birminghammail--2020-04-19--Hermes driver fearing coronavirus says she is 'risking lives for 70p a parcel'

A Hermes contractor claimed workers were being placed `` at risk '' by making non-essential deliveries for 70p a parcel .
The woman said clothes and shoes were among the packages being sent out to customers buying online from sites like Boohoo and JD Williams .
And the self-employed delivery driver said she feared contracting and passing on coronavirus after studies suggested it could live on cardboard for up to 24 hours .
Hermes said staff and courier safety was a top priority and it was performing vital work .
It could not respond directly to the claim delivery workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rounds were negotiated on an individual basis .
Delivery drivers have been designated key workers in the pandemic but the woman , who would not be named , asked : `` How can clothing be deemed essential - especially sale items - at a time like this ?
`` If we were delivering essential items such as medicines and hand sanitisers I could understand the need for us to be key workers but this is n't the case .
`` I worry about the health of myself and my family .
My wider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus to vulnerable customers .
The virus can survive for 24 hours on cardboard .
`` Hermes sent office staff home to keep them safe yet continue to place those on the ground at risk .
`` We can not self-isolate and , even if we did , we have to give proof that we had Covid 19 , which is nearly impossible to obtain .
`` It 's about time couriers are treated fairly .
Is 70p a parcel really justifiable for risking our lives ? ''
Hermes said the company was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ items reached homes and it was supporting self-employed drivers through a £1 million support fund .
The statement said : `` The Government has clearly stated that home delivery is vitally important to the coronavirus response and has deemed our people key workers .
`` We are extremely proud of our teams who are helping to ensure that deliveries are made every day , including to the most vulnerable in society .
`` Home delivery enables those self-isolating to get the items they need and supports the Government ’ s drive to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While this may include some leisure items , we have seen a huge increase in orders for hygiene and wellbeing items such as hand sanitiser , soap and medicines , as well as equipment to facilitate home working and schooling children at home .
`` We are also providing significant support for grocery deliveries , working with the major supermarkets including Morrisons , collecting trailers full of essentials including bread and toilet roll , from national distribution hubs and delivering them across the country to local supermarkets .
`` All Hermes staff who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in line with Government guidelines .
The Government has introduced a number of measures to support the self-employed .
In addition , Hermes has launched a £1 million support fund to provide further help for its partners .
`` The health and safety of our staff and couriers is our highest priority .
We are doing everything we can to ensure their safety and are regularly updating them on government guidelines .
`` We have confirmation that there is hand sanitiser in all of our depots and every vehicle , which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other measures include : • Introducing safe operating procedures including a zonal working policy so that people are limited to a specific area • All staff are provided with gloves and required to wash and dry their hands as frequently as possible '' All our couriers and drivers are provided with hand sanitiser and gloves .
Couriers have time slots to collect parcels and to enable social distancing .
`` We have also introduced a number of changes to provide ‘ contact-free delivery ’ right to everyone ’ s doorsteps .
• Asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliveries .
Anybody due to receive a parcel should visit the tracking section and choose ‘ divert ’ to select a safe place .
This can also be done through the Hermes app , within the MyPlaces section .
• If a safe place hasn ’ t been chosen but there is somewhere safe to deliver the parcel , then couriers will leave it there , even when there is someone in the property .
A photo will be taken and this will be included in the delivery notification email .
• For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can temporarily do this on behalf of the customer to avoid unnecessary contact via hand-held devices .
This will only happen when the customer opens the door and gives their name for security reasons .
The courier will stay at least two metres away .
• If there is no safe place available , we will attempt delivery three times . ''
Asked directly about pay rates , Hermes said : `` Different rounds attract different rates eg urban versus rural , different size parcels attract different rates , collections attract a different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` As the drivers are self-employed they negotiate their rounds on an individual basis .
`` Hermes ensures each round results in rates well above minimum wage on average across the year and this is monitored monthly . ''

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A Hermes contractor claimed workers were being placed "at risk" by making non-essential deliveries for 70p a parcel.
The woman said clothes and shoes were among the packages being sent out to customers buying online from sites like Boohoo and JD Williams.
And the self-employed delivery driver said she feared contracting and passing on coronavirus after studies suggested it could live on cardboard for up to 24 hours.
Hermes said staff and courier safety was a top priority and it was performing vital work. It could not respond directly to the claim delivery workers earned 70p-a-parcel in some cases, saying rounds were negotiated on an individual basis.
Delivery drivers have been designated key workers in the pandemic but the woman, who would not be named, asked: "How can clothing be deemed essential - especially sale items - at a time like this?
"If we were delivering essential items such as medicines and hand sanitisers I could understand the need for us to be key workers but this isn't the case.
"I worry about the health of myself and my family. My wider concern is the potential of spreading the virus to vulnerable customers. The virus can survive for 24 hours on cardboard.
"Hermes sent office staff home to keep them safe yet continue to place those on the ground at risk.
"We cannot self-isolate and, even if we did, we have to give proof that we had Covid 19, which is nearly impossible to obtain.
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"It's about time couriers are treated fairly. Is 70p a parcel really justifiable for risking our lives?"
Hermes said the company was playing a key role in ensuring essential items reached homes and it was supporting self-employed drivers through a £1 million support fund.
The statement said: "The Government has clearly stated that home delivery is vitally important to the coronavirus response and has deemed our people key workers.
"We are extremely proud of our teams who are helping to ensure that deliveries are made every day, including to the most vulnerable in society.
"Home delivery enables those self-isolating to get the items they need and supports the Government’s drive to get people to stay at home.
"While this may include some leisure items, we have seen a huge increase in orders for hygiene and wellbeing items such as hand sanitiser, soap and medicines, as well as equipment to facilitate home working and schooling children at home.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"We are also providing significant support for grocery deliveries, working with the major supermarkets including Morrisons, collecting trailers full of essentials including bread and toilet roll, from national distribution hubs and delivering them across the country to local supermarkets.
"All Hermes staff who can work from home are, which is in line with Government guidelines. The Government has introduced a number of measures to support the self-employed. In addition, Hermes has launched a £1 million support fund to provide further help for its partners.
"The health and safety of our staff and couriers is our highest priority. We are doing everything we can to ensure their safety and are regularly updating them on government guidelines.
"We have confirmation that there is hand sanitiser in all of our depots and every vehicle, which are subject to a rigorous cleaning regime. Other measures include:
Social distancing
Introducing safe operating procedures including a zonal working policy so that people are limited to a specific area
All staff are provided with gloves and required to wash and dry their hands as frequently as possible
"All our couriers and drivers are provided with hand sanitiser and gloves. Couriers have time slots to collect parcels and to enable social distancing.
"We have also introduced a number of changes to provide ‘contact-free delivery’ right to everyone’s doorsteps.
"These include:
Asking customers to choose a safe place for deliveries. Anybody due to receive a parcel should visit the tracking section and choose ‘divert’ to select a safe place. This can also be done through the Hermes app, within the MyPlaces section.
If a safe place hasn’t been chosen but there is somewhere safe to deliver the parcel, then couriers will leave it there, even when there is someone in the property. A photo will be taken and this will be included in the delivery notification email.
For parcels requiring a signature, our couriers can temporarily do this on behalf of the customer to avoid unnecessary contact via hand-held devices. This will only happen when the customer opens the door and gives their name for security reasons. The courier will stay at least two metres away.
If there is no safe place available, we will attempt delivery three times."
Asked directly about pay rates, Hermes said: "Different rounds attract different rates eg urban versus rural, different size parcels attract different rates, collections attract a different rate and there are bonuses etc.
"As the drivers are self-employed they negotiate their rounds on an individual basis.
"Hermes ensures each round results in rates well above minimum wage on average across the year and this is monitored monthly."


birminghammail--2020-04-19--City's TikTok truth squad taking on coronavirus myths

