birminghammail--2020-03-16--Latest Government coronavirus advice urges working from home

The Government has issued new advice , asking everyone to work from home and avoid travel if they can possibly help it , to stop the spread of coronavirus .
And they should avoid pubs , cinemas and other social venues , Boris Johnson has said .
The Government also effectively banned major crowd events such as football matches , saying the police would no longer attend in the way they usually do .
Anyone who is particularly vulnerable to infection will be asked to stay indoors for 12 weeks , starting from this weekend .
Boris Johnson , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the virus spreading was entering a new stage in the first of the planned daily coronavirus press conferences .
He said : `` Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others .
And to stop all unnecessary travel .
`` We need people to start working from home where they possibly can .
And you should avoid pubs , clubs , , theatres and other such social venues . ''
Mr Johnson said : `` This advice about avoiding all social contact is particularly important for people over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those with some health conditions . ''
He also said that anyone in a household where someone has the covid-19 coronavirus should go into isolation and remain at home for 14 days .
They should find someone else to do their shopping or deliver supplies to their home , he said .
Previously , this measure only applied to people with symptoms - not the other people in their homes .
And the most vulnerable people , whether they are ill or not , will be asked to stay at home for 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer attend events such as football matches or concerts .
Mr Johnson said : `` From tomorrow we will no longer be supporting mass gatherings with emergency workers in the way that we normally do . ''
While the Prime Minister did not spell it out , the announcement effectively makes it impossible for these events to take place ( though sporting events could theoretically take place without spectators ) .
Schools will not be closed - but the Government 's scientific advisers said that may change in the future .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` to minimise suffering and save life '' , in what may have been an attempt to counter claims from critics that the Government had a deliberate policy of allowing people to catch the disease .
And everything the Government did `` is based scrupulously on the best scientific advice '' , he said .
He said that last week the Government asked people to stay at home if they had a high temperature or a new , continuous cough , But he said it was now time to `` go further '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when cases will rise quickly , he said .
`` Without drastic action , cases could double every five or six days .
The virus was spreading fastest in London , he said .
Also speaking at the Number 10 press conference were Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance .
It was the first of the new daily press conferences the Government plans to hold , in an bid to keep the public informed and improve confidence in its plans to deal with the virus .
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , alongside the Chief Medical Office and Chief Scientific Adviser .
Another Minister will take over when he is not available .
It follows criticism over the weekend that the Government is failing to communicate clearly with the public .
The Government says the UK is leading international efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and produce the medical equipment needed to help people recover .
Earlier today , Mr Johnson spoke to British manufacturers including Unipart Group to ask them to support production of essential medical equipment for the NHS .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government committee that deals with emergencies .
In recent days the Prime Minister has spoken with world leaders including President Trump , Germany 's leader Chancellor Merkel , Prime Minister Abe of Japan , Prime Minister Conte of Italy and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia .
On Tuesday , the leaders of the G7 group of the world 's largest economies will participate in a call to discuss international efforts .
Germany closed its borders with neighbouring countries as European nations attempted to stem the spread of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said it is planning for “ all eventualities ” in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Defence Minister James Heappey said : “ The Ministry of Defence plans for all things , whether it be for flooding , or indeed for pandemic .
We are planning for all eventualities in response to Covid-19 and we ’ re content that we have what we need within our resources to meet the likely requirements for government.
” Retailers have reported a rise in abuse of staff amid coronavirus panic-buying , despite supermarkets calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chaotic weekend for retailers , which saw their shelves emptied of essential items such as toilet rolls , cleaning products , dried pasta and tinned food , after the virus outbreak was classified as a pandemic .
Supermarket websites and online grocers including Ocado are also suffering from huge surges in orders , with some key items being rationed per customer .
Chief executives are in discussions with the Government about limiting products to ensure key lines remain in stock , although the prevailing view is that supply chains are holding up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) said staff have been the victims of abuse in recent days , but retailers are working with the police to keep stores “ running as smoothly as possible ” .
Andrew Opie , director of food and sustainability at the BRC , said : “ Even when circumstances are difficult , retailers are well versed in providing effective security measures .
”

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The Government has issued new advice, asking everyone to work from home and avoid travel if they can possibly help it, to stop the spread of coronavirus.
And they should avoid pubs, cinemas and other social venues, Boris Johnson has said.
The Government also effectively banned major crowd events such as football matches, saying the police would no longer attend in the way they usually do.
Anyone who is particularly vulnerable to infection will be asked to stay indoors for 12 weeks, starting from this weekend.
Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, revealed the battle to stop the virus spreading was entering a new stage in the first of the planned daily coronavirus press conferences.
He said: "Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others. And to stop all unnecessary travel.
"We need people to start working from home where they possibly can. And you should avoid pubs, clubs, ,theatres and other such social venues."
Mr Johnson said: "This advice about avoiding all social contact is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions."
He also said that anyone in a household where someone has the covid-19 coronavirus should go into isolation and remain at home for 14 days. They should find someone else to do their shopping or deliver supplies to their home, he said.
Previously, this measure only applied to people with symptoms - not the other people in their homes.
And the most vulnerable people, whether they are ill or not, will be asked to stay at home for 12 weeks.
He announced that police will no longer attend events such as football matches or concerts.
Mr Johnson said: "From tomorrow we will no longer be supporting mass gatherings with emergency workers in the way that we normally do."
While the Prime Minister did not spell it out, the announcement effectively makes it impossible for these events to take place (though sporting events could theoretically take place without spectators).
Schools will not be closed - but the Government's scientific advisers said that may change in the future.
Mr Johnson said the Government's policy was "to minimise suffering and save life", in what may have been an attempt to counter claims from critics that the Government had a deliberate policy of allowing people to catch the disease.
And everything the Government did "is based scrupulously on the best scientific advice", he said.
He said that last week the Government asked people to stay at home if they had a high temperature or a new, continuous cough,
But he said it was now time to "go further".
The UK is approaching a period when cases will rise quickly, he said.
"Without drastic action, cases could double every five or six days.
The virus was spreading fastest in London, he said.
Also speaking at the Number 10 press conference were Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance.
It was the first of the new daily press conferences the Government plans to hold, in an bid to keep the public informed and improve confidence in its plans to deal with the virus.
Mr Johnson is to take part in most of them, alongside the Chief Medical Office and Chief Scientific Adviser. Another Minister will take over when he is not available.
It follows criticism over the weekend that the Government is failing to communicate clearly with the public.
The Government says the UK is leading international efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and produce the medical equipment needed to help people recover.
Earlier today, Mr Johnson spoke to British manufacturers including Unipart Group to ask them to support production of essential medical equipment for the NHS. He also chaired a meeting of COBR, the Government committee that deals with emergencies.
In recent days the Prime Minister has spoken with world leaders including President Trump, Germany's leader Chancellor Merkel, Prime Minister Abe of Japan, Prime Minister Conte of Italy and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.
On Tuesday, the leaders of the G7 group of the world's largest economies will participate in a call to discuss international efforts.
Germany closed its borders with neighbouring countries as European nations attempted to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Separately, the Ministry of Defence has said it is planning for “all eventualities” in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Defence Minister James Heappey said: “The Ministry of Defence plans for all things, whether it be for flooding, or indeed for pandemic. We are planning for all eventualities in response to Covid-19 and we’re content that we have what we need within our resources to meet the likely requirements for government.”
Retailers have reported a rise in abuse of staff amid coronavirus panic-buying, despite supermarkets calling for calm from shoppers.
It comes after a chaotic weekend for retailers, which saw their shelves emptied of essential items such as toilet rolls, cleaning products, dried pasta and tinned food, after the virus outbreak was classified as a pandemic.
Supermarket websites and online grocers including Ocado are also suffering from huge surges in orders, with some key items being rationed per customer.
Chief executives are in discussions with the Government about limiting products to ensure key lines remain in stock, although the prevailing view is that supply chains are holding up.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said staff have been the victims of abuse in recent days, but retailers are working with the police to keep stores “running as smoothly as possible”.
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the BRC, said: “Even when circumstances are difficult, retailers are well versed in providing effective security measures.”


