birminghammail--2020-12-30--Everything government will announce at 3pm today - and 2 things they won't

Matt Hancock revealed on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday that the UK will not be plunged back into a national Covid-19 lockdown .
The Health Secretary appeared opposite Charlotte Hawkins and Sean Fletcher on the ITV1 daytime TV show on December 30 .
Ahead of the tier review , which could see Birmingham upgraded to Covid-19 tier 4 , Mr Hancock moved to quash talk of a new nationwide lockdown .
It comes after ruling out an even stricter Tier 5 .
Mr Hancock confirmed more regions in England will be plunged into tougher restrictions .
Tthe Health Secretary revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country - but ruled out a full lockdown like the one in March .
He will announce full details at 3pm in an announcement , but denied he ’ ll be announcing a national lockdown , or a Tier 5 .
Asked if he is going to extend tiers in his announcement on Wednesday , Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast : `` Yes , I 'm going to set out the details of that to the House of Commons this afternoon .
`` It is clear , as we 've seen from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that the number of infections is going up .
`` That 's unfortunately not just happening in London and the South East as it was in the last few weeks , but it 's starting to happen also elsewhere in the country . ''
While denying there would be a national lockdown , he said : `` We 're going to have to extend Tier 4 areas . ''
He said it was `` necessary to take further action '' but did n't detail which areas would be changing tiers .
Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can carry and transmit this virus without even knowing about it . ''
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will be making a statement later on Wednesday about the return of schools in England in January , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said .
Mr Hancock told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` The Education Secretary will be setting out his proposals later today .
Clearly we want to protect education as much as possible .
`` But the new variant does make it much easier for this disease to transmit .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as we can . ''

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Matt Hancock revealed on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday that the UK will not be plunged back into a national Covid-19 lockdown.
The Health Secretary appeared opposite Charlotte Hawkins and Sean Fletcher on the ITV1 daytime TV show on December 30.
Ahead of the tier review, which could see Birmingham upgraded to Covid-19 tier 4, Mr Hancock moved to quash talk of a new nationwide lockdown.
It comes after ruling out an even stricter Tier 5.
Mr Hancock confirmed more regions in England will be plunged into tougher restrictions.
Tthe Health Secretary revealed he planned to introduce more restrictions across the country - but ruled out a full lockdown like the one in March.
He will announce full details at 3pm in an announcement, but denied he’ll be announcing a national lockdown, or a Tier 5.
(Image: PA)
Tier 4 extension
Asked if he is going to extend tiers in his announcement on Wednesday, Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast: "Yes, I'm going to set out the details of that to the House of Commons this afternoon.
"It is clear, as we've seen from the data in the last few days, that the number of infections is going up.
"That's unfortunately not just happening in London and the South East as it was in the last few weeks, but it's starting to happen also elsewhere in the country."
No national lockdown
While denying there would be a national lockdown, he said: "We're going to have to extend Tier 4 areas."
No Tier 5
He said it was "necessary to take further action" but didn't detail which areas would be changing tiers.
Hancock went on: "All of us can carry and transmit this virus without even knowing about it."
Schools
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will be making a statement later on Wednesday about the return of schools in England in January, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.
Mr Hancock told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The Education Secretary will be setting out his proposals later today. Clearly we want to protect education as much as possible.
"But the new variant does make it much easier for this disease to transmit. So we are going to protect education as much as we can."


birminghammail--2020-12-30--Fire breaks out in One Stop Shopping Centre in Perry Barr

A major fire has led to the partial closure of a Birmingham shopping centre today ( Wednesday ) .
People are being urged to stay away from the One Stop Shopping Centre in Perry Barr after the overnight blaze .
It follows a severe fire which ripped through a unit in the mall in the early hours of the morning ( December 30 ) .
More than 30 firefighters rushed to the shopping centre when a fire broke out at 3.42am .
It happened in an independent shop , next to The Fragrance Store in the wing of the mall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gutted the unit , and also caused extensive smoke and water damage to neighbouring shops , Martin Ward-White , a spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service , said : `` We were called to the shopping centre at 3.42am and the first crews arrived in just under five minutres .
`` The fire has involved significant damage within the centre itself and in total six fire engines and a hydraulic platform were requested , with 30 personnel being there .
`` At 7am the fire was extinguished and crews were then involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duties.
`` He said at this stage was not thought to be suspicious and fire investigators were at the scene .
Although the blaze was confined to just the section of the mall near Asda , the brigade was recommending that shoppers stay away until after lunch .
`` We are advising members of the public to check first before travelling to the centre for shopping purposes as access to the site and shops will be restricted , '' he said .
`` The mall will be closed throughout the day , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be open . ''
West Midlands Fire Service praised the way One Stop dealt with the fire , saying a major incident had been averted .
`` As soon as the fire started the automatic alarm system was activated and alerted us straight away , '' Mr Ward-White said .
`` The on-site security team also responded very quickly .
`` There was also a sprinkler system in that section and that helped to extinguish the flames as well .
`` All in all , thanks to all these elements a major incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to just that section of the centre . ''

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A major fire has led to the partial closure of a Birmingham shopping centre today (Wednesday).
(Image: West Midlands Fire Service)
People are being urged to stay away from the One Stop Shopping Centre in Perry Barr after the overnight blaze.
It follows a severe fire which ripped through a unit in the mall in the early hours of the morning (December 30).
More than 30 firefighters rushed to the shopping centre when a fire broke out at 3.42am.
(Image: West Midlands Fire Service)
It happened in an independent shop, next to The Fragrance Store in the wing of the mall where Asda is.
The blaze completely gutted the unit, and also caused extensive smoke and water damage to neighbouring shops,
Martin Ward-White, a spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service, said: "We were called to the shopping centre at 3.42am and the first crews arrived in just under five minutres.
"The fire has involved significant damage within the centre itself and in total six fire engines and a hydraulic platform were requested, with 30 personnel being there.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
"At 7am the fire was extinguished and crews were then involved in removing fire debris and carrying out salvage duties. "
He said at this stage was not thought to be suspicious and fire investigators were at the scene.
Although the blaze was confined to just the section of the mall near Asda, the brigade was recommending that shoppers stay away until after lunch.
"We are advising members of the public to check first before travelling to the centre for shopping purposes as access to the site and shops will be restricted," he said.
"The mall will be closed throughout the day, however the remainder of the retail park will be open."
West Midlands Fire Service praised the way One Stop dealt with the fire, saying a major incident had been averted.
"As soon as the fire started the automatic alarm system was activated and alerted us straight away," Mr Ward-White said.
"The on-site security team also responded very quickly.
"There was also a sprinkler system in that section and that helped to extinguish the flames as well.
"All in all, thanks to all these elements a major incident was averted and the fire was confined to just that section of the centre."


birminghammail--2020-12-31--Gary Lineker teases Micah Richards over Aston Villa moment

It happened four years ago this weekend and it 's a moment that Aston Villa fans will want to forget .
So too will the hapless protagonist Micah Richards .
Sadly for Richards and for the claret and blue faithful , Gary Lineker mischiveously opened up old wounds on Match of the Day this week .
Prompted by Romaine Sawyers ' embarrassing own goal in West Bromwich Albion 's 5-0 drubbing by Leeds United , Lineker asked Richards if he had ever scored an OG .
Giggling on the BBC highlights show in midweek , Lineker said : `` Micah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you told me that for a defender you never got sent off and you never scored an own goal .
`` We 've checked with Opta and there it is ... '' Lineker then proceded to play a clip of an own goal that was credited to the former Manchester City and England defender during Villa 's 2015-16 relegation season .
It happened away in a 3-1 defeat to Sunderland on January 2 2016 as Remi Garde 's strugglers were plunged closer to the drop .
Fans will prefer to remember a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon after a surging run from Adama Traore , but instead they had to relive the moment Patrick van Aanholt 's shot deflected off Richards to give the Wearsiders the lead .
`` I ca n't believe you 're doing this to me ! ''
boomed Richards with his trademark laugh as Lineker teased him up about the clip .
`` I 've just got over that , you 've just brought back these memories .
Okay , I 've take that , I 've scored one own goal . ''
Given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , Villa fans are happy to banish the humilation of 2015-16 for ever more .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nowadays and so is Richards who is proving to be much more entertaining as a pundit than he ever was during his frustrating , injury-ravaged claret and blue career .
There were high hopes for Richards when Tim Sherwood signed him from Fiorentina in July 2015 , but he was part of the doomed relegation squad and any attempts to make amends were hampered by a knee problem which left him as a non-playing spectator on the sidelines for several seasons before his release last summer .

