about too .
`` And I think it 's absolutely right that he 's asked Public Health England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this in detail and get a clear understanding of what might be accounting for increased risks and increased deaths in particular ethnic communities .
`` In NHS England , obviously , we have a number of our staff ... come from those ethnic groups , and we are actively also looking ahead of that work , of what we have to do to support , and , perhaps , protect them specifically . ''
Last week , data on patients with confirmed Covid-19 from the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over-represented compared with the general population .
Of 1,966 patients with Covid-19 , the ICNARC said 64.8 % were white , 13.6 % black , 13.8 % Asian , and 6.6 % were described as other .
Around 7.5 % of the population were Asian and 3.3 % black in the 2011 UK census .
The first 10 doctors named as having died from Covid-19 in the UK were from BAME communities .
The British Medical Association welcomed the review but said must come up with quick solutions to address problems and be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Chaand Nagpaul , chairman of the BMA council , said : `` If the review is to have any meaningful impact , it needs to be informed with real-time data to understand why and how this deadly virus can have such a tragic disproportionate toll on our BAME communities and healthcare workers .
`` This must include daily updates on ethnicity , circumstance and all protected characteristics of all patients in hospital as well as levels of illness in the community , which is not currently recorded .
`` The Government must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastating disparity and protect all sectors of the population equally and now .
That is why the Government must send a directive to every hospital telling them to record the ethnicity of patients who are admitted and succumb to COVID-19 immediately .
`` It also means taking vital steps now to protect our BAME communities until we can develop a detailed understanding of the threats they face .
This could include that those at greatest risk , including older and retired doctors , are not working in potentially infectious settings . ''
Shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review into the `` disturbing impact '' Covid-19 is having on BAME communities , but said it was `` not yet clear whether it will be independent , when it will be concluded and who will be leading it '' .
`` The Government must ensure the review is robust and looks into the underlying structural economic and social inequalities that have affected BAME communities in this crisis , '' she said .
`` It must also urgently record data broken down by ethnicity on the number of people who have died as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastating effect of Covid-19 on BAME communities can not be overstated .
This review must be the first step in ensuring that all communities are equally protected from this virus . ''

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
The UK Government has ordered research to be done into the "increased risk and increased deaths" from coronavirus among ethnic minorities.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick says Public Health England will look into the issue.
Asked about the effect of coronavirus on those from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, Mr Jenrick said: "There does appear to be a disproportionate impact of the virus upon BAME communities in the UK, and we have also seen that in other countries around the world.
"For that reason, the chief medical officer commissioned work from Public Health England to better understand this issue."
(Image: PA)
He said it was "right that we do thorough research swiftly."
Prof Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, said of the effect of the virus on BAME communities: "This is something that I am very concerned about, and I know that the Chief Medical Officer is concerned about too.
"And I think it's absolutely right that he's asked Public Health England, who have the expertise ... to look at this in detail and get a clear understanding of what might be accounting for increased risks and increased deaths in particular ethnic communities.
"In NHS England, obviously, we have a number of our staff ... come from those ethnic groups, and we are actively also looking ahead of that work, of what we have to do to support, and, perhaps, protect them specifically."
Last week, data on patients with confirmed Covid-19 from the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC) suggested ethnic minorities are over-represented compared with the general population.
Of 1,966 patients with Covid-19, the ICNARC said 64.8% were white, 13.6% black, 13.8% Asian, and 6.6% were described as other.
Around 7.5% of the population were Asian and 3.3% black in the 2011 UK census.
The first 10 doctors named as having died from Covid-19 in the UK were from BAME communities.
The British Medical Association welcomed the review but said must come up with quick solutions to address problems and be backed by "real-time data".
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the BMA council, said: "If the review is to have any meaningful impact, it needs to be informed with real-time data to understand why and how this deadly virus can have such a tragic disproportionate toll on our BAME communities and healthcare workers.
"This must include daily updates on ethnicity, circumstance and all protected characteristics of all patients in hospital as well as levels of illness in the community, which is not currently recorded.
"The Government must take every necessary step to address this devastating disparity and protect all sectors of the population equally and now. That is why the Government must send a directive to every hospital telling them to record the ethnicity of patients who are admitted and succumb to COVID-19 immediately.
"It also means taking vital steps now to protect our BAME communities until we can develop a detailed understanding of the threats they face. This could include that those at greatest risk, including older and retired doctors, are not working in potentially infectious settings."
Shadow equalities secretary Marsha de Cordova welcomed the review into the "disturbing impact" Covid-19 is having on BAME communities, but said it was "not yet clear whether it will be independent, when it will be concluded and who will be leading it".
"The Government must ensure the review is robust and looks into the underlying structural economic and social inequalities that have affected BAME communities in this crisis," she said.
"It must also urgently record data broken down by ethnicity on the number of people who have died as a result of Covid-19.
"The devastating effect of Covid-19 on BAME communities cannot be overstated. This review must be the first step in ensuring that all communities are equally protected from this virus."


birminghammail--2020-04-18--Councils ordered to reopen parks and cemeteries to the public

All parks must be open to the public , the Government said at today 's Downing Street briefing on the coronavirus crisis .
Secretary of State for Housing , Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick also said cemeteries should allow public access so families can properly say goodbye to loved ones .
Mr Jenrick told the press conference he had `` made it clear '' to councils that all parks must remain open after some closed their gates in recent weeks .
But he warned people must abide by social distancing rules , and not congregate in the green spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those without gardens or open spaces and that `` people need parks '' , saying they needed to be accessible for `` the health of the nation '' .
Mr Jenrick has also asked councils to keep cemeteries open to allow families to grieve for their loved ones .
He pointed to the death of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab , from Brixton , who died after contracting Covid-19 .
He said the tragedy was compounded after the family could not attend his funeral .
`` That is not right and it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` For clarity , funerals can go ahead with close family present .
`` Social distancing measures must be respected , but families must have the opportunity to say a respectful goodbye to those that they love . ''
The Government will publish further guidance on funerals , Mr Jenrick said , adding : `` I 'm also asking councils to keep open or indeed to reopen cemeteries and graveyards ... for people to make that private visit and seek solace at the grave of someone you 've loved or to privately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times in my life when I have needed to do that .
These are small steps , but small mercies can make a difference . ''

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
All parks must be open to the public, the Government said at today's Downing Street briefing on the coronavirus crisis.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick also said cemeteries should allow public access so families can properly say goodbye to loved ones.
Mr Jenrick told the press conference he had "made it clear" to councils that all parks must remain open after some closed their gates in recent weeks.
(Image: PA)
But he warned people must abide by social distancing rules, and not congregate in the green spaces.
He said lockdown measures were harder for those without gardens or open spaces and that "people need parks", saying they needed to be accessible for "the health of the nation".
Mr Jenrick has also asked councils to keep cemeteries open to allow families to grieve for their loved ones.
He pointed to the death of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, from Brixton, who died after contracting Covid-19.
He said the tragedy was compounded after the family could not attend his funeral.
"That is not right and it shouldn't have happened," he added.
"For clarity, funerals can go ahead with close family present.
"Social distancing measures must be respected, but families must have the opportunity to say a respectful goodbye to those that they love."
The Government will publish further guidance on funerals, Mr Jenrick said, adding: "I'm also asking councils to keep open or indeed to reopen cemeteries and graveyards... for people to make that private visit and seek solace at the grave of someone you've loved or to privately lay flowers.
"There have been times in my life when I have needed to do that. These are small steps, but small mercies can make a difference."