birminghammail--2020-03-16--Leeds chief speaks out as they and Albion await key EFL decision

Leeds United managing director Angus Kinnear says it is “ vital ” that the EFL and Premier League seasons are completed in their natural manner so that “ the integrity of the football pyramid ” can be maintained .
Both the Premier League and EFL seasons have been suspended until April 3 at the very earliest in a bid to combat the spread of coronavirus , which is currently causing mass chaos across the globe .
Following the temporary suspension of the campaign , questions have since been raised about how the season will be concluded and more importantly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to hold a meeting on Wednesday to discuss its plans for the remainder of the Championship , League One and League Two campaigns .
The Premier League , meanwhile , will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday with a representative from each of the division ’ s 20 clubs to decide how the remainder of the season should be carried out .
Ahead of that meeting , Sky Sports News are reporting that one source from an unnamed Premier League club has told them that there is a 75 per cent chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed .
Should that be the case , it would be a massive blow to Leeds and West Bromwich Albion - the Championship ’ s current top-two , as they look on course to achieve promotion with just nine games of the season to go .
Speaking to Sky Sports News on Monday afternoon , Kinnear , who , as reported by Leeds Live , has revealed that the most important thing in this current situation is the health and welfare of the club ’ s staff , said : “ From our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is completed .
I think there is a growing sense across the football family that that is the right thing to do .
“ It is difficult to speculate on timelines and now is the time for patience and cool heads .
I think for the integrity of the football pyramid and the financial security of the clubs , finishing the league is the right thing to do .
“ You have already seen La Liga and Serie A come out and say they want the leagues completed and they want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do that .
I think that is probably the right decision.
” Should the EFL and Premier League make a decision to resume the campaigns in the near future , it may be decided that games can only take place behind closed doors .
But if that ruling was brought into practice , Kinnear fears that it would make a “ huge difference ” to clubs at the lower end of the English football pyramid .
Kinnear continued : “ If it is the choice between not finishing the league and playing behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play behind closed doors but ultimately we really think we owe it to our fans , and fans across the country , to complete the league .
“ That would be the ideal but it needs to be in a situation where it is safe to do so .
From a fan perspective I think it would be the right decision to try and play the games with supporters there .
“ Obviously from a financial perspective , it is going to make a huge difference to the clubs , particularly lower down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is their lifeblood.
” In the worst possible scenario , the current campaign could be declared null and voided , meaning it would be practically erased from the record books .
Over the weekend , West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady called for the season to be ended .
That decision , though , is bound to suit some and not others , with Kinnear falling into the latter of the two categories , as Leeds are in with a serious shout of securing their long-awaited return to the Premier League .
Kinnear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best for the integrity of the Premier League and EFL as a whole , opposed to each division deciding to make its own rules .
He added : “ There is obviously a danger that self-interest will play a part but I have actually been refreshed by the fact that most of the football family are looking at safety and health and well-being first .
That is the main priority .
“ I think if we focus on that , then try and maintain the integrity of the league by getting back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably the main priority .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (George Smith, Joseph Chapman)