Meet Birmingham 's TikTok truth squad - dedicated to dispelling coronavirus conspiracy theories one video at a time .
The # PasstheFact campaign highlights myths associated with the pandemic in a bid to reach and inform younger generations .
It touches on 5G - the alleged motivation for a spate of phone masts being torched - and other claims about how the illness can be spread .
The young people involved instead focus on promoting factual information and governmental guidance .
The initiative has been championed by arts organisation Beatfreeks , led by BirminghamLive 's 30 Under 30 finalists Anisa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 .
The online challenge urges 16 to 25 year-olds to create videos highlighting false information being spread about COVID-19 .
Videos have been made using TikTok and shared on other social media platforms such as Twitter .
`` The campaign was co-designed with Birmingham City Council .
This is a youth-led project , by and for young people , '' said Sophia Griffin , Beatfreeks project manager .
`` # PassTheFact has highlighted the various myths surrounding Covid-19 , the seriousness of passing these myths on , while having some fun and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved with .
`` The response has been really positive so far , with several people recreating their own videos in response and challenging others to do the same .
'The challenge is n't over , and we want to reach even more young people' '' Last weekend , # PassTheFact had more than a million impressions and we would still encourage people to keep sharing and highlighting the issue of spreading false information about Covid-19 .
`` The illness is spreading quickly among young people , and fake news about the illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Young people 's lives and health are becoming increasingly affected by Covid-19 - and because of this , it is more important than ever for everyone to be following government guidelines and self-isolating and social distancing .
`` There 's a lot in the news about young people , and how they are n't taking the virus seriously .
`` But very rarely were young people themselves heard from - this is part of the effort to not only reach young people in the digital spaces they already exist in , but to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scientists have completely rejected all claims of a link between coronavirus and 5G phone masts .
Some celebrities have continued to speak out about the conspiracy .
And 20 suspected arson attacks against phone masts occurred over the Easter weekend across the UK .
West Midlands Police received eight reports of telecommunications infrastructure being torched or otherwise vandalised since the beginning of April .
And cabinet member Michael Gove said the conspiracy theory was `` dangerous nonsense '' .
He said : `` The stories that have gone about that they spread the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous nonsense as well . ''
National Medical Director of NHS England Stephen Powis added : `` It 's complete and utter rubbish and the worst kind of fake news . ''

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Meet Birmingham's TikTok truth squad - dedicated to dispelling coronavirus conspiracy theories one video at a time.
The #PasstheFact campaign highlights myths associated with the pandemic in a bid to reach and inform younger generations.
It touches on 5G - the alleged motivation for a spate of phone masts being torched - and other claims about how the illness can be spread.
The young people involved instead focus on promoting factual information and governmental guidance.
The initiative has been championed by arts organisation Beatfreeks, led by BirminghamLive's 30 Under 30 finalists Anisa Morridadi, 30 and Amerah Saleh, 27.
The online challenge urges 16 to 25 year-olds to create videos highlighting false information being spread about COVID-19.
Videos have been made using TikTok and shared on other social media platforms such as Twitter.
"The campaign was co-designed with Birmingham City Council. This is a youth-led project, by and for young people," said Sophia Griffin, Beatfreeks project manager.
"#PassTheFact has highlighted the various myths surrounding Covid-19, the seriousness of passing these myths on, while having some fun and creating a challenge for people to get involved with.
"The response has been really positive so far, with several people recreating their own videos in response and challenging others to do the same.
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'The challenge isn't over, and we want to reach even more young people'
"Last weekend, #PassTheFact had more than a million impressions and we would still encourage people to keep sharing and highlighting the issue of spreading false information about Covid-19.
"The illness is spreading quickly among young people, and fake news about the illness is spreading just as fast. "
Follow Community Reporter Rakeem Omar Hyatt on social media Follow Rakeem Omar Hyatt on twitter here You can read more of his stories here You can email him on rakeem.hyatt@reachplc.com You can also keep up with his stories by liking his facebook page here Like the Birmingham Live Facebook page and follow @birmingham_live on Twitter
"Young people's lives and health are becoming increasingly affected by Covid-19 - and because of this, it is more important than ever for everyone to be following government guidelines and self-isolating and social distancing.
"There's a lot in the news about young people, and how they aren't taking the virus seriously.
"But very rarely were young people themselves heard from - this is part of the effort to not only reach young people in the digital spaces they already exist in, but to centre young people's voices."
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Scientists have completely rejected all claims of a link between coronavirus and 5G phone masts.
Some celebrities have continued to speak out about the conspiracy.
And 20 suspected arson attacks against phone masts occurred over the Easter weekend across the UK.
West Midlands Police received eight reports of telecommunications infrastructure being torched or otherwise vandalised since the beginning of April.
And cabinet member Michael Gove said the conspiracy theory was "dangerous nonsense".
He said: "The stories that have gone about that they spread the disease that’s just nonsense, dangerous nonsense as well."
National Medical Director of NHS England Stephen Powis added: "It's complete and utter rubbish and the worst kind of fake news."


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Quirky print being sold in aid of domestic violence charity

Since the coronavirus crisis hit , it has never been more important to wash your hands - or donnies , as they 're known in the Black Country .
But if you need a friendly reminder , creative designer Emily Benton has created a unique print using a popular regional phrase to raise funds for a good cause .
Her 'wash your donnies ' design comes in two sizes - A4 or A5 - and she 's donating 100 per cent of the profits to The Haven , a Wolverhampton charity that supports women and children who are vulnerable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Unfortunately , home might not be a safe place for everyone during lockdown , '' the 31-year-old said .
`` Sadly many women and children across the country live in abusive households .
They have no choice but to isolate in high risk , life threatening conditions .
`` The Haven rely heavily on funds generated from corporate and community fundraising events - all of which have had to be cancelled for the foreseeable future due to the Covid-19 outbreak . ''
With this in mind , she decided to help by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I thought I 'd put my skills and passion for graphic design and my love for the local dialect to good use , '' said Emily , who co-runs Bostin Design , a creative marketing studio situated in Wolverhampton .
`` It took a couple of days to complete as I 'm a perfectionist - I wanted to get it right .
`` Being from Walsall , I really love our accent .
Whether you love it or hate it , the Black Country accent is undeniably unique .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roots and feel our dialect should be celebrated .
`` I ’ m aiming to get all of these prints sold to raise as much money as possible . ''
There are only 50 copies of each sized print available , with prices starting at £9 .
Visit www.emilycreates.co.uk to make a purchase .
A spokesman for The Haven thanked Emily for her `` incredible '' efforts , adding : `` This will make such a difference at a time when every penny matters . ''

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Since the coronavirus crisis hit, it has never been more important to wash your hands - or donnies, as they're known in the Black Country.
But if you need a friendly reminder, creative designer Emily Benton has created a unique print using a popular regional phrase to raise funds for a good cause.
Her 'wash your donnies' design comes in two sizes - A4 or A5 - and she's donating 100 per cent of the profits to The Haven, a Wolverhampton charity that supports women and children who are vulnerable to domestic violence, homelessness and abuse.
"Unfortunately, home might not be a safe place for everyone during lockdown," the 31-year-old said.
"Sadly many women and children across the country live in abusive households. They have no choice but to isolate in high risk, life threatening conditions.
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"The Haven rely heavily on funds generated from corporate and community fundraising events - all of which have had to be cancelled for the foreseeable future due to the Covid-19 outbreak."
With this in mind, she decided to help by creating the topical sketch to sell online.
"I thought I'd put my skills and passion for graphic design and my love for the local dialect to good use," said Emily, who co-runs Bostin Design, a creative marketing studio situated in Wolverhampton.
"It took a couple of days to complete as I'm a perfectionist - I wanted to get it right.
"Being from Walsall, I really love our accent. Whether you love it or hate it, the Black Country accent is undeniably unique.
"I’ve always felt proud of my roots and feel our dialect should be celebrated.
"I’m aiming to get all of these prints sold to raise as much money as possible."
There are only 50 copies of each sized print available, with prices starting at £9. Visit www.emilycreates.co.uk to make a purchase.
A spokesman for The Haven thanked Emily for her "incredible" efforts, adding: "This will make such a difference at a time when every penny matters."


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Dental patients 'could replace their own fillings' in temporary repairs