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It happened four years ago this weekend and it's a moment that Aston Villa fans will want to forget.
So too will the hapless protagonist Micah Richards.
Sadly for Richards and for the claret and blue faithful, Gary Lineker mischiveously opened up old wounds on Match of the Day this week.
Prompted by Romaine Sawyers' embarrassing own goal in West Bromwich Albion's 5-0 drubbing by Leeds United, Lineker asked Richards if he had ever scored an OG.
Giggling on the BBC highlights show in midweek, Lineker said: "Micah, you gave me an extraordinary statistic, you told me that for a defender you never got sent off and you never scored an own goal.
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"We've checked with Opta and there it is..."
Lineker then proceded to play a clip of an own goal that was credited to the former Manchester City and England defender during Villa's 2015-16 relegation season.
It happened away in a 3-1 defeat to Sunderland on January 2 2016 as Remi Garde's strugglers were plunged closer to the drop.
Fans will prefer to remember a belting consolation goal from Carles Gil that afternoon after a surging run from Adama Traore, but instead they had to relive the moment Patrick van Aanholt's shot deflected off Richards to give the Wearsiders the lead.
"I can't believe you're doing this to me!" boomed Richards with his trademark laugh as Lineker teased him up about the clip.
"I've just got over that, you've just brought back these memories. Okay, I've take that, I've scored one own goal."
Given the success of Dean Smith's men this season, Villa fans are happy to banish the humilation of 2015-16 for ever more.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Villa are much more enjoyable to watch nowadays and so is Richards who is proving to be much more entertaining as a pundit than he ever was during his frustrating, injury-ravaged claret and blue career.
There were high hopes for Richards when Tim Sherwood signed him from Fiorentina in July 2015, but he was part of the doomed relegation squad and any attempts to make amends were hampered by a knee problem which left him as a non-playing spectator on the sidelines for several seasons before his release last summer.


birminghammail--2020-12-31--Shopping centre issues statement as county moved to Tier 3

A popular Worcestershire shopping centre has issued a statement in response to the county being moved in to Tier 3 .
Redditch ’ s Kingfisher Shopping Centre has responded after the county was placed in the tougher ‘ very high alert ’ Tier 3 level of the Government ’ s coronavirus restrictions .
The county 's public health director , Dr Kath Cobain , has explained the county risked cases doubling in a fortnight if changes were not made .
While non-essential ( and essential ) shops are still allowed to open in Tier 3 , as are personal care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor entertainment venues must close .
In addition places selling food and drink must also close , except for those providing takeaways .
A full list of the Tier 3 restrictions can be found here .
The Redditch centre confirmed it will remain open but there will be some closures – with shoppers also advised to shop alone .
The venue has also introduced a traffic light system which it is promoting on its website and social media channels indicating the safest time to shop .
A spokesperson for the Kingfisher Shopping Centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the safety and wellbeing of our guests , tenants and staff at Kingfisher Shopping Centre .
“ Following the government 's latest announcement placing Redditch into Tier 3 from 31st December , the centre will remain open for both essential and non-essential stores .
“ The new restrictions do mean however that our entertainment venues and eateries will be affected .
“ We are working hard to get as much information as possible from these venues and the eateries who will be operating a takeaway service so please bear with us and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most up to date information .
“ We advise guests to consider shopping alone , avoid visiting during our busy periods and to continue checking our real-time traffic light system on our website and social channels .
We also urge guests to remember to follow the 'hands , face , space ' guidance .
“ We would like to thank you for your understanding and continued support .
”

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A popular Worcestershire shopping centre has issued a statement in response to the county being moved in to Tier 3.
Redditch ’s Kingfisher Shopping Centre has responded after the county was placed in the tougher ‘very high alert’ Tier 3 level of the Government’s coronavirus restrictions. The county's public health director, Dr Kath Cobain, has explained the county risked cases doubling in a fortnight if changes were not made.
While non-essential (and essential) shops are still allowed to open in Tier 3, as are personal care providers like hairdressers and nail bars, indoor entertainment venues must close.
In addition places selling food and drink must also close, except for those providing takeaways.
A full list of the Tier 3 restrictions can be found here.
The Redditch centre confirmed it will remain open but there will be some closures – with shoppers also advised to shop alone. The venue has also introduced a traffic light system which it is promoting on its website and social media channels indicating the safest time to shop.
A spokesperson for the Kingfisher Shopping Centre said: “Our priority continues to be the safety and wellbeing of our guests, tenants and staff at Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
“Following the government's latest announcement placing Redditch into Tier 3 from 31st December, the centre will remain open for both essential and non-essential stores.
“The new restrictions do mean however that our entertainment venues and eateries will be affected.
“We are working hard to get as much information as possible from these venues and the eateries who will be operating a takeaway service so please bear with us and keep an eye on our website for the most up to date information.
“All car parks, except car park 7, will remain open.
“We advise guests to consider shopping alone, avoid visiting during our busy periods and to continue checking our real-time traffic light system on our website and social channels. We also urge guests to remember to follow the 'hands, face, space' guidance.
“We would like to thank you for your understanding and continued support.”


birminghammail--2020-12-31--Is Primark open in Tier 4? Branches that are closed and those that can stay open

As Birmingham and the rest of the West Midlands enters Tier 4 , shoppers are asking if retailers such as Primark are affected by the restrictions .
The world 's biggest Primark is in Birmingham city centre , where it opened in April 2019 .
Primark said in a statement on its website : `` In line with Government guidance , some of our stores are temporarily closed .
Please check your local store for updated information . ''
The megastore in Birmingham is among those affected by the Tier 4 rules .
The Midlands branches that are shut are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still open because they are in a Tier 3 area are : But note that travel from a Tier 4 to a lower tier area is not permitted if you just want to make a dash to a Primark store .
The Government guidance says you must stay at home and not leave your Tier 4 area , other than for legally permitted reasons such as : • travel to work where you can not work from home • travel to education and for caring responsibilities • visit or stay overnight with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your childcare bubble for childcare purposes • attend hospital , GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health • to provide emergency assistance , and to avoid injury or illness , or to escape a risk of harm ( such as domestic abuse ) Non-essential includes clothing and homeware stores , vehicle showrooms ( other than for rental ) , betting shops , tailors , tobacco and vape shops , electronic goods and mobile phone shops , auction houses ( except for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and market stalls selling non-essential goods .
But these businesses can continue to be able to operate click-and-collect ( where goods are pre-ordered and collected off the premises ) and delivery services .
Other businesses that must close in Tier 4 are : • hospitality venues such as cafes , restaurants , pubs , bars and social clubs ; with the exception of providing food and drink for takeaway ( until 11pm ) , click-and-collect , drive-through or delivery • accommodation such as hotels , hostels , guest houses and campsites , except @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these act as someone ’ s main residence , where the person can not return home , for providing accommodation or support to the homeless , or where it is essential to stay there for work purposes • leisure and sports facilities such as leisure centres and indoor gyms , indoor swimming pools , indoor sports courts , indoor fitness and dance studios , indoor riding centres , and indoor climbing walls • entertainment venues such as theatres , concert halls , cinemas , museums and galleries , casinos , amusement arcades , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rinks , go-karting venues , indoor play and soft play centres and areas ( including inflatable parks and trampolining centres ) , circuses , fairgrounds , funfairs , zoos and other animal attractions , water parks and theme parks

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As Birmingham and the rest of the West Midlands enters Tier 4, shoppers are asking if retailers such as Primark are affected by the restrictions.
The world's biggest Primark is in Birmingham city centre, where it opened in April 2019.
Primark said in a statement on its website: "In line with Government guidance, some of our stores are temporarily closed. Please check your local store for updated information."
The megastore in Birmingham is among those affected by the Tier 4 rules.
The Midlands branches that are shut are:
High Street, Birmingham city centre
Fort Shopping Park, Erdington, Birmingham
New Square, West Bromwich
Walsall
intu Merry Hill, Brierley Hill, near Dudley
Wulfrun Square, Wolverhampton
Broadgate, Coventry
Riverside, Stafford
Fosse Park Shopping Centre, Leicester
Haymarket Shopping Centre, Leicester
Market Place, Loughborough
Cornmarket, Derby
St Modwens Walk, Burton on Trent
Lamb Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent
High Street, Cheltenham
Those branches in the Midlands that are still open because they are in a Tier 3 area are:
Evesham Walk, Redditch
Crowngate Shopping Centre, Worcester
Dean Street, Telford
Darwin Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury
But note that travel from a Tier 4 location to a lower tier area is not permitted if you just want to make a dash to a Primark store.
The Government guidance says you must stay at home and not leave your Tier 4 area, other than for legally permitted reasons such as:
travel to work where you cannot work from home
travel to education and for caring responsibilities
visit or stay overnight with people in your support bubble, or your childcare bubble for childcare purposes
attend hospital, GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health
to provide emergency assistance, and to avoid injury or illness, or to escape a risk of harm (such as domestic abuse)
Tier 4 means all non-essential retail must close..
Non-essential includes clothing and homeware stores, vehicle showrooms (other than for rental), betting shops, tailors, tobacco and vape shops, electronic goods and mobile phone shops, auction houses (except for auctions of livestock or agricultural equipment) and market stalls selling non-essential goods.
But these businesses can continue to be able to operate click-and-collect (where goods are pre-ordered and collected off the premises) and delivery services.
Other businesses that must close in Tier 4 are:


birminghammail--2020-12-31--Deserted town centre as Tamworth enters Tier 4

These were the deserted scenes as Tamworth and the whole of Staffordshire officially entered Tier 4 this morning .
The Government announced yesterday that due to the rise in Covid-19 cases the county will be joining a host of others in moving up from three to four .
And on New Year 's Eve our streets were barely populated at all .
Our photos and video show people sticking to the new rules and guidance issued by the Government .
Tamworth ’ s Covid lead Jeremy Oates said : “ This is pretty much as close to a national lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional level .
Don ’ t go out , stay at home , protect yourself and everyone else .
“ It is disappointing because I think we were on the cusp but the difficulty is it is about hospital capacity as well as other measures and and hospital capacity is always a week behind case rates .
If someone tests positive today then the likelihood is it would be a week before they were to be in hospital .
I do think it is about that side of it rather than our infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have been for the last few weeks but we are not escalating in the same way London is .
No Tamworth wards fall into the top 20 per cent in Staffordshire for case rates and there are no hotspots proposed for Tamworth which is good news .
`` At the end of November and start of December we had a bit of a lull and got really low so hopefully this will bring it down again and we can review again pretty quickly .
“ It is a testing and trying time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I genuinely feel for them and their staff because it is another kick just as we go into the New Year .
“ With two vaccines available and now tier 4 I think we are going to start to see some rapid changes over the next sort of three months , certainly by the summer I would hope to be in a much better place and we can start rebuilding.
” Tamworth ’ s MP Christopher Pincher said : “ I am of course disappointed to see Staffordshire move into Tier 4 along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
This new Covid strain is incredibly virulent and easily travels from person to person .
“ This is why we are seeing case rates rocketing across the country .
In Tamworth , in the seven days before Christmas , the number of cases grew by over 20 per cent , and in Lichfield it was by over 50 per cent .
Seven days is a very short amount of time for such a big increase .
If we wait for even a short time more the number of infections could run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals are rising fast , and across the United Kingdom we currently have nearly 22,000 people in hospital with this dreadful virus .
“ I have continued to meet the Health Secretary each week to go through the data in Tamworth and Staffordshire , as well as with the Vaccines Minister to see how we can ensure Tamworth is getting all the vaccines we need .
“ The new vaccines are important , they will be our passport to freedom and our passport to recovery .
Only this morning we got the excellent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved in the United Kingdom .
“ We have an order large enough for 50 million people and unlike the Pfizer vaccine out new British vaccine does not need super cold temperatures to be stored in .
We can be proud of British science and look forward to it putting a stop to this virus .
“ Please continue to do your bit ; stay home , keep washing those hands and control the virus.
” The Tier 4 restrictions for Staffordshire mean : · Stay at home .
You must not leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonable excuse ” such as work , education , essential shopping or medical appointments · In general , you must not meet socially .
However , you can exercise or meet in a public outdoor place with people you live with , your support bubble or with one other person · You must not meet indoors socially with any other household , unless part of your support bubble · Clinically extremely vulnerable people are advised not to work if they can not work from home · All shops deemed non-essential by the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pools , indoor sports courts and dance studios must close

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These were the deserted scenes as Tamworth and the whole of Staffordshire officially entered Tier 4 this morning.
The Government announced yesterday that due to the rise in Covid-19 cases the county will be joining a host of others in moving up from three to four.
And on New Year's Eve our streets were barely populated at all. Our photos and video show people sticking to the new rules and guidance issued by the Government.
Tamworth’s Covid lead Jeremy Oates said: “This is pretty much as close to a national lockdown as we can get but on a regional level. Don’t go out, stay at home, protect yourself and everyone else.
“It is disappointing because I think we were on the cusp but the difficulty is it is about hospital capacity as well as other measures and and hospital capacity is always a week behind case rates. If someone tests positive today then the likelihood is it would be a week before they were to be in hospital. I do think it is about that side of it rather than our infection rate.
“Cases are going up and have been for the last few weeks but we are not escalating in the same way London is. No Tamworth wards fall into the top 20 per cent in Staffordshire for case rates and there are no hotspots proposed for Tamworth which is good news.
"At the end of November and start of December we had a bit of a lull and got really low so hopefully this will bring it down again and we can review again pretty quickly.
“It is a testing and trying time for many businesses at the moment. I genuinely feel for them and their staff because it is another kick just as we go into the New Year.
“With two vaccines available and now tier 4 I think we are going to start to see some rapid changes over the next sort of three months, certainly by the summer I would hope to be in a much better place and we can start rebuilding.”
Tamworth’s MP Christopher Pincher said: “I am of course disappointed to see Staffordshire move into Tier 4 along with over 75 per cent of the country. This new Covid strain is incredibly virulent and easily travels from person to person.
“This is why we are seeing case rates rocketing across the country. In Tamworth, in the seven days before Christmas, the number of cases grew by over 20 per cent, and in Lichfield it was by over 50 per cent. Seven days is a very short amount of time for such a big increase. If we wait for even a short time more the number of infections could run out of control.
“Admissions into hospitals are rising fast, and across the United Kingdom we currently have nearly 22,000 people in hospital with this dreadful virus.
“I have continued to meet the Health Secretary each week to go through the data in Tamworth and Staffordshire, as well as with the Vaccines Minister to see how we can ensure Tamworth is getting all the vaccines we need.
“The new vaccines are important, they will be our passport to freedom and our passport to recovery. Only this morning we got the excellent news that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine had been approved in the United Kingdom.
“We have an order large enough for 50 million people and unlike the Pfizer vaccine out new British vaccine does not need super cold temperatures to be stored in. We can be proud of British science and look forward to it putting a stop to this virus.
“Please continue to do your bit; stay home, keep washing those hands and control the virus.”
The Tier 4 restrictions for Staffordshire mean:
· Stay at home. You must not leave your home unless you have a “reasonable excuse” such as work, education, essential shopping or medical appointments
· In general, you must not meet socially. However, you can exercise or meet in a public outdoor place with people you live with, your support bubble or with one other person
· You must not meet indoors socially with any other household, unless part of your support bubble
· Clinically extremely vulnerable people are advised not to work if they cannot work from home
· All shops deemed non-essential by the Government must close
· Hairdressers and barbers must close
· Indoor entertainment venues must close
· Gyms and indoor swimming pools, indoor sports courts and dance studios must close


birminghammail--2020-12-31--Kevin De Bruyne claim made over Aston Villa's Jack Grealish

Former Aston Villa forward Tony Cascarino has claimed that Jack Grealish has been as good , if not better than Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne so far this season .
Grealish has caught the eye for both club and country so far this season .
The 25-year-old has scored five goals and provided a further eight assists in the league in 2020/21 , as well as establishing himself as a key member of Gareth Southgate ’ s England squad ahead of this summer ’ s European Championships .
His performances have earned praise from around football , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by fans and pundits .
But Cascarino has said that Grealish is playing on a similar level to De Bruyne , a player who is widely regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world .
“ Who ’ s been better this year , Jack Grealish or Kevin De Bruyne ?
” He asked on .
“ And I ’ ve put him in the highest table because Kevin De Bruyne is the best out there.
” “ On form you ’ d say Jack Grealish , ” came the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ d never thought I ’ d put anybody in front of De Bruyne as an attacking midfielder , as in this season , over time , it ’ s a completely different question , Kevin De Bruyne has won everything.
” Cascarino added .
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Google Play Store and App Store “ Right now I ’ m watching Jack Grealish play a level of football with only I can compare with is what Kevin De Bruyne did.
” De Bruyne has made 13 Premier League appearances this season , scoring two goals and providing seven assists for Man City .
The two players will have to wait until April to face each other , with Villa hosting Man City at Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reverse fixture to be rescheduled .