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Leeds United managing director Angus Kinnear says it is “vital” that the EFL and Premier League seasons are completed in their natural manner so that “the integrity of the football pyramid” can be maintained.
Both the Premier League and EFL seasons have been suspended until April 3 at the very earliest in a bid to combat the spread of coronavirus, which is currently causing mass chaos across the globe.
Following the temporary suspension of the campaign, questions have since been raised about how the season will be concluded and more importantly, perhaps, when.
The EFL are due to hold a meeting on Wednesday to discuss its plans for the remainder of the Championship, League One and League Two campaigns.
The Premier League, meanwhile, will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday with a representative from each of the division’s 20 clubs to decide how the remainder of the season should be carried out.
Ahead of that meeting, Sky Sports News are reporting that one source from an unnamed Premier League club has told them that there is a 75 per cent chance that the 2019/20 season will not be completed.
Should that be the case, it would be a massive blow to Leeds and West Bromwich Albion - the Championship’s current top-two, as they look on course to achieve promotion with just nine games of the season to go.
Speaking to Sky Sports News on Monday afternoon, Kinnear, who, as reported by Leeds Live, has revealed that the most important thing in this current situation is the health and welfare of the club’s staff, said: “From our perspective, we think it is vital that it is completed. I think there is a growing sense across the football family that that is the right thing to do.
“It is difficult to speculate on timelines and now is the time for patience and cool heads. I think for the integrity of the football pyramid and the financial security of the clubs, finishing the league is the right thing to do.
“You have already seen La Liga and Serie A come out and say they want the leagues completed and they want Euro 2020 suspended so that they can do that. I think that is probably the right decision.”
Should the EFL and Premier League make a decision to resume the campaigns in the near future, it may be decided that games can only take place behind closed doors.
But if that ruling was brought into practice, Kinnear fears that it would make a “huge difference” to clubs at the lower end of the English football pyramid.
Kinnear continued: “If it is the choice between not finishing the league and playing behind closed doors, we would like to play behind closed doors but ultimately we really think we owe it to our fans, and fans across the country, to complete the league.
“That would be the ideal but it needs to be in a situation where it is safe to do so. From a fan perspective I think it would be the right decision to try and play the games with supporters there.
“Obviously from a financial perspective, it is going to make a huge difference to the clubs, particularly lower down the pyramid to receive that income which is their lifeblood.”
In the worst possible scenario, the current campaign could be declared null and voided, meaning it would be practically erased from the record books.
poll loading What should happen with the rest of the 2019/2020 Championship season? 2000+ VOTES SO FAR Delay for now and play to completion Stage play-offs Freeze the table - current standings apply Void the season - everyone stays where they are
Over the weekend, West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady called for the season to be ended.
That decision, though, is bound to suit some and not others, with Kinnear falling into the latter of the two categories, as Leeds are in with a serious shout of securing their long-awaited return to the Premier League.
Kinnear is hopeful clubs will consider what is best for the integrity of the Premier League and EFL as a whole, opposed to each division deciding to make its own rules.
He added: “There is obviously a danger that self-interest will play a part but I have actually been refreshed by the fact that most of the football family are looking at safety and health and well-being first. That is the main priority.
“I think if we focus on that, then try and maintain the integrity of the league by getting back to playing at some stage then that is probably the main priority.”


birminghammail--2020-03-17--University cancels lectures for three months 'for safety of staff and students'

A city centre university has announced all seminars , tutorials and face-to-face classes are to be cancelled until at least the end of June - as the country ramps up the fight against coronavirus .
Aston University has cancelled all assessments on campus and all lab-based classes after today , for the next three-and-a-half months for 'the safety of staff and students ' .
The university has , however , reassured students that buildings will remain open and most learning is available via remote channels .
The news followed Monday 's update from Prime Minister Boris Johnson , in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 'go further ' in the fight aganst the virus - and announced a raft of new measures .
A statement on Aston University 's website read : `` There will be no face-to-face teaching , which includes seminars , tutorials , and lab-based classes , after Tuesday , March 17 until at least the end of June .
`` We will be cancelling all assessments that you would come on campus to complete , e.g .
exams , presentations and lab assessments , until the end of the spring/summer exam period .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ most learning is now available via remote channels .
`` The advice from Public Health England is that the overall risk to the population is `` high '' .
`` Aston has established a team to closely monitor and manage the situation and is acting on advice of Public Health England , Universities UK and the NHS . ''
But the closure prompted comments from students , with one asking : `` So we 're missing months of university - how are you going to deal with the fees ? ''
The decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to online teaching has also been taken by universities elsewhere in the UK .
Last week , Durham University and Northumbria University asked all academic staff to change the format and delivery of their teaching from Monday ( March 16 ) , when classroom teaching of all forms will cease Students were advised they could leave the universities a week early and participate in classes remotely for the final week of term , before they are due to shut for the Easter break this Friday .
Schools across Birmingham the the wider region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific advisers said that may change in the future .
In a press conference about coronavirus on Monday March 16 , Boris Johnson said : `` Our objective is to delay and flatten the peak of the epidemic by bringing forward the right measures at the right time , so that we minimise suffering and save lives .
And everything we do is based scrupulously on the best scientific advice .
`` Last week we asked everyone to stay at home if you had one of two key symptoms : a high temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Today , we need to go further , because according to SAGE [ the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ] it looks as though we ’ re now approaching the fast growth part of the upward curve .
And without drastic action , cases could double every 5 or 6 days . ''

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A city centre university has announced all seminars, tutorials and face-to-face classes are to be cancelled until at least the end of June - as the country ramps up the fight against coronavirus.
Aston University has cancelled all assessments on campus and all lab-based classes after today, for the next three-and-a-half months for 'the safety of staff and students'.
The university has, however, reassured students that buildings will remain open and most learning is available via remote channels.
The news followed Monday's update from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in which he said it was time for us to 'go further' in the fight aganst the virus - and announced a raft of new measures.
A statement on Aston University's website read: "There will be no face-to-face teaching, which includes seminars, tutorials, and lab-based classes, after Tuesday, March 17 until at least the end of June.
"We will be cancelling all assessments that you would come on campus to complete, e.g. exams, presentations and lab assessments, until the end of the spring/summer exam period.
"University buildings will remain open and most learning is now available via remote channels.
"The advice from Public Health England is that the overall risk to the population is "high".
"Aston has established a team to closely monitor and manage the situation and is acting on advice of Public Health England, Universities UK and the NHS."
But the closure prompted comments from students, with one asking: "So we're missing months of university - how are you going to deal with the fees?"
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The decision to shut down face-to-face classes and switch to online teaching has also been taken by universities elsewhere in the UK.
Last week, Durham University and Northumbria University asked all academic staff to change the format and delivery of their teaching from Monday (March 16), when classroom teaching of all forms will cease
Students were advised they could leave the universities a week early and participate in classes remotely for the final week of term, before they are due to shut for the Easter break this Friday.
Schools across Birmingham the the wider region remain open, but the Government's scientific advisers said that may change in the future.
In a press conference about coronavirus on Monday March 16, Boris Johnson said: "Our objective is to delay and flatten the peak of the epidemic by bringing forward the right measures at the right time, so that we minimise suffering and save lives. And everything we do is based scrupulously on the best scientific advice.
"Last week we asked everyone to stay at home if you had one of two key symptoms: a high temperature or a new and continuous cough.
"Today, we need to go further, because according to SAGE [the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies] it looks as though we’re now approaching the fast growth part of the upward curve. And without drastic action, cases could double every 5 or 6 days."