The British Dental Association has revealed that some patients might be asked to fill their own teeth during the coronavirus pandemic - because dentists have had 'their hands tied behind their backs ' .
Family dentists have been unable to work for three weeks since the Covid-19 lockdown began .
The good news is that six Urgent Care Centres should be up and running by Monday 20 compared with just two last week .
So what can you do if you 've got a raging toothache when Birmingham 's 450 dentists can no long work in the 140 practices that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And what are the implications for the dental industry at large - as well as the care homes - in the coronavirus crisis ?
So many questions , so little time , but Eddie Crouch - the Birmingham-based vice chairman of the British Dental Association ( BDA ) - has been talking to BirminghamLive about the nature of trying to cope with patients when they themselves ca n't open their surgeries .
`` It 's a really frustrating time for my colleagues in the profession , '' says Eddie .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not working with our hands tied behind our backs .
`` I am worried about the long-term effects of all of this on my colleagues and on the profession .
`` I am hoping that fairly soon we can get back to doing what we do best - and that 's looking after our patients . ''
If a filling has come out , Eddie says : `` Your own own dentist should be able to send you packing material for a temporary replacement . ''
But that of course means having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news ... and the bad news Birmingham now has two Urgent Care Centres up and running and several more are in the pipeline .
On the day after the Easter holidays the BDA told its members : `` England continues to lag behind the other three nations in relation to setting up its network of Urgent Care Centres .
`` Three weeks on from the letter of preparedness indicating a standing down of routine care and provision via the urgent care system , large parts of England are left without effective urgent care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 160 centres are up-and-running .
`` We continue to raise our concerns about the lack of appropriate patient care with the Health Minister Jo Churchill .
It is clear that she shares our frustrations over the slow progress . ''
On Friday , April 17 , NHS England confirmed with the BDA that four more would be able to open in Birmingham from Monday in Edgaston , Selly Oak , Castle Vale and Sheldon .
Their addresses are not being revealed as you will need to be referred to be seen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get help No routine dentistry is being performed at the moment , from check-ups to scale and polishing .
If you have a problem , the first thing you need to do is to telephone your regular dentist as normal .
Eddie estimates 85 per cent of the city 's dental practices are taking calls - generally by rerouting calls from their surgeries to home .
Some are not working that way because they are in isolation .
Your own dentist will have your medical history and be your best source of advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but if the one you call does n't have your medical history they will be much slower at responding and wo n't necessarily be able to prescribe you things like analgesics ( pain-relief medication ) or antibiotics .
If a filling has come out , Eddie says your own own dentist should be able to send you packing material to help you to create a temporary replacement .
If in severe pain or have any of the following Try to be seen by at an Urgent Dental Care Centre by calling the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bank Holidays ) .
For a real emergency , call the Birmingham Dental Hospital on 0121 466 5555 .
But the general advice is to always call your own dentist first .
Some things you can do to moderate your condition If you have knocked a tooth out , perhaps by cycling and falling off after hitting a pothole , try to keep the tooth moist - either by keeping it inside your cheek or even in milk , but do not dry it out .
Paracetamol ( or Ibuprofen if you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reduce pain , as can ice packs or frozen vegetables pressed to your face .
Dentists also recommend swishing your mouth out with warm , salty water after any dental surgery or if in pain .
Appropriate mouthwashes can also be recommended by your dentist .
A London dentist called Dr Richard Marques also suggests a small amount of clove oil dabbed on to gums can reduce pain .
What is an Urgent Care Centre ?
These are being launched to try to keep dentists safe while they do extractions .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the need for a much higher degree of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) than a dentist would normally use .
Eddie , who works at practices in Hall Green and Acocks Green , says : `` Other parts of the health service were prioritised above dentistry - even the Dental Hospital went from full services to none so patients are being triaged over the phone .
`` That means for people with infections , swellings and abscesses , they will be prescribed antibiotics from their local pharmacy .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , they can be referred to one of the Urgent Dental Care Centres .
`` There are currently two in Birmingham now - one at the Dental Hospital and there 's another in Edgbaston - and having four more opening from Monday 20 is much more positive news . ''
We all know that dentists are on the front line when it comes to fighting tooth decay .
But given that abscesses can be fatal , their biggest enemy now is time delay .
In order for dentists to work in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fully equipped with PPE and FFP3 - a respiratory face mask that has to be fitted properly .
One of the other factors which has caused delays setting up the centres has been a shortage of people who can ensure such masks are fitted correctly .
The centres are being created in practices with multiple surgery rooms so the dentists can keep working while the rooms are rotated .
This is because even after one patient has been seen it will take the rest of the hour at least for that room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be seen .
The risk is that Covid-19 would be present in aerosol spray and the room has to be thoroughly cleaned after each patient 's treatment .
Eddie estimates the time taken to make each room ready for another patient to typically be from 35 to 40 minutes .
Patients going to Urgent Care Centres are being told to wait outside - inside their car if that is how they have arrived .
They are also told to expect to have to leave as soon as possible following a procedure .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan in China where Covid-19 was first declared was that ear , nose and throat surgeons were particularly at risk from being 'overloaded ' with the virus after being in close proximity with multiple patients .
Even in February , British dentists were trying to get more PPE supplies , but with China supplying 55 per cent of the world 's output shortages developed when the country stopped exporting .
Eddie Crouch says sitting at home triaging patients is not what dentists want to be doing - even in a pandemic .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for my colleagues in the profession , '' he says .
`` We are used to getting people out of trouble , not working with our hands tied behind our backs .
`` My colleagues are keen to get going to help patients but they also know that every precaution must be taken .
`` We do n't want to infect a patient otherwise a dentist would n't be able to look at himself .
`` At the end of the day we are talking about teeth , not saving lives . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new twist last week when it was revealed just how many care homes were being decimated .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) says more than 217 people with Covid-19 had died in care homes in England and Wales up to April 3 , but the numbers are rising and some homes have lost more than a dozen residents to the disease .
While the numbers of coronavirus deaths released by the Department of Health only include those who have succumbed in hospital , it 's has been reported that Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK ’ s 11,300 care homes .
So it 's feared the true death toll is being considerably under reported .
Eddie says that at the turn of the century , many elderly people living in care homes no longer had their own teeth .
Now they often do and are also presenting with different types of problems , such as implants .
Eddie says : `` Various projects have been ongoing to try to improved dental care in care homes and people would normally be seen by salary dental services and community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deteriorate rapidly once people are in care homes .
`` A patient now might have to be transferred to the Urgent Care Centre unit because we are not treating people in surgeries . ''
Eddie says because dentists are closed they have supplied some PPE to care homes .
Should the lockdown last for three months or more , Eddie fears some practices could go to the wall .
And that would only add to the pressure of trying to see patients in general - or of patients trying to see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at it .
He says because NHS funding has n't even kept pace with inflation for four years , practices have been relying on private income more than ever to survive .
Eddie says NHS England had apologised for some 'confusing ' information about what dentists could and could not do re furloughing staff .
But higher earning dentists still faced major issues with everything from their self-employed statue to business rates and a lack of support from banks .
The best news was the possibility of delaying income tax payments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues for more than three months , many practices will be in serious jeopardy of actually having to close .
`` Patients would then start to struggle to see a dentist and that will put an incredible strain on the NHS when ( the pandemic ) is over and it will take a long time for them to be seen .
`` Then there are dental laboratories which have gone over a cliff edge in terms of no work coming out .
`` Hygienists and therapists are often self-employed , too . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... Like lots of people in the medical professions , dentists had had a pandemic at the back of their minds for a decade after issues like Sars arose .
Eddie says the industry thought that because of Brexit issues , that a lot of PPE had been stockpiled .
`` One big problem came when China suddenly stopped exporting because it makes 55 per cent of the world 's PPE .
`` If the government is right when it says we have stocks , then getting it out has been a problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am hoping that fairly soon we can get back to doing what we do best - and that 's looking after our patients .
`` Most people will have a good dentist and they will value that service .
`` But it would really pain me if some of my long-established colleagues are not there going forward . ''
The Dental Hospital was opened on Pebble Mill Road on November 19 , 2015 by The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh .
They royals were shown false teeth , phantom heads and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre where Prince Philip quipped to onlookers : “ Are you all here to have your teeth done ?
” When instructor Philip Murphy demonstrated a phantom head , the Duke asked him : `` Have you got your own teeth ? ''
The Queen then unveiled a plaque to officially open the building , the first standalone , integrated centre in the country for almost 40 years .
+ Have you got a dental story you wish to share ?
Perhaps you were half way through a series of veneers or implants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tips on how to cope with pain if something has gone wrong .
Email newsdesk @ birminghamlive.co.uk and write 'Teeth ' in the subject field .