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Former Aston Villa forward Tony Cascarino has claimed that Jack Grealish has been as good, if not better than Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne so far this season.
Grealish has caught the eye for both club and country so far this season.
The 25-year-old has scored five goals and provided a further eight assists in the league in 2020/21, as well as establishing himself as a key member of Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of this summer’s European Championships.
His performances have earned praise from around football, with the Villa captain being compared to Paul Gascoine by fans and pundits.
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But Cascarino has said that Grealish is playing on a similar level to De Bruyne, a player who is widely regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world.
“Who’s been better this year, Jack Grealish or Kevin De Bruyne?” He asked on TalkSPORT .
“And I’ve put him in the highest table because Kevin De Bruyne is the best out there.”
“On form you’d say Jack Grealish,” came the answer from presenter Natalie Sawyer.
“I’d never thought I’d put anybody in front of De Bruyne as an attacking midfielder, as in this season, over time, it’s a completely different question, Kevin De Bruyne has won everything.” Cascarino added.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
“Right now I’m watching Jack Grealish play a level of football with only I can compare with is what Kevin De Bruyne did.”
De Bruyne has made 13 Premier League appearances this season, scoring two goals and providing seven assists for Man City.
The two players will have to wait until April to face each other, with Villa hosting Man City at Villa Park, although there is still the reverse fixture to be rescheduled.


birminghammail--2020-12-31--'Worst ambulance turnaround times I've ever seen' - says hospital boss

The NHS is 'well and truly in the eye of the storm ' in terms of dealing with coronavirus , a Wolverhampton hospital boss said .
Across the country 21,000 inpatients are battling Covid-19 , which is `` putting real pressure on '' the healthcare service .
Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals chief , Prof David Loughton , said while the West Midlands was n't experiencing case numbers like the South East and London , it was important to `` do everything we can to stop numbers climbing '' .
Speaking at West Midlands Combined Authority media briefing on Thursday morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak for my organisation , but I have seen the worst ambulance turnaround times I 've ever seen in last couple of weeks .
`` This is because we 're not doing what we normally do .
`` We have a winter surge plan as we expect to be busy in January and early February and part of that includes putting nurses in corridors in A & E - it 's not the right thing to do but it 's the way we get through and nurse people in corridors to let ambulances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ca n't do that this year because it is unsafe to put patients on corridors as we do n't know who is covid positive or negative at that stage , we test every patient but it takes time to get results back . ''
He said while all patients were getting treated , it was important to stop admissions rising , adding : `` It is a very difficult situation . ''
He said he was waiting for figures later today to show the impact of Christmas gatherings but hoped everyone would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the NHS and save lives . ''

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The NHS is 'well and truly in the eye of the storm' in terms of dealing with coronavirus, a Wolverhampton hospital boss said.
Across the country 21,000 inpatients are battling Covid-19, which is "putting real pressure on" the healthcare service.
Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals chief, Prof David Loughton, said while the West Midlands wasn't experiencing case numbers like the South East and London, it was important to "do everything we can to stop numbers climbing".
Speaking at West Midlands Combined Authority media briefing on Thursday morning, he continued: "I can only speak for my organisation, but I have seen the worst ambulance turnaround times I've ever seen in last couple of weeks.
"This is because we're not doing what we normally do.
"We have a winter surge plan as we expect to be busy in January and early February and part of that includes putting nurses in corridors in A&E - it's not the right thing to do but it's the way we get through and nurse people in corridors to let ambulances get back on the road.
"We can't do that this year because it is unsafe to put patients on corridors as we don't know who is covid positive or negative at that stage, we test every patient but it takes time to get results back."
He said while all patients were getting treated, it was important to stop admissions rising, adding: "It is a very difficult situation."
He said he was waiting for figures later today to show the impact of Christmas gatherings but hoped everyone would please "do what you can to protect the NHS and save lives."


birminghammail--2020-12-31--Ian Wright says what Wolves fans are thinking after Man Utd agony

Wolverhampton Wanderers are a goalscoring centre forward away from getting back to their best .
That 's the verdict of pundit Ian Wright after Wolves ' agonising defeat at Manchester United in midweek .
Wolves produced an impressive perfoprmance at Old Trafford only to be hit by the sucker punch of Marcus Rashford 's last-gasp winner for United .
David De Gea was in fine form to keep Nuno 's men at bay but Wright acknowldged what all Wolves fans know - that they are crying out for a striker .
It has been a familiar frustration since a sickening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in late November sidelined the Mexican No.9 .
Wolves , who travel to Brighton on Saturday , have remained competitive across the pitch during Jimenez 's absence , but have failed to replace thier star striker 's goal threat .
Wright told Match of the Day : `` Wolves very very unclucky at Manchester United .
`` Wolves fans wo n't want to hear it but if they 've got that goalscorer then playing like this they 'd probably nick this game and win it .
`` But United did what they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 've got top quality players . ''
The former Arsenal forward was full of praise for Romain Saiss , who suffered the misfortune of deflecting in Rashford 's late winning goal .
`` Rashford 's got a lot to do but we 're talking about someone with supreme confidence .
I know it 's his first goal at Old Trafford since July , but he gets the luck and gets the deflection off Saiss , who had a brilliant game . ''
Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa , now at Atletico Madrid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a move to Wolves during the imminent January transfer window as Jimenez is guided carefully back to fitness by the Molineux medics and his understudy Fabio Silva still finding his feet .
Ex-Wolves flop Jamie O'Hara reckons Costa would be 'perfect ' for his old team .
`` He fits a certain team and a certain club , '' O'Hara told talkSPORT .
`` Wolves is the perfect answer .
They have got the link ( agent Jorge Mendes ) .
`` Jimenez is obviously injured , I 'm not having Fabio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too young to be playing as a number nine for Wolves .
There 's too much to carry .
`` Bringing in someone like Diego Costa would be perfect for them , it 's just whether they could get him and pay the wages . ''

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are a goalscoring centre forward away from getting back to their best.
That's the verdict of pundit Ian Wright after Wolves' agonising defeat at Manchester United in midweek.
Wolves produced an impressive perfoprmance at Old Trafford only to be hit by the sucker punch of Marcus Rashford's last-gasp winner for United.
David De Gea was in fine form to keep Nuno's men at bay but Wright acknowldged what all Wolves fans know - that they are crying out for a striker.
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It has been a familiar frustration since a sickening head injury to Raul Jimenez at Arsenal in late November sidelined the Mexican No.9.
Wolves, who travel to Brighton on Saturday, have remained competitive across the pitch during Jimenez's absence, but have failed to replace thier star striker's goal threat.
Wright told Match of the Day: "Wolves very very unclucky at Manchester United.
"Wolves fans won't want to hear it but if they've got that goalscorer then playing like this they'd probably nick this game and win it.
"But United did what they do, they didn't give up because they've got top quality players."
The former Arsenal forward was full of praise for Romain Saiss, who suffered the misfortune of deflecting in Rashford's late winning goal.
"Rashford's got a lot to do but we're talking about someone with supreme confidence. I know it's his first goal at Old Trafford since July, but he gets the luck and gets the deflection off Saiss, who had a brilliant game."
Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa, now at Atletico Madrid, is among the frontmen being linked with a move to Wolves during the imminent January transfer window as Jimenez is guided carefully back to fitness by the Molineux medics and his understudy Fabio Silva still finding his feet.
(Image: 2020 Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Ex-Wolves flop Jamie O'Hara reckons Costa would be 'perfect' for his old team.
"He fits a certain team and a certain club," O'Hara told talkSPORT. "Wolves is the perfect answer. They have got the link (agent Jorge Mendes).
"Jimenez is obviously injured, I'm not having Fabio Silva at the minute because he's too young to be playing as a number nine for Wolves. There's too much to carry.
"Bringing in someone like Diego Costa would be perfect for them, it's just whether they could get him and pay the wages."


birminghammail--2020-12-31--Drug dealing suspect ‘carrying knife’ arrested in Worcestershire

A drug dealing suspect ‘ with a knife ’ was arrested in Worcestershire as part of a county lines investigation .
The 29-year-old man was arrested in Woodrow , Redditch on Wednesday ( December 30 ) by officers from North Worcestershire ’ s County Lines team , who were in the area in response to concerns raised around drug dealing .
The man was found to be carrying a knife and a quantity of what is believed to be Class A drugs , both of which were seized by police .
Detective Inspector Gerry Smith from West Mercia Police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines such as criminal exploitation , cuckooing and street violence is far-reaching and we will not stop in our efforts to relentlessly pursue those involved.
” The arrest is part of West Mercia Police ’ s Protect campaign , aimed at tackling serious and organised crime together with partner agencies .
The 29-year-old suspect from Birmingham has been released pending further enquiries .
Class A drugs can be cocaine , ecstasy , heroin , LSD , magic mushrooms , methadone or crystal meth .
Anyone found to be supplying Class A drugs can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlimited fine .
Possession of Class A drugs carries a maximum sentence of seven years in jail or an unlimited fine .