birminghammail--2020-03-17--This is how many times Solihull sent out the gritters this winter

A damp but mild winter has meant that Solihull 's gritting teams have only ventured out 20 times since last November .
The lorries have used 800 tonnes of grit treating the roads and the runs cost a total of £430,000 .
As the council 's traditional winter season comes to an end - the 24/7 teams are stood down in mid-March - 2,700 tonnes of salt is still safely stashed at the Moat Lane depot .
The number of runs completed was the same as last year and less than half the amount carried out during the particularly harsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called into action on 53 occasions .
A few months ago there had been predictions that the country could be in line for a long period of bad weather and Solihull 's own highways chief , Cllr Ken Hawkins , joked that he was worried by the number of holly berries he 'd seen .
According to custom an abundance of berries on the prickly tree are a sign that a big freeze is on the way .
But in the end neither old wives ' tales nor more scientific forecasts were borne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced its warmest winter on record .
In Solihull , as in much of the country , there was n't any major covering of snow and frosts were also few and far between .
But while the conditions may have been good news for borough road-users , the figures are likely to fuel concerns about climate change .
According to statistics the December-February average was 3.4C above the norm for 1981-2010 .

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A damp but mild winter has meant that Solihull's gritting teams have only ventured out 20 times since last November.
The lorries have used 800 tonnes of grit treating the roads and the runs cost a total of £430,000.
As the council's traditional winter season comes to an end - the 24/7 teams are stood down in mid-March - 2,700 tonnes of salt is still safely stashed at the Moat Lane depot.
The number of runs completed was the same as last year and less than half the amount carried out during the particularly harsh conditions of 2017/18 - when crews were called into action on 53 occasions.
A few months ago there had been predictions that the country could be in line for a long period of bad weather and Solihull's own highways chief, Cllr Ken Hawkins, joked that he was worried by the number of holly berries he'd seen.
According to custom an abundance of berries on the prickly tree are a sign that a big freeze is on the way.
But in the end neither old wives' tales nor more scientific forecasts were borne out, with confirmation that Europe had experienced its warmest winter on record.
In Solihull, as in much of the country, there wasn't any major covering of snow and frosts were also few and far between.
But while the conditions may have been good news for borough road-users, the figures are likely to fuel concerns about climate change.
According to statistics the December-February average was 3.4C above the norm for 1981-2010.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Amazon to recruit 100,000 extra workers globally amid coronavirus crisis

Amazon has said it needs to hire 100,000 people to keep up with a crush of orders as the coronavirus spreads and keeps more people at home , shopping online .
The online retailer said it would also temporarily raise pay through to the end of April for hourly employees .
That includes workers at its warehouses , delivery centres and Whole Foods grocery stores , all of whom make at least £11.50 an hour .
Employees in the UK and other European countries will receive a similar raise .
“ We are seeing a significant increase in demand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this time of year , ” said Dave Clark , who oversees Amazon ’ s warehouse and delivery network .
Amazon said this weekend that a surge of orders was putting its operations under pressure , and warned shoppers it could take longer than the usual two days to receive packages .
It also said it was sold out of many household cleaning supplies and was working to get more in stock .
Last week , Amazon changed its time-off policy for hourly workers , telling them they could take as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although they would only be paid if they had earned time off .
Amazon also said it would pay hourly workers for up to two weeks if they contracted the virus or needed to be quarantined .
The Seattle-based company said the new job openings are for a mix of full-time and part-time positions and include delivery drivers and warehouse workers , who pack and ship orders to shoppers .
Amazon is already the second-largest US-based employer behind Walmart , with nearly 800,000 workers worldwide .

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Amazon has said it needs to hire 100,000 people to keep up with a crush of orders as the coronavirus spreads and keeps more people at home, shopping online.
The online retailer said it would also temporarily raise pay through to the end of April for hourly employees.
That includes workers at its warehouses, delivery centres and Whole Foods grocery stores, all of whom make at least £11.50 an hour.
Employees in the UK and other European countries will receive a similar raise.
“We are seeing a significant increase in demand, which means our labour needs are unprecedented for this time of year,” said Dave Clark, who oversees Amazon’s warehouse and delivery network.
Coronavirus blog
Amazon said this weekend that a surge of orders was putting its operations under pressure, and warned shoppers it could take longer than the usual two days to receive packages.
It also said it was sold out of many household cleaning supplies and was working to get more in stock.
Last week, Amazon changed its time-off policy for hourly workers, telling them they could take as much time off as they wanted in March, although they would only be paid if they had earned time off.
Amazon also said it would pay hourly workers for up to two weeks if they contracted the virus or needed to be quarantined.
The Seattle-based company said the new job openings are for a mix of full-time and part-time positions and include delivery drivers and warehouse workers, who pack and ship orders to shoppers.
Amazon is already the second-largest US-based employer behind Walmart, with nearly 800,000 workers worldwide.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Coronavirus latest developments from around the globe