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The British Dental Association has revealed that some patients might be asked to fill their own teeth during the coronavirus pandemic - because dentists have had 'their hands tied behind their backs'.
Family dentists have been unable to work for three weeks since the Covid-19 lockdown began.
The good news is that six Urgent Care Centres should be up and running by Monday 20 compared with just two last week.
So what can you do if you've got a raging toothache when Birmingham's 450 dentists can no long work in the 140 practices that have been closed across the city?
And what are the implications for the dental industry at large - as well as the care homes - in the coronavirus crisis?
So many questions, so little time, but Eddie Crouch - the Birmingham-based vice chairman of the British Dental Association (BDA) - has been talking to BirminghamLive about the nature of trying to cope with patients when they themselves can't open their surgeries.
(Image: Simon Gentleman / British Dental Association)
"It's a really frustrating time for my colleagues in the profession," says Eddie.
"We are used to getting people out of trouble, not working with our hands tied behind our backs.
"I am worried about the long-term effects of all of this on my colleagues and on the profession.
"I am hoping that fairly soon we can get back to doing what we do best - and that's looking after our patients."
If a filling has come out, Eddie says: "Your own own dentist should be able to send you packing material for a temporary replacement."
But that of course means having to do it yourself.
(Image: Martin Rickett / PA Wire)
The good news... and the bad news
Birmingham now has two Urgent Care Centres up and running and several more are in the pipeline.
On the day after the Easter holidays the BDA told its members: "England continues to lag behind the other three nations in relation to setting up its network of Urgent Care Centres.
"Three weeks on from the letter of preparedness indicating a standing down of routine care and provision via the urgent care system, large parts of England are left without effective urgent care.
"We know roughly half of the 160 centres are up-and-running.
"We continue to raise our concerns about the lack of appropriate patient care with the Health Minister Jo Churchill. It is clear that she shares our frustrations over the slow progress."
On Friday, April 17, NHS England confirmed with the BDA that four more would be able to open in Birmingham from Monday in Edgaston, Selly Oak, Castle Vale and Sheldon.
Their addresses are not being revealed as you will need to be referred to be seen and cases will be prioritised.
(Image: John Giles / PA Wire)
How to get help
No routine dentistry is being performed at the moment, from check-ups to scale and polishing.
If you have a problem, the first thing you need to do is to telephone your regular dentist as normal.
Eddie estimates 85 per cent of the city's dental practices are taking calls - generally by rerouting calls from their surgeries to home.
Some are not working that way because they are in isolation.
Your own dentist will have your medical history and be your best source of advice.
Anyone can ring any dentist - but if the one you call doesn't have your medical history they will be much slower at responding and won't necessarily be able to prescribe you things like analgesics (pain-relief medication) or antibiotics.
If a filling has come out, Eddie says your own own dentist should be able to send you packing material to help you to create a temporary replacement.
(Image: Simon Gentleman / British Dental Association)
If in severe pain or have any of the following
Bleeding – uncontrolled intra-oral bleeding
Swellings – spreading, recurrent or continuing and/or potentially resulting in air-way management issues
Trauma – severe dental trauma injuries
Pain – severe and uncontrolled dental pain
Try to be seen by at an Urgent Dental Care Centre by calling the NHS on 111 (lines open 24/7 including Bank Holidays).
For a real emergency, call the Birmingham Dental Hospital on 0121 466 5555.
But the general advice is to always call your own dentist first.
(Image: Andrew Milligan / PA Wire)
Some things you can do to moderate your condition
If you have knocked a tooth out, perhaps by cycling and falling off after hitting a pothole, try to keep the tooth moist - either by keeping it inside your cheek or even in milk, but do not dry it out.
Paracetamol (or Ibuprofen if you are safe to take that) can help to reduce pain, as can ice packs or frozen vegetables pressed to your face.
Dentists also recommend swishing your mouth out with warm, salty water after any dental surgery or if in pain.
Appropriate mouthwashes can also be recommended by your dentist.
A London dentist called Dr Richard Marques also suggests a small amount of clove oil dabbed on to gums can reduce pain.
What is an Urgent Care Centre?
These are being launched to try to keep dentists safe while they do extractions.
It has taken time to set them up because of the need for a much higher degree of personal protective equipment (PPE) than a dentist would normally use.
Eddie, who works at practices in Hall Green and Acocks Green, says: "Other parts of the health service were prioritised above dentistry - even the Dental Hospital went from full services to none so patients are being triaged over the phone.
"That means for people with infections, swellings and abscesses, they will be prescribed antibiotics from their local pharmacy.
"If they still have a problem after two weeks, they can be referred to one of the Urgent Dental Care Centres.
"There are currently two in Birmingham now - one at the Dental Hospital and there's another in Edgbaston - and having four more opening from Monday 20 is much more positive news."
(Image: Loretta Brennan / BirminghamLive)
From decay... to delay
We all know that dentists are on the front line when it comes to fighting tooth decay.
But given that abscesses can be fatal, their biggest enemy now is time delay.
In order for dentists to work in an Urgent Care Centre, they need to be fully equipped with PPE and FFP3 - a respiratory face mask that has to be fitted properly.
One of the other factors which has caused delays setting up the centres has been a shortage of people who can ensure such masks are fitted correctly.
The centres are being created in practices with multiple surgery rooms so the dentists can keep working while the rooms are rotated.
This is because even after one patient has been seen it will take the rest of the hour at least for that room to be declared safe for another patient to be seen.
The risk is that Covid-19 would be present in aerosol spray and the room has to be thoroughly cleaned after each patient's treatment.
Eddie estimates the time taken to make each room ready for another patient to typically be from 35 to 40 minutes.
Patients going to Urgent Care Centres are being told to wait outside - inside their car if that is how they have arrived.
They are also told to expect to have to leave as soon as possible following a procedure.
Eddie says one of the lessons from Wuhan in China where Covid-19 was first declared was that ear, nose and throat surgeons were particularly at risk from being 'overloaded' with the virus after being in close proximity with multiple patients.
Even in February, British dentists were trying to get more PPE supplies, but with China supplying 55 per cent of the world's output shortages developed when the country stopped exporting.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Dentists 'want to work'
Eddie Crouch says sitting at home triaging patients is not what dentists want to be doing - even in a pandemic.
"It's been a really frustrating time for my colleagues in the profession," he says.
"We are used to getting people out of trouble, not working with our hands tied behind our backs.
"My colleagues are keen to get going to help patients but they also know that every precaution must be taken.
"We don't want to infect a patient otherwise a dentist wouldn't be able to look at himself.
"At the end of the day we are talking about teeth, not saving lives."
(Image: BirminghamLive)
The care home time bomb
The coronavirus pandemic took on a sinister new twist last week when it was revealed just how many care homes were being decimated.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) says more than 217 people with Covid-19 had died in care homes in England and Wales up to April 3, but the numbers are rising and some homes have lost more than a dozen residents to the disease.
While the numbers of coronavirus deaths released by the Department of Health only include those who have succumbed in hospital, it's has been reported that Covid-19 has now hit 13.5% of the UK’s 11,300 care homes.
So it's feared the true death toll is being considerably under reported.
Eddie says that at the turn of the century, many elderly people living in care homes no longer had their own teeth.
Now they often do and are also presenting with different types of problems, such as implants.
Eddie says: "Various projects have been ongoing to try to improved dental care in care homes and people would normally be seen by salary dental services and community dental services.
"Dental health tends to deteriorate rapidly once people are in care homes.
"A patient now might have to be transferred to the Urgent Care Centre unit because we are not treating people in surgeries."
Eddie says because dentists are closed they have supplied some PPE to care homes.
(Image: Loretta Brennan / BirminghamLive)
The future of dentistry
Should the lockdown last for three months or more, Eddie fears some practices could go to the wall.
And that would only add to the pressure of trying to see patients in general - or of patients trying to see a dentist which ever way you prefer to look at it.
He says because NHS funding hasn't even kept pace with inflation for four years, practices have been relying on private income more than ever to survive.
Eddie says NHS England had apologised for some 'confusing' information about what dentists could and could not do re furloughing staff.
But higher earning dentists still faced major issues with everything from their self-employed statue to business rates and a lack of support from banks.
The best news was the possibility of delaying income tax payments.
But Eddie warns: "If this continues for more than three months, many practices will be in serious jeopardy of actually having to close.
"Patients would then start to struggle to see a dentist and that will put an incredible strain on the NHS when (the pandemic) is over and it will take a long time for them to be seen.
"Then there are dental laboratories which have gone over a cliff edge in terms of no work coming out.
"Hygienists and therapists are often self-employed, too."
We saw the pandemic coming, but...
Like lots of people in the medical professions, dentists had had a pandemic at the back of their minds for a decade after issues like Sars arose.
Eddie says the industry thought that because of Brexit issues, that a lot of PPE had been stockpiled.
"One big problem came when China suddenly stopped exporting because it makes 55 per cent of the world's PPE.
"If the government is right when it says we have stocks, then getting it out has been a problem because there is a shortage.
"I am hoping that fairly soon we can get back to doing what we do best - and that's looking after our patients.
"Most people will have a good dentist and they will value that service.
"But it would really pain me if some of my long-established colleagues are not there going forward."
Birmingham Dental Hospital
The Dental Hospital was opened on Pebble Mill Road on November 19, 2015 by The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
They royals were shown false teeth, phantom heads and other training equipment at the £50 million centre where Prince Philip quipped to onlookers: “Are you all here to have your teeth done?”
When instructor Philip Murphy demonstrated a phantom head, the Duke asked him: "Have you got your own teeth?"
The Queen then unveiled a plaque to officially open the building, the first standalone, integrated centre in the country for almost 40 years.
+ Have you got a dental story you wish to share? Perhaps you were half way through a series of veneers or implants when works stopped - or have top tips on how to cope with pain if something has gone wrong. Email newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk and write 'Teeth' in the subject field.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Domestic sex attacks rocketing, referral service warns