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A drug dealing suspect ‘with a knife’ was arrested in Worcestershire as part of a county lines investigation.
The 29-year-old man was arrested in Woodrow, Redditch on Wednesday (December 30) by officers from North Worcestershire’s County Lines team, who were in the area in response to concerns raised around drug dealing.
The man was found to be carrying a knife and a quantity of what is believed to be Class A drugs, both of which were seized by police.
Detective Inspector Gerry Smith from West Mercia Police said: “The associated harm with county lines such as criminal exploitation, cuckooing and street violence is far-reaching and we will not stop in our efforts to relentlessly pursue those involved.”
The arrest is part of West Mercia Police’s Protect campaign, aimed at tackling serious and organised crime together with partner agencies.
The 29-year-old suspect from Birmingham has been released pending further enquiries.
Class A drugs can be cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, methadone or crystal meth.
Anyone found to be supplying Class A drugs can be jailed for life and face an unlimited fine. Possession of Class A drugs carries a maximum sentence of seven years in jail or an unlimited fine.


birminghammail--2020-12-31--New Year's Eve and New Year's Day weather forecast for Birmingham

Areas of the West Midlands were hit by heavy snowfall at the start of the week , with winter wonderland scenes pictured across the region .
In contrast , New Year 's Eve is set to be 'largely dry ' , with sunny spells throughout the day and temperatures reaching up to 5C .
The Met Office says it will be 'feeling cold ' with light winds after a frosty start and there may be the 'odd wintry shower ' this afternoon .
For the night 's celebrations , which will look very different under the city 's new Tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -4C .
It will remain dry , but there may be a 'few wintry showers in the north ' .
West Midlands Roads said the gritting teams would be out to ensure the roads are safe as freezing temperatures set in .
However , the advice for the new tier is to stay at home .
The Met Office forecast , as of 10am , read : A frosty start with lingering fog patches .
Largely dry throughout the day with sunny spells and the odd wintry shower in the afternoon .
Feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 °C .
Remaining largely dry with increasing cloud and perhaps a few wintry showers in the north .
A cold night with a frost returning .
Minimum temperature -4 °C .
New Year 's Day ( Friday , Jan 1 ) is expected to begin with 'cold and frost ' , with a maximum temperature of 5C .
There will be a few fog patches , according to the Met Office , but it will stay largely dry with the odd shower .
Revellers have been urged to show respect and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city was plunged into Tier 4 from midnight ( Dec 30 ) .
Dave Thompson said New Year , traditionally a time of celebration , would be ‘ very different ’ and not to forget the 72,000 who died after contracting coronavirus this year .
The top cop tweeted : “ This will be a very different # NewYear2021 .
Can I urge people not to congregate tomorrow night .
We will not hesitate to fine for irresponsible acts .
“ However ...
There are over 72,000 people to remember who didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s show respect as we close 2020 .
”

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Areas of the West Midlands were hit by heavy snowfall at the start of the week, with winter wonderland scenes pictured across the region.
In contrast, New Year's Eve is set to be 'largely dry', with sunny spells throughout the day and temperatures reaching up to 5C.
The Met Office says it will be 'feeling cold' with light winds after a frosty start and there may be the 'odd wintry shower' this afternoon.
For the night's celebrations, which will look very different under the city's new Tier 4 restrictions, temperatures will drop to -4C.
(Image: SWNS)
It will remain dry, but there may be a 'few wintry showers in the north'.
West Midlands Roads said the gritting teams would be out to ensure the roads are safe as freezing temperatures set in. However, the advice for the new tier is to stay at home.
The Met Office forecast, as of 10am, read:
Today (New Year's Eve):
A frosty start with lingering fog patches. Largely dry throughout the day with sunny spells and the odd wintry shower in the afternoon. Feeling cold with light winds. Maximum temperature 5 °C.
Tonight:
Remaining largely dry with increasing cloud and perhaps a few wintry showers in the north. A cold night with a frost returning. Minimum temperature -4 °C.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day (Friday, Jan 1) is expected to begin with 'cold and frost', with a maximum temperature of 5C.
There will be a few fog patches, according to the Met Office, but it will stay largely dry with the odd shower.
Revellers have been urged to show respect and not to gather for celebrations tonight after the city was plunged into Tier 4 from midnight (Dec 30).
Dave Thompson said New Year, traditionally a time of celebration, would be ‘very different’ and not to forget the 72,000 who died after contracting coronavirus this year.
The top cop tweeted: “This will be a very different #NewYear2021. Can I urge people not to congregate tomorrow night. We will not hesitate to fine for irresponsible acts.
“However...There are over 72,000 people to remember who didn’t make into 2021. Let’s show respect as we close 2020.”


birminghammail--2020-12-31--Bullring deserted as shops close for first day of Tier 4 lockdown

These were the empty scenes in the centre of Birmingham today as dozens of non-essential shops were forced to close under the latest lockdown rules .
The Bullring was left deserted on New Year 's Eve as the city , and swathes of the region , were plunged into Tier 4 restrictions from midnight in a bid to stop the spread of the new coronavirus strain .
The world 's biggest Primark was among the many stores seen with its shutters down as it temporarily closed to shoppers .
H & M vowed to 'be back soon ' as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning .
In a stark comparison to the packed-out Bullring on Boxing Day , the escalators were completely empty for the first day of the new rules .
Some shops will continue to stay open , including supermarkets and chemists , while banks will also be operating into 2021 .
Boots , Halifax , Holland and Barrett , Natwest , Savers , Simply Local , St Martins News , Tesco , Superdrug and Vision Express remained open in the city centre .
The full list can be found here .
The landmark shopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 8pm today - but only for essential retail , delivery or takeaway from some restaurants and click and collect services .
Birmingham 's coronavirus infection rate is currently 313.1 cases per 100,000 of the population , prompting Boris Johnson 's decision to place the city into the highest tier .
The tier system will be reviewed by the Government on a fortnightly basis , with the next review due on January 13 .
The factors which will determine the tiers includes : • How quickly cases are falling or rising and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Case rates in the population , with particular focus in people aged over 60 • How well local NHS services can cope , including current and projected Covid bed occupancy and daily hospital admissions What are the rules for Tier 4 ?
No household mixing , aside from support bubbbles .
Two people can meet in public outdoor spaces .
Non-essential stores must close except click and collect and delivery services .
Work from home unless you are unable to .
Do not interact with anybody outside your household or support bubble .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Wakes can continue in groups of six .
Weddings of up to six can continue .
Stay at home and only travel for work , education or other legally permitted reasons .
You must not leave a tier 4 area .
You may exercise by yourself or with your household , or with ONE other person from another household .
You can visit care home residents in Covid-secure environments .
Stay at home as much as possible - except health appointments or exercise .

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These were the empty scenes in the centre of Birmingham today as dozens of non-essential shops were forced to close under the latest lockdown rules.
The Bullring was left deserted on New Year's Eve as the city, and swathes of the region, were plunged into Tier 4 restrictions from midnight in a bid to stop the spread of the new coronavirus strain.
The world's biggest Primark was among the many stores seen with its shutters down as it temporarily closed to shoppers. H&M vowed to 'be back soon' as it displayed closed signs on its frontage this morning.
In a stark comparison to the packed-out Bullring on Boxing Day, the escalators were completely empty for the first day of the new rules.
Some shops will continue to stay open, including supermarkets and chemists, while banks will also be operating into 2021.
Boots, Halifax, Holland and Barrett, Natwest, Savers, Simply Local, St Martins News, Tesco, Superdrug and Vision Express remained open in the city centre.
The full list can be found here.
The landmark shopping centre says it's open between 10am and 8pm today - but only for essential retail, delivery or takeaway from some restaurants and click and collect services.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Birmingham's coronavirus infection rate is currently 313.1 cases per 100,000 of the population, prompting Boris Johnson's decision to place the city into the highest tier.
The tier system will be reviewed by the Government on a fortnightly basis, with the next review due on January 13.
The factors which will determine the tiers includes:
How quickly cases are falling or rising and what percentage of people tested are positive
Case rates in the population, with particular focus in people aged over 60
How well local NHS services can cope, including current and projected Covid bed occupancy and daily hospital admissions
What are the rules for Tier 4?
Meeting friends and family
No household mixing, aside from support bubbbles.
Two people can meet in public outdoor spaces.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Bars/pubs/restaurants
Closed - except takeaway, drive-thru, collection.
Retail
Essential stores can open.
Non-essential stores must close except click and collect and delivery services.
Work and business
Work from home unless you are unable to.
Indoor leisure
Closed
Accommodation
Closed
(Image: Birmingham Live)
Personal care
Closed
Places of worship
Open for private prayer and communal worship.
Do not interact with anybody outside your household or support bubble.
Overnight stays
Prohibited.
Weddings and funerals
Funerals with up to 30 guests permitted.
Wakes can continue in groups of six.
Weddings of up to six can continue.
Entertainment
Indoor entertainment closed.
Outdoor attractions can still stay open.
Travel
Stay at home and only travel for work, education or other legally permitted reasons.
Stay local.
Reduce journeys.
You must not leave a tier 4 area.
Exercise
You may exercise by yourself or with your household, or with ONE other person from another household.
Residential care
You can visit care home residents in Covid-secure environments.
Clinically extremely vulnerable
Stay at home as much as possible - except health appointments or exercise.