Countries across the world are taking measures to halt the spread of coronavirus that has infected more than 182,000 people across the globe and thousands with the virus have died .
Here are the latest updates : France 's government is pledging £41 billion in aid for small businesses hurt by the spreading coronavirus .
That is in addition to tens of billions already promised for French employees forced to stop working because of store and restaurant closures and strict new confinement measures .
French finance minister Bruno Le Maire announced the new aid after another dark day for French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peugeot and Citroen cars suspended all production and other companies were forced to sharply curtail activity to stem the virus ' spread .
The aid will include tax breaks and a `` solidarity fund '' for struggling small businesses across the economy .
France now has more than 6,600 cases of the virus , including 148 deaths .
A third Australian government politician has tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of the planned resumption of parliament next week following a scheduled two-week break .
New South Wales state senator Andrew Bragg said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for the virus after attending a friend 's wedding on March 6 .
Authorities said at least six wedding guests have contracted the virus .
Politicians have been told to bring the minimum staff back to the national capital , Canberra , when Parliament resumes to legislate an economic stimulus package meant to stave off a recession due to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak .
Also , Australia 's highest court has decided not to sit as a full bench to hear cases until at least August because of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that hearings that were to be heard by what is known as a full bench of seven or five judges will be postponed starting next week .
South Korea has further postponed the beginning of the new school year by two weeks to protect students from the spread of the coronavirus .
Education minister Yoo Eun-hye said that schools nationwide would now reopen on April 6 , which is five weeks later than usual .
It was the third time the country has delayed the start of new school terms amid the Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking closely into the rise of infections among people under the age of 19 , which rose from 379 on March 7 to 505 on March 14 .
Wuhan , the city at the centre of China 's coronavirus outbreak , recorded just one new case on Tuesday as officials said they believed the country was over the worst of the crisis .
Another 20 cases were recorded around the country , including nine in Beijing .
All were reported among people who arrived from overseas .
Beijing has required all arrivals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not closed its borders .
Other Chinese cities have adopted similar measures , even as authorities work to restart industries that are key to global supply chains .
With foreign universities closing classes , thousands of Chinese people studying overseas are seeking to return home , shifting the focus from domestic containment to preventing infected people from bringing the virus back with them .
Wuhan has closed emergency field hospitals and state broadcaster CCTV on Tuesday reported the nation is now counting down to its final domestic cases .
With the infection still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective gear and medical experts to Italy , Iran and other nations grappling with the epidemic .
Sri Lanka said it will add more quarantine centres to help fight coronavirus in the Indian Ocean island nation .
Army commander Lt Gen Shavendra Silva said that 23 army vacation bungalows will be used as quarantine centres for a group of travellers who arrived recently from London .
The government , meanwhile , said it has imposed new measures to limit gatherings .
Sri Lanka has confirmed 28 cases of the virus , with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health official halted the state 's presidential primary over concerns about the coronavirus , hours before voting was to begin .
Governor Mike DeWine announced the decision after failing to persuade a judge to delay in-person voting because crowds at polling places could put people at unacceptable risk of catching and spreading the virus .
Mr DeWine 's office later confirmed Dr Amy Acton had issued the order .
Officials in Arizona , Florida and Illinois felt they had done enough to ensure the safety of voters , even though there may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations have changed .
Georgia , Kentucky and Louisiana have postponed their scheduled primaries .
Turnout is already expected to be light as only the Democrats have a contested primary , between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders .
India said it will bar all passengers - including Indian citizens - from entering the country on flights from the European Union , Turkey and the UK beginning on Wednesday .
According to a statement issued by India 's aviation regulator , travellers coming from or transiting through the United Arab Emirates , Kuwait , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undergo a 14-day quarantine when they arrive .
Arrivals from China , Italy , Iran , South Korea , France , Spain and Germany are already subject to similar restrictions , while many border points with neighbouring Pakistan , Bangladesh and Burma have been shut .
India 's tourist ministry announced this week that it is shutting down the Taj Mahal , its famous `` monument of love '' , to visitors .
Germany has launched a drive to bring home thousands of tourists stranded in popular winter vacation spots across the globe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morocco , the Dominican Republic , the Philippines , the Maldives and Egypt .
Foreign minister Heiko Maas said the government is spending up to 50 million euros on the effort to bring Germans home over the coming days in co-operation with airlines including Lufthansa .
He did not give a precise number of stranded Germans but said there was a particularly large number in Morocco , with around 4,000 or 5,000 .
He said that `` even if we will do everything humanly possible , we can not in every case provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said his ministry has issued a formal warning against tourist travel to any country .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Associated Press reporters, Brett Gibbons)

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Countries across the world are taking measures to halt the spread of coronavirus that has infected more than 182,000 people across the globe and thousands with the virus have died.
Here are the latest updates:
FRANCE
France's government is pledging £41 billion in aid for small businesses hurt by the spreading coronavirus. That is in addition to tens of billions already promised for French employees forced to stop working because of store and restaurant closures and strict new confinement measures.
French finance minister Bruno Le Maire announced the new aid after another dark day for French markets. The makers of Renault, Peugeot and Citroen cars suspended all production and other companies were forced to sharply curtail activity to stem the virus' spread.
(Image: Getty Images)
The aid will include tax breaks and a "solidarity fund" for struggling small businesses across the economy.
France now has more than 6,600 cases of the virus, including 148 deaths.
AUSTRALIA
A third Australian government politician has tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of the planned resumption of parliament next week following a scheduled two-week break.
New South Wales state senator Andrew Bragg said that he had suffered flu-like symptoms and tested positive for the virus after attending a friend's wedding on March 6. Authorities said at least six wedding guests have contracted the virus.
Politicians have been told to bring the minimum staff back to the national capital, Canberra, when Parliament resumes to legislate an economic stimulus package meant to stave off a recession due to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Coronavirus blog
Also, Australia's highest court has decided not to sit as a full bench to hear cases until at least August because of the coronavirus. The High Court announced on Tuesday that hearings that were to be heard by what is known as a full bench of seven or five judges will be postponed starting next week.
SOUTH KOREA
South Korea has further postponed the beginning of the new school year by two weeks to protect students from the spread of the coronavirus.
Education minister Yoo Eun-hye said that schools nationwide would now reopen on April 6, which is five weeks later than usual. It was the third time the country has delayed the start of new school terms amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
The Education Ministry is also looking closely into the rise of infections among people under the age of 19, which rose from 379 on March 7 to 505 on March 14.
CHINA
Wuhan, the city at the centre of China's coronavirus outbreak, recorded just one new case on Tuesday as officials said they believed the country was over the worst of the crisis. Another 20 cases were recorded around the country, including nine in Beijing. All were reported among people who arrived from overseas.
Beijing has required all arrivals to undergo 14 days of quarantine but has not closed its borders. Other Chinese cities have adopted similar measures, even as authorities work to restart industries that are key to global supply chains.
With foreign universities closing classes, thousands of Chinese people studying overseas are seeking to return home, shifting the focus from domestic containment to preventing infected people from bringing the virus back with them.
Wuhan has closed emergency field hospitals and state broadcaster CCTV on Tuesday reported the nation is now counting down to its final domestic cases. With the infection still growing overseas, China has sent personal protective gear and medical experts to Italy, Iran and other nations grappling with the epidemic.
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka said it will add more quarantine centres to help fight coronavirus in the Indian Ocean island nation.
Army commander Lt Gen Shavendra Silva said that 23 army vacation bungalows will be used as quarantine centres for a group of travellers who arrived recently from London.
The government, meanwhile, said it has imposed new measures to limit gatherings.
Sri Lanka has confirmed 28 cases of the virus, with no deaths so far.
UNITED STATES
Ohio's top health official halted the state's presidential primary over concerns about the coronavirus, hours before voting was to begin.
Governor Mike DeWine announced the decision after failing to persuade a judge to delay in-person voting because crowds at polling places could put people at unacceptable risk of catching and spreading the virus.
Mr DeWine's office later confirmed Dr Amy Acton had issued the order.
(Image: Getty Images)
Officials in Arizona, Florida and Illinois felt they had done enough to ensure the safety of voters, even though there may be too few poll workers and some poll locations have changed. Georgia, Kentucky and Louisiana have postponed their scheduled primaries.
Turnout is already expected to be light as only the Democrats have a contested primary, between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders.
INDIA
India said it will bar all passengers - including Indian citizens - from entering the country on flights from the European Union, Turkey and the UK beginning on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by India's aviation regulator, travellers coming from or transiting through the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine when they arrive.
Arrivals from China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, France, Spain and Germany are already subject to similar restrictions, while many border points with neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh and Burma have been shut.
India's tourist ministry announced this week that it is shutting down the Taj Mahal, its famous "monument of love", to visitors.
GERMANY
Germany has launched a drive to bring home thousands of tourists stranded in popular winter vacation spots across the globe - particularly people on package holidays in Morocco, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, the Maldives and Egypt.
Foreign minister Heiko Maas said the government is spending up to 50 million euros on the effort to bring Germans home over the coming days in co-operation with airlines including Lufthansa.
He did not give a precise number of stranded Germans but said there was a particularly large number in Morocco, with around 4,000 or 5,000. He said that "even if we will do everything humanly possible, we cannot in every case provide a solution within 24 hours".
He said his ministry has issued a formal warning against tourist travel to any country.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Coronavirus crisis - check the number of cases in your area