Sex attacks at home have rocketed during the lockdown , a Birmingham referral service has warned .
The Castle Vale-based Horizon Sexual Assault Referral Centre said its workload covering domestic incidents had almost tripled in the first half of April , from 13 to 36 per cent .
That came alongside a major drop in attacks committed outside the home with only essential shops remaining open and the nation staying inside .
A spokeswoman for the service said : `` Our numbers have dropped massively over the last few weeks because the vast majority of pubs and clubs are closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Normal life is n't happening as it was .
But we are seeing much higher incidents of domestic violence , so children and adults being attacked in their own homes .
`` The numbers we 're seeing are really going up . ''
The service said the overall number of cases it was dealing with had declined since the lockdown and social distancing measures came into force .
Officials fear victims may not be seeking help for sexual crimes amid concerns they will be reported for not adhering to the 2m guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police would not be handing out fines to victims of sexual abuse or assaults .
`` We want people to know that they are still able to contact us confidentially to access support , ” said manager Natalie Lynch .
“ Our team of examiners and crisis workers are still here to support those who do need us - whether they report to the police or choose to self-refer to us . ''
Victims can contact the referral centre through West Midlands Police or via self-referral .
Services include help for physical , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can perform a medical examination and take forensic swabs - while protected by PPE - to store as evidence until service users feel ready to make a choice about whether to disclose them to the police .
Anyone who is isolating can carry out these swabs from home .
The service , which is still open to attend , covers the entire West Midlands but there are also services in Stoke , Worcestershire and Warwickshire .
Victims can still access support via the website , www.horizonsarc.org.uk , or the 24/7 self-referral line - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a telephone , you can email enquiries @ horizonsarc.org.uk

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Sex attacks at home have rocketed during the lockdown, a Birmingham referral service has warned.
The Castle Vale-based Horizon Sexual Assault Referral Centre said its workload covering domestic incidents had almost tripled in the first half of April, from 13 to 36 per cent.
That came alongside a major drop in attacks committed outside the home with only essential shops remaining open and the nation staying inside.
A spokeswoman for the service said: "Our numbers have dropped massively over the last few weeks because the vast majority of pubs and clubs are closed so people aren't going out.
"Normal life isn't happening as it was. But we are seeing much higher incidents of domestic violence, so children and adults being attacked in their own homes.
"The numbers we're seeing are really going up."
The service said the overall number of cases it was dealing with had declined since the lockdown and social distancing measures came into force.
Officials fear victims may not be seeking help for sexual crimes amid concerns they will be reported for not adhering to the 2m guidelines.
However, the referral centre said police would not be handing out fines to victims of sexual abuse or assaults.
"We want people to know that they are still able to contact us confidentially to access support,” said manager Natalie Lynch.
“Our team of examiners and crisis workers are still here to support those who do need us - whether they report to the police or choose to self-refer to us."
Victims can contact the referral centre through West Midlands Police or via self-referral. Services include help for physical, sexual and mental health needs.
Staff can perform a medical examination and take forensic swabs - while protected by PPE - to store as evidence until service users feel ready to make a choice about whether to disclose them to the police.
Anyone who is isolating can carry out these swabs from home.
The service, which is still open to attend, covers the entire West Midlands but there are also services in Stoke, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
Victims can still access support via the website, www.horizonsarc.org.uk, or the 24/7 self-referral line - 0800 970 0375.
If no access to a telephone, you can email enquiries@horizonsarc.org.uk


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Flat comes up for sale in ex Brum fire station  - with fireman's pole

Fancy living in an historic Birmingham building which has seen more than its fair share of drama , excitement and tragedy ?
A rare opportunity to live in a former Birmingham fire station has arisen .
For £240,000 , you could be the new owners of an apartment in The Old Fire Station in Harborne - which has the original fireman 's pole in it !
The station , in Rose Road , is a Grade 2 listed red brick building in the heart of Harborne 's sought-after residential area .
It dates back to 1907 and has three storeys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tower .
It was closed as a fire station in the early 2000s when West Midlands Fire Service sold off the building to developers to convert into apartments .
Apartments in this building very rarely come up for sale , with the estate agents saying this is a `` wonderful and rare opportunity '' .
For more details on this property click here .
The two bedroom flat is on the first floor and accessed via a original spiral staircase .
It has a roof terrace , porch and grand entrance hallway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with large original windows , a modern kitchen/diner .
There are two bedrooms - one of which has the original fireman 's pole as a feature .
The flat is within walking distance of Harborne 's High Street and there is off-road parking for the occupiers and their guests .

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Fancy living in an historic Birmingham building which has seen more than its fair share of drama, excitement and tragedy?
A rare opportunity to live in a former Birmingham fire station has arisen.
For £240,000, you could be the new owners of an apartment in The Old Fire Station in Harborne - which has the original fireman's pole in it!
(Image: RightMove)
The station, in Rose Road, is a Grade 2 listed red brick building in the heart of Harborne's sought-after residential area. It dates back to 1907 and has three storeys, a courtyard and the original 70ft tower.
It was closed as a fire station in the early 2000s when West Midlands Fire Service sold off the building to developers to convert into apartments.
Apartments in this building very rarely come up for sale, with the estate agents saying this is a "wonderful and rare opportunity".
For more details on this property click here.
The two bedroom flat is on the first floor and accessed via a original spiral staircase. It has a roof terrace, porch and grand entrance hallway.
There is a bright and spacious lounge with large original windows, a modern kitchen/diner. There are two bedrooms - one of which has the original fireman's pole as a feature.
The flat is within walking distance of Harborne's High Street and there is off-road parking for the occupiers and their guests.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Piers Morgan's 'classy' Lady Gaga apology hailed after Covid-19 scepticism

Piers Morgan has issued a grovelling apology to Lady Gaga over the One World : Together At Home concert .
As the concert , which aired on the BBC on Sunday evening , earned millions , Piers took to Twitter to speak out .
Piers criticised the chart-topping singer , who helped curate the benefit with the help of the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) .
After news surfaced last week of the Artpop star attending the WHO Covid-19 press conference , Piers was left incensed .
He tweeted : `` Why ?
Has she found a cure ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ b****y singer there . ''
But on Sunday night he issued a dramatic climb down .
He tweeted : `` I owe you an apology @ ladygaga - this was a great initiative that raised a fortune , entertained people , & will help save lives . ''
He then continued : `` It was also a perfect illustration of a major star using their profile properly in this crisis . ''
He added : `` Congrats & sorry for originally questioning it . ''
Piers was subsequently hailed by followers over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of celebrities are expected to appear on the virtual concert , including Paul McCartney , Billie Eilish , Elton John , John Legend , Chris Martin , Andrea Bocelli , Lizzo , Maluma , Kacey Musgraves , Alanis Morissette , Billie Joe Armstrong , J Balvin , Burna Boy , Stevie Wonder , Eddie Vedder and Keith Urban .

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Piers Morgan has issued a grovelling apology to Lady Gaga over the One World: Together At Home concert.
As the concert, which aired on the BBC on Sunday evening, earned millions, Piers took to Twitter to speak out.
Piers criticised the chart-topping singer, who helped curate the benefit with the help of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
After news surfaced last week of the Artpop star attending the WHO Covid-19 press conference, Piers was left incensed.
He tweeted: "Why? Has she found a cure? Otherwise, we don't need a b****y singer there."
(Image: Getty Images for BAFTA LA)
But on Sunday night he issued a dramatic climb down.
He tweeted: "I owe you an apology @ladygaga - this was a great initiative that raised a fortune, entertained people, & will help save lives."
He then continued: "It was also a perfect illustration of a major star using their profile properly in this crisis."
He added: "Congrats & sorry for originally questioning it."
Piers was subsequently hailed by followers over the "classy" message.
A host of celebrities are expected to appear on the virtual concert, including Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish, Elton John, John Legend, Chris Martin, Andrea Bocelli, Lizzo, Maluma, Kacey Musgraves, Alanis Morissette, Billie Joe Armstrong, J Balvin, Burna Boy, Stevie Wonder, Eddie Vedder and Keith Urban.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Aston Villa news updates and transfers live

Hello and welcome to Sunday 's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from Birmingham Live .
We will be keeping you @ @ @ @ @ the latest Villa news and views .
Dean Smith 's team have had their season @ @ @ @ @ and players are currently being asked to stay at home by the government .
There @ @ @ @ @ on that situation and any transfer updates and rumours from B6 right here on today @ @ @ @ @ along on our rolling live blog below for all the action ...

Hello and welcome to Friday's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive.
We will be keeping you up to date with all the latest Villa news and views.
Dean Smith's team have had their season suspended indefinitely and staff members and players are currently being asked to stay at home by the government.
There will be all the latest on that situation and any transfer updates and rumours from B6 right here on today's live blog.
Follow along on our rolling live blog below for all the action...