birminghammail--2020-12-31--Revealed - why Worcestershire has been placed in Tier 3

A stark warning about Worcestershire ’ s coronavirus case rate has been given by the county ’ s public health chief as she explained why it has now been placed in Tier 3 .
Covid-19 cases would ‘ double in a fortnight ’ if the county remained in Tier 2 according to Dr Kathryn Cobain , in response to the Government ’ s action placing Worcestershire in the ‘ very high alert ’ level – Tier 3 .
Details of the Tier 3 rules can be found here .
All Tier 2 areas were moved up at least one tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country in Tier 3 or 4 , except for the Isles of Scilly , which remains in Tier 1 .
In the West Midlands , Herefordshire – which had briefly been moved down to Tier 1 , before going back to Tier 2 at the last review , joins Worcestershire in Tier 3 , alongside Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin .
While all other areas in the region , Birmingham , the four Black Country boroughs – Dudley , Sandwell , Walsall and Wolverhampton , Coventry , Solihull , Staffordshire , Stoke and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Stay at Home ’ Tier 4 level .
In Worcestershire Dr Kathryn Cobain , the Director of Public Health for the county said cases had risen 40 per cent in the county , which includes the older at risk age groups .
Dr Cobain said : “ Sadly we have seen the numbers rising in Worcestershire over the past few weeks and particularly over the past few days across the whole of Worcestershire .
We have seen a 40 per cent increase of Covid-19 diagnoses in the community .
“ And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 60s as well and we are seeing that translate in to increased hospital admissions .
“ We are in a position where our trajectory shows if we don ’ t do something now , cases in the county are likely to double within two weeks .
`` With the increase in cases and with the new faster spreading variant being identified in areas of the country , these stricter measures are being brought into place to stop the spread of the virus .
“ It won ’ t be easy for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pull together to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases .
`` It is up to us all to follow the new rules and to continue to follow social distancing guidelines , wear a face covering , wash our hands regularly and limit our travel and contacts .
`` These remain the best ways to fight against the virus.
” The Government outlined its reasons for raising tier levels on Wednesday ( December 30 ) .
A from the Department of Health and Social Care said : “ Between 18 and 24 December the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 402.6 per 100,000 , a 32 per cent increase on the previous week .
“ The NHS reports 14,915 patients have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 in the past week , a 18 per cent increase on the week before .
“ Evidence shows the new strain of COVID-19 is increasing in the South West , Midlands and parts of the North West .
“ Infection rates have increased faster than expected in these areas where the new strain has been circulating and stronger measures are required to get the virus under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midlands have increased to 273.5 per 100,000 , a 23 per cent increase on the previous week .
“ Winter is always the most difficult time of year for the NHS and an increase in COVID-19 infections is followed closely by a rise in hospitalisations and , after a lag , an increase in deaths .
“ It is vital everyone plays their part by following the regional tiered restrictions in their area to bring down infections , save lives and reduce pressures on the NHS this winter .

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A stark warning about Worcestershire ’s coronavirus case rate has been given by the county’s public health chief as she explained why it has now been placed in Tier 3.
Covid-19 cases would ‘double in a fortnight’ if the county remained in Tier 2 according to Dr Kathryn Cobain, in response to the Government’s action placing Worcestershire in the ‘very high alert’ level – Tier 3. Details of the Tier 3 rules can be found here.
All Tier 2 areas were moved up at least one tier – with now all areas in the country in Tier 3 or 4, except for the Isles of Scilly, which remains in Tier 1.
(Image: PA)
In the West Midlands, Herefordshire – which had briefly been moved down to Tier 1, before going back to Tier 2 at the last review, joins Worcestershire in Tier 3, alongside Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.
While all other areas in the region, Birmingham, the four Black Country boroughs – Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, Coventry, Solihull, Staffordshire, Stoke and Warwickshire all being hiked up to the ‘Stay at Home’ Tier 4 level.
In Worcestershire Dr Kathryn Cobain, the Director of Public Health for the county said cases had risen 40 per cent in the county, which includes the older at risk age groups.
Dr Cobain said: “Sadly we have seen the numbers rising in Worcestershire over the past few weeks and particularly over the past few days across the whole of Worcestershire. We have seen a 40 per cent increase of Covid-19 diagnoses in the community.
“And we are seeing that go up in the over 60s as well and we are seeing that translate in to increased hospital admissions.
“We are in a position where our trajectory shows if we don’t do something now, cases in the county are likely to double within two weeks.
"With the increase in cases and with the new faster spreading variant being identified in areas of the country, these stricter measures are being brought into place to stop the spread of the virus.
“It won’t be easy for the residents of Worcestershire, but we can pull together to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases.
"It is up to us all to follow the new rules and to continue to follow social distancing guidelines, wear a face covering, wash our hands regularly and limit our travel and contacts.
"These remain the best ways to fight against the virus.”
The Government outlined its reasons for raising tier levels on Wednesday (December 30).
A from the Department of Health and Social Care said: “Between 18 and 24 December the weekly case rate in England rose to 402.6 per 100,000, a 32 per cent increase on the previous week.
“The NHS reports 14,915 patients have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 in the past week, a 18 per cent increase on the week before.
“Evidence shows the new strain of COVID-19 is increasing in the South West, Midlands and parts of the North West.
“Infection rates have increased faster than expected in these areas where the new strain has been circulating and stronger measures are required to get the virus under control.
“Rates in the West Midlands have increased to 273.5 per 100,000, a 23 per cent increase on the previous week.
“Winter is always the most difficult time of year for the NHS and an increase in COVID-19 infections is followed closely by a rise in hospitalisations and, after a lag, an increase in deaths.
“It is vital everyone plays their part by following the regional tiered restrictions in their area to bring down infections, save lives and reduce pressures on the NHS this winter.


birminghammail--2020-01-01--Pizza Hut launches new vegan pepperoni pizza for Veganuary

Are you considering giving Veganuary a go but worried about missing out on your favourite foods ?
Well Pizza Hut is here to help if you have a fondness for pepperoni pizza .
The American restaurant chain is launching the Vegan Pepperphoni Pizza which it claims will appease event the greatest meat lovers by tasting just like the real thing .
Priced from £11.69 , the pizza is made from pea protein and Violife vegan ch**se , providing the perfect plant-based substitute to the nation ’ s much-loved Pepperoni Pizza .
Available as a limited-edition vegan menu item from January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s the seventh pizza to join the vegan menu , which also features a range of sides and desserts .
If a vegan option is a step too far away from guests ’ usual pizza order , then the Pepperphoni can also be ordered as a vegetarian option with mozzarella cheese .
Ciara Grace , Senior Menu Innovation Manager at Pizza Hut Restaurants , said : “ Following the success of our vegan Jack ‘ N ’ Ch**se Pizza last Veganuary , we wanted to create something new for 2020 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We strive to offer our guests as much choice as possible and love coming up with new , delicious recipes for them to try .
Pea protein is a first for Pizza Hut Restaurants and we ’ re excited for guests to give it a go.
” The eatery added that the meat-free Pepperphoni topping could join the vegan menu permanently if it proves to be popular .
Customers are encouraged to show their love for Pizza Hut 's latest vegan offering by posting their pizza pictures to Instagram using the hashtag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guests will be automatically entered into a competition to win a £100 gift card .
As well as the new addition , customers can enjoy 41 % off all food at Pizza Hut restaurants from January 6 to 30 , available all-day Monday to Thursday and from 3pm on a Sunday .
Check the website for your nearest Pizza Hut restaurant .