The number of coronavirus cases continues to soar as the pandemic continues to gather pace across the globe .
Guidance surrounding the worldwide coronavirus outbreak is constantly changing , but the public can now check the number of confirmed cases in their area .
BirminghamLive wants keep you updated with the latest statistics and numbers surrounding the illness .
Using the our handy tool , which is powered by data from Public Health England , will allow people to view the number of confirmed cases and deaths by their post code .
Simply enter your postcode into the interactive widget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and national information relating to coronavirus .
The widget will provide detailed information in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
View cases in your area by entering your postcode : Boris Johnson has announced a raft of drastic new measures that are set to change our country 's way of life .
He urged people to limit their contact and to work from home and said : “ Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others , we need people to start working from home.
” The Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of Monday March 16 , the number of deaths in the UK as a result of coronavirus has risen to 55 .

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The number of coronavirus cases continues to soar as the pandemic continues to gather pace across the globe.
Guidance surrounding the worldwide coronavirus outbreak is constantly changing, but the public can now check the number of confirmed cases in their area.
BirminghamLive wants keep you updated with the latest statistics and numbers surrounding the illness.
Using the our handy tool, which is powered by data from Public Health England, will allow people to view the number of confirmed cases and deaths by their post code.
Simply enter your postcode into the interactive widget and it will provide you with local and national information relating to coronavirus.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The widget will provide detailed information in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
View cases in your area by entering your postcode:
Boris Johnson has announced a raft of drastic new measures that are set to change our country's way of life.
He urged people to limit their contact and to work from home and said: “Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others, we need people to start working from home.”
The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed, as of Monday March 16, the number of deaths in the UK as a result of coronavirus has risen to 55.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Murder arrests after teen stabbed in back during knife attack

A murder probe has been launched after a teenager was stabbed in the back in the Black County .
Police were called to Spring Pool Meadow – in the Russell ’ s Hall area of Dudley – after the 19-year-old was found with a stab wound to his back .
He died at the scene , despite the best efforts of members of the public who rushed to his aid at around 7pm on Monday , March 16 .
A 20-year-old man and two teenagers , aged 15 and 16 , have been arrested on suspicion of murder overnight and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , March 17 .
Det Chief Insp Jim Munro , from West Midlands Police 's homicide team , said : “ I am appealing for anyone who saw what happened last night to get in touch with us as soon as possible .
“ I am particularly interested in hearing from anyone who saw a group of people on Spring Pool Meadow and could help give us descriptions of those who were involved .
“ We are committed to finding those responsible and won ’ t stop until we do .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small , please talk to us . ''
Dudley Police Commander , Chief Supt Sally Bourner , added : “ Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this young man who has sadly died .
“ This is an awful incident and we recognise the wider impact it can have on our communities .
Our local neighbourhood teams will be out in the area providing reassurance and we are working hard with partners as a top priorty to tackle violence , which has no place in our borough.
” Enquiries continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , or call 101 anytime .
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
Please quote log 3114 of 16 March .

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A murder probe has been launched after a teenager was stabbed in the back in the Black County.
Police were called to Spring Pool Meadow – in the Russell’s Hall area of Dudley – after the 19-year-old was found with a stab wound to his back.
He died at the scene, despite the best efforts of members of the public who rushed to his aid at around 7pm on Monday, March 16.
A 20-year-old man and two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of murder overnight and remain in police custody this morning, Tuesday, March 17.
Det Chief Insp Jim Munro, from West Midlands Police's homicide team, said: “I am appealing for anyone who saw what happened last night to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
“I am particularly interested in hearing from anyone who saw a group of people on Spring Pool Meadow and could help give us descriptions of those who were involved.
“We are committed to finding those responsible and won’t stop until we do. If you know anything, no matter how small, please talk to us."
Dudley Police Commander, Chief Supt Sally Bourner, added: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this young man who has sadly died.
“This is an awful incident and we recognise the wider impact it can have on our communities. Our local neighbourhood teams will be out in the area providing reassurance and we are working hard with partners as a top priorty to tackle violence, which has no place in our borough.”
Enquiries continue and anyone with information is urged to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote log 3114 of 16 March.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Former Villa striker offers blunt solution fans will hate