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Nando's shares secret recipes to make menu favourites at home in lockdown

Nando ’ s has shut more than 400 restaurants in the UK amid the coronavirus crisis .
But the chicken chain has also shared its secret recipe to make its tasty , tasty rice bowls at home while you 're in lockdown .
Posting on Twitter , Nando 's wrote : `` Stocked up those cupboards ?
Here ’ s a cracking Rice Bowl recipe to try .
`` The perfect way to get your PERi-PERi fix while we ’ re apart ! ''
The recipe is very simple to follow with only four steps , and takes around five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , reports LeicestershireLive .
Here 's how to make it yourself at home ... Cook rice as directed on packet .
In a separate frying pan heat mixed oil .
Separately stir-fry all vegetables until slightly soft , about 5 mins .
Bring a pot of water to boil , add a splash of vinegar , whisk to get a whirl pool , crack in your eggs and cook for 3 minutes .
Drain .
Meanwhile , heat a pan and add Peri Peri sauce , soy sauce , sesame seeds and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dissolved add the chicken until cooked through .
Place cooked rice in bowl , top with stir fried veg , chicken mix and poached egg .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Megan Nisbet, James Rodger)

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Nando’s has shut more than 400 restaurants in the UK amid the coronavirus crisis.
But the chicken chain has also shared its secret recipe to make its tasty, tasty rice bowls at home while you're in lockdown.
Posting on Twitter, Nando's wrote: "Stocked up those cupboards? Here’s a cracking Rice Bowl recipe to try.
"The perfect way to get your PERi-PERi fix while we’re apart!"
The recipe is very simple to follow with only four steps, and takes around five minutes to cook - not including prep time, reports LeicestershireLive.
Here's how to make it yourself at home...
The dressing
50ml PERi-PERi sauce - whatever flavour you desire
10ml soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp brown sugar
The rice bowl
2 tbsp sesame oil and 1 tbsp vegetable oil mixed together
1 courgette, grated
1 carrot, grated
80g spinach
1 cup long grain rice
150g cooked shredded chicken
2 large eggs
2 tbsps vinegar
Method
Step one
Cook rice as directed on packet. In a separate frying pan heat mixed oil. Separately stir-fry all vegetables until slightly soft, about 5 mins.
Step two
Bring a pot of water to boil, add a splash of vinegar, whisk to get a whirl pool, crack in your eggs and cook for 3 minutes. Drain.
Step three
Meanwhile, heat a pan and add Peri Peri sauce, soy sauce, sesame seeds and brown sugar. Once the sugar is dissolved add the chicken until cooked through.
Step four
Place cooked rice in bowl, top with stir fried veg, chicken mix and poached egg.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--B&Q reopens 14 stores across UK amid coronavirus crisis - FULL LIST

B & Q has confirmed it is reopening 14 stores amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Click & Collect will no longer be available at the two stores which have already opened , instead the branches will be open to customers from 8am to 5pm , reports the Daily Star .
A B & Q spokesperson said : `` Similar to shopping at a supermarket , we ’ ve introduced social distancing controls at these re-opened stores .
`` We ’ re strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time , and so customers may need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To help remind everyone to respect each other ’ s personal space , we have two metre floor markers throughout these stores and also perspex screens at the checkouts . ''
Services such as kitchen and bathroom design , paint mixing , timber cutting and key cutting are not available .
The spokesperson added : `` We ’ re urging all customers to follow the government ’ s social distancing guidelines and to shop responsibly only for what is necessary .
`` These additional 12 stores are not currently offering Click & Collect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to offer the best possible service while still maintaining social distancing for colleagues and customers .
`` They will open once the preparations are complete . ''
The 12 other stores set to open are :

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B&Q has confirmed it is reopening 14 stores amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Click&Collect will no longer be available at the two stores which have already opened, instead the branches will be open to customers from 8am to 5pm, reports the Daily Star.
A B&Q spokesperson said: "Similar to shopping at a supermarket, we’ve introduced social distancing controls at these re-opened stores.
"We’re strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time, and so customers may need to queue before entering the store.
"To help remind everyone to respect each other’s personal space, we have two metre floor markers throughout these stores and also perspex screens at the checkouts."
Services such as kitchen and bathroom design, paint mixing, timber cutting and key cutting are not available.
The spokesperson added: "We’re urging all customers to follow the government’s social distancing guidelines and to shop responsibly only for what is necessary.
"These additional 12 stores are not currently offering Click&Collect as they are being prepared for opening, to offer the best possible service while still maintaining social distancing for colleagues and customers.
"They will open once the preparations are complete."
The 12 other stores set to open are:


birminghammail--2020-04-19--We've been making sandwiches wrong for years - here's the correct way

Certain things just seem better when somebody else makes them , do n't they ?
A cup of tea , a slice of toast - and a sandwich , of course .
Making the perfect sarnie can be incredibly difficult - but thankfully , we now have a handy hack to ensure we 're doing it correctly .
A foodie explained how they keep the contents of their sandwich from falling out , reports the .
Sharing the hack to , the unnamed user snapped a photo of their BLT sandwich , and made sure fans could see how they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A simple piece of lettuce wrapped around one side of their sandwich to hold all the ingredients in .
You can see the contents of the sandwich , including the bacon , lettuce and tomato are all being held in place by one large leaf of iceberg lettuce .
The person instructed : “ Wrap a piece of lettuce around one side of your sandwich/burger to keep the goods from falling out the other side.
” The hack would work for all kinds of sandwiches , as long as you have a leafy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of other users have praised the hack , with one person saying : `` This is exactly the kind of advice that I come to this sub for . ''
Another said : `` NOW THAT 'S SOME GOD DAMNED INNOVATION . ''

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Certain things just seem better when somebody else makes them, don't they?
A cup of tea, a slice of toast - and a sandwich, of course.
Making the perfect sarnie can be incredibly difficult - but thankfully, we now have a handy hack to ensure we're doing it correctly.
A foodie explained how they keep the contents of their sandwich from falling out, reports the Mirror .
Sharing the hack to Reddit’s Life Hacks forum , the unnamed user snapped a photo of their BLT sandwich, and made sure fans could see how they keep it together.
The hack? A simple piece of lettuce wrapped around one side of their sandwich to hold all the ingredients in.
You can see the contents of the sandwich, including the bacon, lettuce and tomato are all being held in place by one large leaf of iceberg lettuce.
The person instructed: “Wrap a piece of lettuce around one side of your sandwich/burger to keep the goods from falling out the other side.”
The hack would work for all kinds of sandwiches, as long as you have a leafy item to hold it altogether.
A number of other users have praised the hack, with one person saying: "This is exactly the kind of advice that I come to this sub for."
Another said: "NOW THAT'S SOME GOD DAMNED INNOVATION."
A third said: "Mind. Blown".


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Villa captain Jack Grealish breaks silence with a brilliant message

Jack Grealish is used to playing for Aston Villa at Wembley by now .
The midfielder has gone into battle for his boyhood club three times in the last two years at the iconic stadium , most recently in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City .
It was five years ago to the day that Grealish did so for the very first time , announcing himself on the national stage in the process .
It was April 19 2015 and Grealish was one of the Villa heroes who upset the odds to beat Liverpool 2-1 to reach the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Philippe Coutinho broke the deadlock inside half an hour , Tim Sherwood 's side fought back to claim a memorable win thanks to goals from Fabian Delph and Christian Benteke .
Grealish played a starring role and he took to Twitter on Sunday evening to look back , saying : `` 5 years ago today ... One of my favourite days ever . ''
In an interview earlier this season , the 24-year-old revealed he was so emotional that he started crying in the showers while his team-mates celebrated .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was the most emotional I 've ever been after a game , ” the 24-year-old told The Athletic .
“ I went into the showers on my own and started crying .
I was 19 , so I was a bit shy .
I felt like I had to hide away from my team-mates and let it all out .
“ That feeling , when it had all sunk in , going up to see my mum and dad after at Wembley was amazing .
They told me that they were so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forget that.
” Villa went on to lose the final 4-0 to Arsenal as the curtain closed on Grealish ’ s breakthrough campaign .
Now captain , the playmaker has been the stand-out performer for Dean Smith 's men this season with nine goals and eight assists .