Are you considering giving Veganuary a go but worried about missing out on your favourite foods? Well Pizza Hut is here to help if you have a fondness for pepperoni pizza.
The American restaurant chain is launching the Vegan Pepperphoni Pizza which it claims will appease event the greatest meat lovers by tasting just like the real thing.
Priced from £11.69, the pizza is made from pea protein and Violife vegan ch**se, providing the perfect plant-based substitute to the nation’s much-loved Pepperoni Pizza.
Available as a limited-edition vegan menu item from January 1, for one month only, it’s the seventh pizza to join the vegan menu, which also features a range of sides and desserts.
(Image: Pizza Hut)
If a vegan option is a step too far away from guests’ usual pizza order, then the Pepperphoni can also be ordered as a vegetarian option with mozzarella cheese.
Ciara Grace, Senior Menu Innovation Manager at Pizza Hut Restaurants, said: “Following the success of our vegan Jack ‘N’ Ch**se Pizza last Veganuary, we wanted to create something new for 2020 to excite both vegan and non-vegan customers.
"We strive to offer our guests as much choice as possible and love coming up with new, delicious recipes for them to try. Pea protein is a first for Pizza Hut Restaurants and we’re excited for guests to give it a go.”
The eatery added that the meat-free Pepperphoni topping could join the vegan menu permanently if it proves to be popular.
Customers are encouraged to show their love for Pizza Hut's latest vegan offering by posting their pizza pictures to Instagram using the hashtag #VeganHut and tagging @PizzaHutUK.
Guests will be automatically entered into a competition to win a £100 gift card.
As well as the new addition, customers can enjoy 41% off all food at Pizza Hut restaurants from January 6 to 30, available all-day Monday to Thursday and from 3pm on a Sunday.
Check the website for your nearest Pizza Hut restaurant.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Boris will declare Brexit 'the dawn of a new era' as the UK leaves the EU at last

Boris Johnson will herald leaving the European Union as `` the moment when the dawn breaks '' , as Brexit finally takes place .
The UK officially leaves Brexit at 11pm on Friday night and the Government has organised a light show in Downing Street , but otherwise the celebrations are set to be fairly low key .
The Prime Minister and his Cabinet will meet in Sunderland in the afternoon .
Downing Street said the venue had been chosen because it was the first city in the country to vote to leave the EU .
When the results of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 vote , Sunderland was the first place to announce a result where a majority voted to leave .
Mr Johnson will then return to London ready to deliver an historic short speech from inside 10 Downing Street .
He will urge the country to `` unite '' following the divisive referendum and lengthy arguments that followed , and highlight once again his goal of `` levelling up '' the nation by improving the economy and opportunities available in regions outside London and the south east .
Mr Johnson will say : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job - is to bring this country together and take us forward .
`` And the most important thing to say tonight is that this is not an end but a beginning .
`` This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act .
`` It is a moment of real national renewal and change .
This is the dawn of a new era in which we no longer accept that your life chances - your family 's life chances - should depend on which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
`` This is the moment when we begin to unite and level up . ''
A row has also broken out over the Prime Minister 's speech , which is to be recorded by Government officials rather than honouring a `` long-established '' arrangement of having momentous speeches covered by a national broadcaster .
Traditionally , speeches by the PM at major intervals in Britain 's history have been recorded by a single broadcaster and then shared with other television networks , in what is known as a `` pool '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forgo the usual arrangements by using an in-house digital team for the Brexit address , who will then distribute the recording to news outlets and publish the Conservative Party leader 's message on social media .
It means news broadcasters may choose not to show the video in full .
Proposals to ensure Big Ben rings out to celebrate Brexit have been abandoned .
The famous clock tower is closed for rennovations .
But Nigel Farage 's Brexit Party is to hold a party in Parliament Square , close to the House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recording of the chimes over loudspeakers .
Revellers attending Mr Farage 's event have been asked to avoid bringing booze .
A message from the Brexit Party to supporters warned : `` We want to make you aware that Westminster is a 'Controlled Drinking Zone ' so it is advisable that you do not bring alcohol along . ''
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the UK is `` now at a crossroads '' .
He said : `` As we leave the European Union , whatever side we took in the Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country together to shape our common future , work to rebuild and strengthen our communities , and eliminate poverty and injustice in our society . ''

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Boris Johnson will herald leaving the European Union as "the moment when the dawn breaks", as Brexit finally takes place.
The UK officially leaves the EU at 11pm on Friday night and the Government has organised a light show in Downing Street, but otherwise the celebrations are set to be fairly low key.
The Prime Minister and his Cabinet will meet in Sunderland in the afternoon. Downing Street said the venue had been chosen because it was the first city in the country to vote to leave the EU.
When the results of the EU referendum were announced after the 2016 vote, Sunderland was the first place to announce a result where a majority voted to leave.
Mr Johnson will then return to London ready to deliver an historic short speech from inside 10 Downing Street.
He will urge the country to "unite" following the divisive referendum and lengthy arguments that followed, and highlight once again his goal of "levelling up" the nation by improving the economy and opportunities available in regions outside London and the south east.
Mr Johnson will say: "Our job as the government - my job - is to bring this country together and take us forward.
"And the most important thing to say tonight is that this is not an end but a beginning.
"This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act.
"It is a moment of real national renewal and change. This is the dawn of a new era in which we no longer accept that your life chances - your family's life chances - should depend on which part of the country you grow up in.
"This is the moment when we begin to unite and level up."
A row has also broken out over the Prime Minister's speech, which is to be recorded by Government officials rather than honouring a "long-established" arrangement of having momentous speeches covered by a national broadcaster.
Traditionally, speeches by the PM at major intervals in Britain's history have been recorded by a single broadcaster and then shared with other television networks, in what is known as a "pool" system.
Number 10 has decided to forgo the usual arrangements by using an in-house digital team for the Brexit address, who will then distribute the recording to news outlets and publish the Conservative Party leader's message on social media. It means news broadcasters may choose not to show the video in full.
Proposals to ensure Big Ben rings out to celebrate Brexit have been abandoned. The famous clock tower is closed for rennovations.
But Nigel Farage's Brexit Party is to hold a party in Parliament Square, close to the House of Commons, and apparently plans to broadcast a recording of the chimes over loudspeakers.
Revellers attending Mr Farage's event have been asked to avoid bringing booze. A message from the Brexit Party to supporters warned: "We want to make you aware that Westminster is a 'Controlled Drinking Zone' so it is advisable that you do not bring alcohol along."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the UK is "now at a crossroads".
He said: "As we leave the European Union, whatever side we took in the Brexit debate, we now need to bring the country together to shape our common future,work to rebuild and strengthen our communities, and eliminate poverty and injustice in our society."


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Giovanni Pernice in shock split from Ashley Roberts after just one year

Strictly Come Dancing 's Giovanni Pernice has announced he has split from Ashley Roberts after more than a year of dating .
The professional dancer , 29 , tweeted the news on Thursday .
He said : `` @ ImAshleyRoberts and I have made the decision to separate as a couple .
We remain friends and wish each other well for the future . ''
Roberts , 38 , is yet to publicly respond .
She is currently busy promoting the Pussycat Dolls ' new music and upcoming tour .
The couple met during the 2018 series of Strictly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kovalev while Italian Pernice was coupled with Steps singer Faye Tozer .
Amid rumours they were together , they were spotted sharing a kiss in Miami in December of that year .
Pernice later confirmed they were an item and had spent Christmas together .
Last May , Giovanni shared a loved-up snap of him and Ashley kissing , writing : `` I never thought anyone would ever make me smile , laugh and steal my heart as fast as you did !
!
I love you amore . ''
The pair were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scenes of Strictly , but Giovanni has spoken about the Strictly Curse in the past .
He once said he does n't believe it exists , despite numerous couples splitting while one is taking part in the show , and many pros and celebs getting together while in relationships with other people .
Giovanni once said : `` No .
If you ’ re in a strong relationship , it ’ s not inevitable that you ’ ll begin an affair with your dance partner .
`` The rumba , the Argentine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across physical attraction .
But it doesn ’ t have to spill over to real life . ''

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Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice has announced he has split from Ashley Roberts after more than a year of dating.
The professional dancer, 29, tweeted the news on Thursday.
He said: "@ImAshleyRoberts and I have made the decision to separate as a couple. We remain friends and wish each other well for the future."
Roberts, 38, is yet to publicly respond. She is currently busy promoting the Pussycat Dolls' new music and upcoming tour.
The couple met during the 2018 series of Strictly. US star Roberts was paired with Pasha Kovalev while Italian Pernice was coupled with Steps singer Faye Tozer.
Amid rumours they were together, they were spotted sharing a kiss in Miami in December of that year.
(Image: Birmingham Mail/Darren Quinton)
Pernice later confirmed they were an item and had spent Christmas together.
Last May, Giovanni shared a loved-up snap of him and Ashley kissing, writing: "I never thought anyone would ever make me smile, laugh and steal my heart as fast as you did !! I love you amore."
The pair were both single when they got together behind the scenes of Strictly, but Giovanni has spoken about the Strictly Curse in the past.
(Image: Birmingham Mail/Darren Quinton)
He once said he doesn't believe it exists, despite numerous couples splitting while one is taking part in the show, and many pros and celebs getting together while in relationships with other people.
Giovanni once said: "No. If you’re in a strong relationship, it’s not inevitable that you’ll begin an affair with your dance partner.
"The rumba, the Argentine tango, they require you to put across physical attraction. But it doesn’t have to spill over to real life."