Aston Villa should be one of the sides relegated from the Premier League if it is unable to be finished , after proving themselves as one of the worst three sides in the division .
That ’ s the view of former Villa and Norwich City striker Chris Sutton , who thinks relegating the bottom three as they stand is the fairest solution .
Dean Smith ’ s side found themselves in 19th position , before league bosses took the unprecedented step of suspending fixtures , due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Games are set to resume on April 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any delay could go into the summer making it a logistic nightmare to fulfil all fixtures .
With teams still having nine , or in Villa ’ s case ten , games remaining there has been huge debate on how relegations and promotions will be decided , should the season not conclude .
Villa ’ s sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch has suggested relegation should be cancelled , while West Ham ’ s vice-chairman Karren Brady hinted the league could be voided .
Sutton however , feels the only sensible way to solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three teams currently in the relegation zone – Norwich , Villa and Bournemouth .
Speaking on BBC Five Live , he said : “ I don ’ t want to see Norwich going down , but at this stage of the season , if you did an average points – and I know people say Villa have a game in hand , but they would still be second bottom as far as I know .
“ They have been the worst three teams , so my view is the fairest solution is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those three are , down.
” Monday Night Club host Mark Chapman , did appear to be in Villa ’ s corner , responding : “ Oh but you can ’ t do that , because I would argue if I spoke to you , if I dug out the archives of the Monday Night Club from a month ago , or six weeks ago , you ’ d have said one of the others , were one of the three worse teams .
“ I just don ’ t think you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the best of a bad bunch of potential answers : “ But there ’ s no perfect way , there ’ s never going to be a perfect way .
This isn ’ t over six or eight or ten games , this is over 28 , 29 , 30 games of the season.
” Premier League bosses are set to meet later this week , where all eventualities will be discussed .
As of Monday , the COVID-19 virus has more than 1000 cases , with the death toll now over @ @ @ @ @

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Aston Villa should be one of the sides relegated from the Premier League if it is unable to be finished, after proving themselves as one of the worst three sides in the division.
That’s the view of former Villa and Norwich City striker Chris Sutton, who thinks relegating the bottom three as they stand is the fairest solution.
Dean Smith’s side found themselves in 19th position, before league bosses took the unprecedented step of suspending fixtures, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Games are set to resume on April 3, but there are serious concerns that any delay could go into the summer making it a logistic nightmare to fulfil all fixtures.
(Image: Nigel French/PA Wire)
With teams still having nine, or in Villa’s case ten, games remaining there has been huge debate on how relegations and promotions will be decided, should the season not conclude.
Villa’s sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch has suggested relegation should be cancelled, while West Ham’s vice-chairman Karren Brady hinted the league could be voided.
Sutton however, feels the only sensible way to solve the issue would be to relegate the three teams currently in the relegation zone – Norwich, Villa and Bournemouth.
Speaking on BBC Five Live, he said: “I don’t want to see Norwich going down, but at this stage of the season, if you did an average points – and I know people say Villa have a game in hand, but they would still be second bottom as far as I know.
“They have been the worst three teams, so my view is the fairest solution is to send the worst three teams, which those three are, down.”
Monday Night Club host Mark Chapman, did appear to be in Villa’s corner, responding: “Oh but you can’t do that, because I would argue if I spoke to you, if I dug out the archives of the Monday Night Club from a month ago, or six weeks ago, you’d have said one of the others, were one of the three worse teams.
“I just don’t think you can do that.”
Sutton however felt it is the best of a bad bunch of potential answers: “But there’s no perfect way, there’s never going to be a perfect way. This isn’t over six or eight or ten games, this is over 28, 29, 30 games of the season.”
Premier League bosses are set to meet later this week, where all eventualities will be discussed. As of Monday, the COVID-19 virus has more than 1000 cases, with the death toll now over 50 in the UK.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Experts claim drastic coronavirus measures could last a year

One of the country 's leading medical experts has insisted the stricter measures to tackle coronavirus had not been introduced too late - but warned they could last for more than a year .
England 's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam told the BBC : “ We are following the science very carefully and consider the measures we announced yesterday have been announced at the right time – not too early and certainly not too late .
“ We don ’ t rule out taking further measures if these are necessary but much of this depends on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prof Van-Tam could not rule out the strict measures having to last for a year but predicted they would last at least “ several months ” .
He told Today that more people would encounter the coronavirus and become resistant with so-called herd immunity , but said “ that will take time ” .
“ But , yes , you ’ re absolutely right that we can ’ t say how long this will need to go on for , ” he said .
“ I don ’ t know if it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are too far out to make those kind of predictions but I certainly think it could be several months.
” Meanwhile , a scientist who worked on key research informing the Government on the coronavirus outbreak said there was “ no option ” but to adopt the “ more draconian strategy ” .
Asked about the research , which warned that 250,000 deaths were possible without action , Prof Neil Ferguson told BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme : “ We have no reason to believe that ’ s not what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and even if we did all we could just to slow but not reverse the spread we would still be looking at a very large number of deaths and the health system being overwhelmed .
“ Initially when we came up with these sort of estimates they were viewed as what ’ s called a reasonable worst case , but as information has been gathered in recent weeks from , particularly Italy , but other countries , it ’ s become increasingly clear it ’ s not the reasonable worst case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ We are left with no option but to adopt this more draconian strategy .
I think we ’ re about three weeks or so behind Italy , two weeks behind France and Spain , so we are making these decisions in a more timely manner than other European countries but certainly there wasn ’ t any time to lose .
”