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Jack Grealish is used to playing for Aston Villa at Wembley by now.
The midfielder has gone into battle for his boyhood club three times in the last two years at the iconic stadium, most recently in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
It was five years ago to the day that Grealish did so for the very first time, announcing himself on the national stage in the process.
It was April 19 2015 and Grealish was one of the Villa heroes who upset the odds to beat Liverpool 2-1 to reach the FA Cup final.
Having gone behind when Philippe Coutinho broke the deadlock inside half an hour, Tim Sherwood's side fought back to claim a memorable win thanks to goals from Fabian Delph and Christian Benteke.
Grealish played a starring role and he took to Twitter on Sunday evening to look back, saying: "5 years ago today... One of my favourite days ever."
In an interview earlier this season, the 24-year-old revealed he was so emotional that he started crying in the showers while his team-mates celebrated.
“I've not said this before, but it was the most emotional I've ever been after a game,” the 24-year-old told The Athletic.
“I went into the showers on my own and started crying. I was 19, so I was a bit shy. I felt like I had to hide away from my team-mates and let it all out.
“That feeling, when it had all sunk in, going up to see my mum and dad after at Wembley was amazing. They told me that they were so proud of me and I'll never forget that.”
Villa went on to lose the final 4-0 to Arsenal as the curtain closed on Grealish’s breakthrough campaign.
Now captain, the playmaker has been the stand-out performer for Dean Smith's men this season with nine goals and eight assists.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Birmingham City fans will love these photos and four-word message

Paul Devlin has proved 'dreams can come true ' with the former Birmingham City star reaching into the archive to share a couple of brilliant photos .
Devlin made over 130 appearances for Blues across two spells having first been snapped up by Barry Fry in 1996 .
Born and raised in Erdington , the move from Notts County fulfiled a life-long ambition and Devlin finished as top scorer in his first season at St Andrew 's .
He left in controversial circumstances two years later after a fall-out with the legendary Trevor Francis , Fry 's replacement as manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return and after telling the press he would `` would walk over broken glass to come back '' , Devlin did so initially on loan in February 2002 and helped Blues to promotion under Steve Bruce .
Fast forward almost two decades and a trip into the loft produced two wonderful snaps of the 48-year-old dressed in a full Blues kit as a boy .
He wrote : `` In the loft and found these , dreams can come true '' .
Devlin went on to play a key role in keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during this period he won the first of his ten Scotland caps - at the relatively advanced age of 30 .
He moved on , more happily , in 2004 and played for Watford and Walsall and several non-league teams .
He remains a devoted Bluenose and told BirminghamLive he was thrilled by the fact he was able to leave a legacy at the club that will stand the test of time with 35 goals from 137 appearances .

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Paul Devlin has proved 'dreams can come true' with the former Birmingham City star reaching into the archive to share a couple of brilliant photos.
Devlin made over 130 appearances for Blues across two spells having first been snapped up by Barry Fry in 1996.
Born and raised in Erdington, the move from Notts County fulfiled a life-long ambition and Devlin finished as top scorer in his first season at St Andrew's.
He left in controversial circumstances two years later after a fall-out with the legendary Trevor Francis, Fry's replacement as manager.
But he jumped at the chance to return and after telling the press he would "would walk over broken glass to come back", Devlin did so initially on loan in February 2002 and helped Blues to promotion under Steve Bruce.
Fast forward almost two decades and a trip into the loft produced two wonderful snaps of the 48-year-old dressed in a full Blues kit as a boy. He wrote: "In the loft and found these, dreams can come true".
(Image: Twitter / @Devo72D)
Devlin went on to play a key role in keeping Blues in the top-flight. It was during this period he won the first of his ten Scotland caps - at the relatively advanced age of 30. He moved on, more happily, in 2004 and played for Watford and Walsall and several non-league teams.
He remains a devoted Bluenose and told BirminghamLive he was thrilled by the fact he was able to leave a legacy at the club that will stand the test of time with 35 goals from 137 appearances.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--New advice over washing food after going shopping at supermarket

This is the latest guidance around washing food after a supermarket shop amid the coronavirus pandemic .
As the Covid-19 outbreak continues , Brits across the country have been tasked with only shopping for essential items .
But shops have been placed under unprecedented pressure , with Brits tasked with only heading out `` infrequently '' to buy items .
This has caused bulk-buying and product restrictions at some of our biggest supermarkets .
And , amid the lockdown , there is concern regarding takeaway food among some Brits , who do n't know the rules around food .
North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` it is very unlikely that you can catch coronavirus from food .
Anyone concerned about the potential contamination of coronavirus on their food however has been assured in the new guidance that , even if it was present on food , `` cooking thoroughly will kill the virus . ''
The advice also urges the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and water - as has been recommended by the NHS since the beginning of the outbreak - particularly before handling food or eating .
The new information stresses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food and packaging is `` very low . ''
It urges that food businesses must adhere to hygiene and safety procedures , and that staff in the industry are `` required to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and wear suitable , clean clothing . ''
Providing advice to the public themselves , the document explains : `` When you are buying loose foods such as fruit , vegetables , or bread in a bakery , try and only touch what you are going to buy . ''
Customers are also reminded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance between themselves and others , and `` only buy what you need . ''
As mentioned previously , officials urge the public to follow general hygiene procedures when handling food - particularly in relation to raw fruit , leafy salads and vegetables .
This includes washing fresh produce to `` help remove any contamination on the surface '' and peeling outer layers of certain items .
The public are however warned not to wash raw chicken or other meat as this can lead to cross-contamination in the kitchen .
Additionally , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when cleaning surfaces - suggesting that using hot , soapy water is a suitable alternative if cleaning products are in limited supply locally .
The UK Government adds : `` If you have been shopping , there should be no need to sanitise the outer packaging of food .
`` This is because food businesses are required to have a system for managing food safety in place , which should include keeping packaging clean .
`` You should still follow good hygiene practice by washing your hands after handling any outer packaging .
@

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

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This is the latest guidance around washing food after a supermarket shop amid the coronavirus pandemic.
As the Covid-19 outbreak continues, Brits across the country have been tasked with only shopping for essential items.
These include food, drink and medicines.
But shops have been placed under unprecedented pressure, with Brits tasked with only heading out "infrequently" to buy items.
This has caused bulk-buying and product restrictions at some of our biggest supermarkets.
And, amid the lockdown, there is concern regarding takeaway food among some Brits, who don't know the rules around food.
North Wales Live reports the government advice reads that "it is very unlikely that you can catch coronavirus from food.
Anyone concerned about the potential contamination of coronavirus on their food however has been assured in the new guidance that, even if it was present on food, "cooking thoroughly will kill the virus."
The advice also urges the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and water - as has been recommended by the NHS since the beginning of the outbreak - particularly before handling food or eating.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
The new information stresses that the risk of coronavirus cross-contamination on food and packaging is "very low."
It urges that food businesses must adhere to hygiene and safety procedures, and that staff in the industry are "required to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and wear suitable, clean clothing."
Providing advice to the public themselves, the document explains: "When you are buying loose foods such as fruit, vegetables, or bread in a bakery, try and only touch what you are going to buy."
Customers are also reminded that they must maintain a two metre distance between themselves and others, and "only buy what you need."
As mentioned previously, officials urge the public to follow general hygiene procedures when handling food - particularly in relation to raw fruit, leafy salads and vegetables.
This includes washing fresh produce to "help remove any contamination on the surface" and peeling outer layers of certain items.
The public are however warned not to wash raw chicken or other meat as this can lead to cross-contamination in the kitchen.
Additionally, the new guidance recommends using a food-safe disinfectant when cleaning surfaces - suggesting that using hot, soapy water is a suitable alternative if cleaning products are in limited supply locally.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The UK Government adds: " If you have been shopping, there should be no need to sanitise the outer packaging of food.
"This is because food businesses are required to have a system for managing food safety in place, which should include keeping packaging clean.
"You should still follow good hygiene practice by washing your hands after handling any outer packaging."


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Aston Villa fans have their say on surprise Gollini transfer claim

Goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini has been linked with a shock return to Aston Villa two years after leaving the club .
Italian Gollini joined Villa in 2016 to become one of the first signings of the Dr Tony Xia era at Villa Park .
He was snapped up by compatriot Roberto Di Matteo but his Villa career quickly unravelled after Xia sacked the manager in October .
Steve Bruce replaced Di Matteo and Gollini struggled to win his new boss over before a replacement was sought in January , with Sam Johnstone arriving on loan from Manchester United .
Gollini was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a move that was made permanent 18 months later for just under £4million .
“ I much prefer Italy , ” he said in a recent interview .
“ A return to England ?
I don ’ t think so .
Is it everyone ’ s dream ?
I never said it was mine .
“ Maybe they dream of it because they haven ’ t been there .
In Manchester , my English teacher told me that I was the foreigner who had integrated the best , but it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no group there .
You go on the pitch like you go to the office .
I noticed it especially at Aston Villa.
” But Football Italia says that Villa are keen to re-sign Gollini , who has firmly established himself as Atalanta 's number one .
That is despite already having three senior goalkeepers on the books , as well as AC Milan loanee Pepe Reina .
One Villa fan reacting to the rumour said : `` Slowly finding his feet with us and then we got Johnstone when Bruce became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Atalanta , even playing Champions League games for them ! ''
`` Always said he ’ d be good , '' said another .
A third added : `` I really liked Golllini , was not given anywhere near long enough time or enough chances to prove himself . ''