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Man held over £50 million jewellery raid at home of heiress Tamara Ecclestone

A 29-year-old man has been arrested over a £50 million jewellery raid on heiress Tamara Ecclestone 's London home that left the socialite 'angry and shaken . '
The Metropolitan Police said the suspect was detained at Heathrow Airport on Thursday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary .
He remains in custody .
The force said the arrest was in relation to the burglary in Palace Green , Kensington , on December 13 in which all of Ms Ecclestone 's jewellery was reportedly stolen .
She was left `` angry and shaken '' by the incident , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernie Ecclestone .
Police said in December they were called to the scene by security within the building to reports of three males inside the property .
The offenders are believed to have entered through a garden before breaking into safes hidden in the bedroom of the house , which is next to Hyde Park .
Officers used sniffer dogs to search the grounds of the property and also went through CCTV footage .
At the time of the burglary , The Sun reported that intruders fled with items including rings , earrings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her as a wedding present .
The incident occurred just after Ms Ecclestone left the country for her Christmas holiday with her husband Jay Rutland and their daughter Sophia .

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A 29-year-old man has been arrested over a £50 million jewellery raid on heiress Tamara Ecclestone's London home that left the socialite 'angry and shaken.'
The Metropolitan Police said the suspect was detained at Heathrow Airport on Thursday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary. He remains in custody.
The force said the arrest was in relation to the burglary in Palace Green, Kensington, on December 13 in which all of Ms Ecclestone's jewellery was reportedly stolen.
She was left "angry and shaken" by the incident, according to her father, former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.
Police said in December they were called to the scene by security within the building to reports of three males inside the property.
The offenders are believed to have entered through a garden before breaking into safes hidden in the bedroom of the house, which is next to Hyde Park.
Officers used sniffer dogs to search the grounds of the property and also went through CCTV footage.
At the time of the burglary, The Sun reported that intruders fled with items including rings, earrings and an £80,000 Cartier bangle given to her as a wedding present.
The incident occurred just after Ms Ecclestone left the country for her Christmas holiday with her husband Jay Rutland and their daughter Sophia.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Birmingham City summer signing set to make January switch - reports

Alvaro Gimenez is set to become the second of Birmingham City ’ s summer signings to seal a swift exit in this window , according to reports in Spain .
Fran Villalba has already completed a move to Almeria , only months after joining the club and now Gimenez is tipped to return to his homeland .
Diario De Cadiz are reporting that Cadiz are set to sign Gimenez , initially on-loan for the rest of the campaign .
Gimenez moved to St Andrew ’ s from Almeria last summer having enjoyed his best ever season .
His 20 goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt made him worth a punt at €1.5m .
However despite a couple of bright displays early on , culminating in a solid display in the 3-2 win at Reading , his form tailed off badly and like his compatriot Villalba , he struggled with the transition on and off the pitch .
The news of Gimenez ’ s potential departure arrives one day after Blues confirmed the signing of Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan on loan - and only hours after claims they are set to sign Bright Enobakhare .
The Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on loan with Wigan , but is set to sign for Blues permanently after completing a medical .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Brian Dick, Ben Husband)

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Alvaro Gimenez is set to become the second of Birmingham City’s summer signings to seal a swift exit in this window, according to reports in Spain.
Fran Villalba has already completed a move to Almeria, only months after joining the club and now Gimenez is tipped to return to his homeland.
Diario De Cadiz are reporting that Cadiz are set to sign Gimenez, initially on-loan for the rest of the campaign.
Gimenez moved to St Andrew’s from Almeria last summer having enjoyed his best ever season.
His 20 goals led the Spanish second division and Blues felt made him worth a punt at €1.5m.
However despite a couple of bright displays early on, culminating in a solid display in the 3-2 win at Reading, his form tailed off badly and like his compatriot Villalba, he struggled with the transition on and off the pitch.
The news of Gimenez’s potential departure arrives one day after Blues confirmed the signing of Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan on loan - and only hours after claims they are set to sign Bright Enobakhare.
The Wolves academy graduate spent the first half season on loan with Wigan, but is set to sign for Blues permanently after completing a medical.


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Manchester United in talks to seal move for Aston Villa striker target - reports

Manchester United are in talks with Islam Slimani ’ s representatives with hopes of sealing a deadline day move , according to reports .
The Leiecester City forward has been extensively linked with a move back to the Premier League , after spending the first half of the season with AS Monaco .
Despite a strong start to life in Ligue 1 , he has fallen out of favour under new coach Robert Moreno and is now believed to be keen on a move .
Aston Villa are one of a number clubs to be linked with the Algerian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for another striker .
Smith has already signed Mbwana Samatta from Genk in this window , but is still looking to add further reinforcements after the injury suffered by Wesley Moraes .
United are also believed to want a striker in the final hours of the window , with Solskjaer looking to replace the injured Marcus Rashford .
And now journalist Nicolo Schira has claimed that Old Trafford officials ‘ are working with the agents Pastorello & Bascherini to finalise Islam Slimani ’ s deal ’ .
United and Villa could still face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporter suggesting Inter are also meeting with his agents in order to strike a deal .
Asked about his own search for another forward , Smith said : `` I 'd like to get another one in .
`` But as is the window , we 're less than 48 hours away now .
I certainly wo n't be ruling out anybody coming in , I wo n't be ruling out anybody going out , and I 'm not ruling out nothing happening . ''

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Manchester United are in talks with Islam Slimani’s representatives with hopes of sealing a deadline day move, according to reports.
The Leiecester City forward has been extensively linked with a move back to the Premier League, after spending the first half of the season with AS Monaco.
Despite a strong start to life in Ligue 1, he has fallen out of favour under new coach Robert Moreno and is now believed to be keen on a move.
Aston Villa are one of a number clubs to be linked with the Algerian, with Dean Smith still in the market for another striker.
Smith has already signed Mbwana Samatta from Genk in this window, but is still looking to add further reinforcements after the injury suffered by Wesley Moraes.
United are also believed to want a striker in the final hours of the window, with Solskjaer looking to replace the injured Marcus Rashford.
And now journalist Nicolo Schira has claimed that Old Trafford officials ‘are working with the agents Pastorello & Bascherini to finalise Islam Slimani’s deal’.
United and Villa could still face competition from Inter, with the same reporter suggesting Inter are also meeting with his agents in order to strike a deal.
Asked about his own search for another forward, Smith said: "I'd like to get another one in.
"But as is the window, we're less than 48 hours away now. I certainly won't be ruling out anybody coming in, I won't be ruling out anybody going out, and I'm not ruling out nothing happening."


birminghammail--2020-01-30--Dota 2 tournament ESL One returns to Birmingham in 2020 with $300,000 prize pool

It has been confirmed that one of the biggest and best tournaments in the entire Dota 2 calendar will be held in Birmingham for the third year in a row , with thousands of people expected to watch the event worldwide , and a sell-out expected .
2019 's ESL One tournament was the most viewed ESL One Dota 2 event ever with over 7 million hours of the tournament watched by fans in total and over 24,000 fans packing into Arena Birmingham .
The tournament also reached a peak concurrent viewership record for an ESL One event of over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the most popular and lucrative Esports in the world and can be described as a a multiplayer online battle arena video game .
There are two teams of five individuals each , whose main aim is to defend their own area within a map against the other team .
The first team to destroy the other team 's `` Ancient '' , which is a large structure inside the team 's occupied area , wins the game .
Confirmation of the event returning to Birmingham came from the official ESL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an announcement video to boot .
From May 29-31 , Arena Birmingham will again host ESL One where 12 teams from around the world will battle it out for the chance to win some of the $ 300,000 prizepool on offer .
Last year , Team Secret were the overall winners after beating Evil Geniuses in the last series .
For information about the event and to buy tickets , you can head to the official ESL One Website here .

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It has been confirmed that one of the biggest and best tournaments in the entire Dota 2 calendar will be held in Birmingham for the third year in a row, with thousands of people expected to watch the event worldwide, and a sell-out expected.
2019's ESL One tournament was the most viewed ESL One Dota 2 event ever with over 7 million hours of the tournament watched by fans in total and over 24,000 fans packing into Arena Birmingham.
The tournament also reached a peak concurrent viewership record for an ESL One event of over 300,000 people watching live.
Dota 2 is one of the most popular and lucrative Esports in the world and can be described as a a multiplayer online battle arena video game. There are two teams of five individuals each, whose main aim is to defend their own area within a map against the other team. The first team to destroy the other team's "Ancient", which is a large structure inside the team's occupied area, wins the game.
Confirmation of the event returning to Birmingham came from the official ESL One Dota 2 Twitter account, with an announcement video to boot.
From May 29-31, Arena Birmingham will again host ESL One where 12 teams from around the world will battle it out for the chance to win some of the $300,000 prizepool on offer.
Follow Esports and gaming writer Nathan Bliss on social media To follow Nathan on Twitter, click here. To follow Reach Gaming on Twitter, click here. To follow Nathan on Facebook, click here.
Last year, Team Secret were the overall winners after beating Evil Geniuses in the last series.
For information about the event and to buy tickets, you can head to the official ESL One Website here.