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Goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini has been linked with a shock return to Aston Villa two years after leaving the club.
Italian Gollini joined Villa in 2016 to become one of the first signings of the Dr Tony Xia era at Villa Park.
He was snapped up by compatriot Roberto Di Matteo but his Villa career quickly unravelled after Xia sacked the manager in October.
Steve Bruce replaced Di Matteo and Gollini struggled to win his new boss over before a replacement was sought in January, with Sam Johnstone arriving on loan from Manchester United.
Gollini was immediately shipped out on loan to Atalanta, a move that was made permanent 18 months later for just under £4million.
“I much prefer Italy,” he said in a recent interview. “A return to England? I don’t think so. Is it everyone’s dream? I never said it was mine.
“Maybe they dream of it because they haven’t been there. In Manchester, my English teacher told me that I was the foreigner who had integrated the best, but it’s not a world for me. There is no group there. You go on the pitch like you go to the office. I noticed it especially at Aston Villa.”
But Football Italia says that Villa are keen to re-sign Gollini, who has firmly established himself as Atalanta's number one.
That is despite already having three senior goalkeepers on the books, as well as AC Milan loanee Pepe Reina.
One Villa fan reacting to the rumour said: "Slowly finding his feet with us and then we got Johnstone when Bruce became manager, Gollini has been a revelation at Atalanta, even playing Champions League games for them!"
"Always said he’d be good," said another.
A third added: "I really liked Golllini, was not given anywhere near long enough time or enough chances to prove himself."


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Brit shopper, 22, creates genius system to get supermarket delivery slot

The coronavirus lockdown has seen UK supermarkets placed under a huge , unprecedented demand .
Amid the pandemic , shoppers have flocked to stores to bulk-buy items and panic-strip shelves .
Stores have subsequently had to limit products , imposing restrictions on certain items , and impose social distancing measures across the UK .
A trip to the shops is far from a relaxing experience these days , with online shopping deliveries becoming the new normal for millions .
Thousands of extra slots have been added by the likes of Tesco and Sainsbury 's .
But what if you still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shopping Slot was founded by 22-year-old Jason Moore who was later joined by 24-year-old Sabrina Stocker who has previously appeared on BBC 's The One Show and The Apprentice .
Their website currently searches across all main supermarkets and will soon cover local companies too , reports The Liverpool Echo .
On why he decided to design the website , Jason said : `` ‘ I was spending hours online trying to reserve spaces , so I designed a website which automated the process .
`` Initially , this was for my family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be nationally beneficial for those elderly , vulnerable and isolating . ''
The searches are free for users and hopes to save them time continuously refreshing supermarket websites .
Users need to enter their postcodes , press search and their results are instantly brought up .
If there are no current slot available , which we predict it to be the case across most stores at the moment , users have the option to upgrade to be emailed as soon as one becomes available .
Sabrina said : `` My grandparents couldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family are isolating so we couldn ’ t deliver her food shop this week .
`` Using Shopping Slot , I was able to book her a next day delivery slot from Iceland and was so grateful .
I want Shopping Slot to become a national brand to help others in need . ''
Jason and Sabrina are hoping their website will help millions of vulnerable or elderly shoppers or anyone self isolating who is currently finding shopping online impossible .
You can visit the website here .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Catherine Murphy, James Rodger)

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The coronavirus lockdown has seen UK supermarkets placed under a huge, unprecedented demand.
Amid the pandemic, shoppers have flocked to stores to bulk-buy items and panic-strip shelves.
Stores have subsequently had to limit products, imposing restrictions on certain items, and impose social distancing measures across the UK.
A trip to the shops is far from a relaxing experience these days, with online shopping deliveries becoming the new normal for millions.
Thousands of extra slots have been added by the likes of Tesco and Sainsbury's.
But what if you still can't get one?
Well, Shopping Slot was founded by 22-year-old Jason Moore who was later joined by 24-year-old Sabrina Stocker who has previously appeared on BBC's The One Show and The Apprentice.
Their website currently searches across all main supermarkets and will soon cover local companies too, reports The Liverpool Echo.
On why he decided to design the website, Jason said: "‘I was spending hours online trying to reserve spaces, so I designed a website which automated the process.
"Initially, this was for my family and friends, but I thought it would be nationally beneficial for those elderly, vulnerable and isolating."
The searches are free for users and hopes to save them time continuously refreshing supermarket websites. Users need to enter their postcodes, press search and their results are instantly brought up.
If there are no current slot available, which we predict it to be the case across most stores at the moment, users have the option to upgrade to be emailed as soon as one becomes available.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Sabrina said: "My grandparents couldn’t leave the house and my family are isolating so we couldn’t deliver her food shop this week.
"Using Shopping Slot, I was able to book her a next day delivery slot from Iceland and was so grateful. I want Shopping Slot to become a national brand to help others in need."
Jason and Sabrina are hoping their website will help millions of vulnerable or elderly shoppers or anyone self isolating who is currently finding shopping online impossible.
You can visit the website here.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Policewoman brutally battered in street - as she pleaded with thug to stop

A policewoman was brutally attacked by a man in a Birmingham street following a 999 call .
Kadeer Hussain , who also assaulted the woman 's colleague , was jailed for two years following the savage attack .
The 38-year-old , of Upper Grosvenor Road , Handsworth , had previously been found guilty following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court of two charges of assault .
The court heard how the two officers responded to a call to an incident on May 2 last year and went to the street in Handsworth where the defendant lived .
They had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the call when they were approached by Hussain who initially appeared calm .
Richard McConaghy , prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court added : `` Then with no warning whatsoever he punched the male officer in the face knocking him backwards .
`` He then immediately punched the female officer in the face causing her nose to start to bleed .
`` Hussain then pursued the woman officer , punching her so hard she fell to the floor and then carried on his attack as she lay on the ground '' She pleaded with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her in the face .
`` Her colleague then pulled the defendant away and using a spray , although Hussain kept coming towards him . ''
He continued to struggle after being handcuffed when police reinforcements arrived and had to be carried to the police van .
Mr McConaghy told the court the male officer suffered some pain and blurred vision .
However the female was more seriously injured with a bruised and swollen cheek , a bloodied nose , a cut to the inside of her mouth and cuts and abrasions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her falling to the ground .
She also had to have a splint on her arm to help with the pain .
In a statement she said she still suffered flashbacks and could `` still see him coming towards me . ''
Judge Sarah Buckingham said : `` It was a sustained assault upon her .
You clearly have a problem with authority .
`` A further aggravating feature is that they were two working police officers who should have been able to go about their job in an ordinary way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ account that there had been a breakdown in Hussain 's mental health at the time .
Amanda O'Mara , defending , said the defendant had already spent 11 months in custody on remand .
She said it was a spontaneous act by Hussain who had previously had `` issues with the police . ''

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A policewoman was brutally attacked by a man in a Birmingham street following a 999 call.
Kadeer Hussain, who also assaulted the woman's colleague, was jailed for two years following the savage attack.
The 38-year-old, of Upper Grosvenor Road, Handsworth, had previously been found guilty following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court of two charges of assault.
The court heard how the two officers responded to a call to an incident on May 2 last year and went to the street in Handsworth where the defendant lived.
They had been trying to find out the reason for the call when they were approached by Hussain who initially appeared calm.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
Richard McConaghy, prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court added: "Then with no warning whatsoever he punched the male officer in the face knocking him backwards.
"He then immediately punched the female officer in the face causing her nose to start to bleed.
"Hussain then pursued the woman officer, punching her so hard she fell to the floor and then carried on his attack as she lay on the ground
"She pleaded with him to stop as he repeatedly struck her in the face.
"Her colleague then pulled the defendant away and using a spray, although Hussain kept coming towards him."
He continued to struggle after being handcuffed when police reinforcements arrived and had to be carried to the police van.
Mr McConaghy told the court the male officer suffered some pain and blurred vision.
However the female was more seriously injured with a bruised and swollen cheek, a bloodied nose, a cut to the inside of her mouth and cuts and abrasions to her hands and arms as a result of her falling to the ground.
She also had to have a splint on her arm to help with the pain.
In a statement she said she still suffered flashbacks and could "still see him coming towards me."
Judge Sarah Buckingham said: "It was a sustained assault upon her. You clearly have a problem with authority.
"A further aggravating feature is that they were two working police officers who should have been able to go about their job in an ordinary way."
She said she had taken into account that there had been a breakdown in Hussain's mental health at the time.
Amanda O'Mara, defending, said the defendant had already spent 11 months in custody on remand.
She said it was a spontaneous act by Hussain who had previously had "issues with the police."