One of the country's leading medical experts has insisted the stricter measures to tackle coronavirus had not been introduced too late - but warned they could last for more than a year.
England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam told the BBC: “We are following the science very carefully and consider the measures we announced yesterday have been announced at the right time – not too early and certainly not too late.
“We don’t rule out taking further measures if these are necessary but much of this depends on how the next two weeks play out.”
Prof Van-Tam could not rule out the strict measures having to last for a year but predicted they would last at least “several months”.
He told Today that more people would encounter the coronavirus and become resistant with so-called herd immunity, but said “that will take time”.
“But, yes, you’re absolutely right that we can’t say how long this will need to go on for,” he said. “I don’t know if it could be a year yet. I think we are too far out to make those kind of predictions but I certainly think it could be several months.”
Meanwhile, a scientist who worked on key research informing the Government on the coronavirus outbreak said there was “no option” but to adopt the “more draconian strategy”.
Coronavirus blog
Asked about the research, which warned that 250,000 deaths were possible without action, Prof Neil Ferguson told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We have no reason to believe that’s not what would happen if we frankly did nothing, and even if we did all we could just to slow but not reverse the spread we would still be looking at a very large number of deaths and the health system being overwhelmed.
“Initially when we came up with these sort of estimates they were viewed as what’s called a reasonable worst case, but as information has been gathered in recent weeks from, particularly Italy, but other countries, it’s become increasingly clear it’s not the reasonable worst case, it’s the most likely scenario.”
“We are left with no option but to adopt this more draconian strategy. I think we’re about three weeks or so behind Italy, two weeks behind France and Spain, so we are making these decisions in a more timely manner than other European countries but certainly there wasn’t any time to lose.”


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Taxi driver refused to carry disabled passenger's wheelchair

A taxi driver who said he could not take a disabled passenger because their wheelchair was too heavy has been told he can keep his licence .
Sandwell Council agreed to allow the unnamed man to continue working at its October meeting of the borough ’ s Licensing Sub Committee .
Referring to the driver only as Mr S S , the minutes of the meeting - which was closed to the public and press - revealed councillors were asked to review the driver ’ s licence after the passenger complained to the council .
In a submission to committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to lift the wheelchair which he said was heavy and more like a scooter .
He added that he called his base to ask for another driver to help transport it .
In making their decision , the minutes recorded councillors decided not revoke or suspended his licence , noting : “ The Sub Committee considered the period of time Mr S S had been a taxi driver and deemed Mr S S to be a fit and proper person .
“ The Sub Committee suggested that it would be helpful to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S had concerns regarding lifting . ''
In a separate case , councillors refused to issue a licence after hearing an applicant had been caught driving without insurance three times .
Committee members were told guidelines recommended a licence should not be granted if a driver had more than one conviction in the last 10 years .
Refusing the application councillors said they had no reason to depart from the guidelines .

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A taxi driver who said he could not take a disabled passenger because their wheelchair was too heavy has been told he can keep his licence.
Sandwell Council agreed to allow the unnamed man to continue working at its October meeting of the borough’s Licensing Sub Committee.
Referring to the driver only as Mr S S, the minutes of the meeting - which was closed to the public and press - revealed councillors were asked to review the driver’s licence after the passenger complained to the council.
In a submission to committee members, he said believed he was unable to lift the wheelchair which he said was heavy and more like a scooter.
He added that he called his base to ask for another driver to help transport it.
In making their decision, the minutes recorded councillors decided not revoke or suspended his licence, noting: “The Sub Committee considered the period of time Mr S S had been a taxi driver and deemed Mr S S to be a fit and proper person.
“The Sub Committee suggested that it would be helpful to clarify with the base if Mr S S had concerns regarding lifting."
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In a separate case, councillors refused to issue a licence after hearing an applicant had been caught driving without insurance three times.
Committee members were told guidelines recommended a licence should not be granted if a driver had more than one conviction in the last 10 years.
Refusing the application councillors said they had no reason to depart from the guidelines.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Live updates: Teen dies after knife attack in street

A residential street was placed on lockdown after a teenager died in a violent stabbing in the Black Country .
Eyewitnesses told Black Country Live that a number of police units and vehicles in Middlepark Road , close to Burnell Way , after the knife attack at around 7pm on Monday , March 16 .
A police cordon remained in place for a number of hours and officers were spotted scouring the scene .
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : `` We were called at 6:40pm last night to Burnell Way in Dudley to reports of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paramedic officer , Merit Trauma Doctor and two Critical Care cars attended the scene .
`` Upon arrival we found one patient , a teenage male in a critical condition .
`` Staff quickly administered advanced trauma care on scene , but unfortunately , despite best efforts , nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene . ''
West Midlands Police has been contacted for more information .
This is a breaking news story and any updates will be posted below .
To keep up-to-date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group where you will be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area .

A residential street was placed on lockdown after a teenager died in a violent stabbing in the Black Country.
Eyewitnesses told Black Country Live that a number of police units and vehicles in Middlepark Road, close to Burnell Way, after the knife attack at around 7pm on Monday, March 16.
A police cordon remained in place for a number of hours and officers were spotted scouring the scene.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 6:40pm last night to Burnell Way in Dudley to reports of a stabbing.
"Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, Merit Trauma Doctor and two Critical Care cars attended the scene.
"Upon arrival we found one patient, a teenage male in a critical condition.
"Staff quickly administered advanced trauma care on scene, but unfortunately, despite best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene."
West Midlands Police has been contacted for more information.
This is a breaking news story and any updates will be posted below.
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community, join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group where you will be alerted to any suspicious or criminal behaviour happening in your area.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--What Sky Sports and BT Sport have told Villa fans about refunds

Sky Sports and BT Sport will not be offering customers a refund on their subscriptions , despite the Premier League and Football League suspending fixtures for at least three weeks .
Bosses of the game in England came to the decision after a number of players and officials tested positive for the coronavirus that is wreaking havoc on sport across the world .
Both providers will be reworking their schedules to make up for the lack of live football , with fixtures not set to return to April 3 , at the earliest .
Aston Villa were due to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their game against Chelsea picked for broadcast .
According to the Guardian , BT will be showing reruns of matches already played , WWE and films and documentaries .
Their current position is that there will only be two weekends affected , with an international break scheduled during the planned suspension .
It has been confirmed that both companies will not be refunding subscribers .
Sky Sports managing director , Rob Webster said : “ Sky Sports is working closely with all our partners to better understand the impact on the annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is a fast-moving situation and we are working at speed to ensure we continue to deliver for all of our customers .
A number of sporting events have been postponed , but not cancelled , so we expect to be able to show these when they are rescheduled .
Therefore , our live schedule is likely to look different for a period of time .
As more information becomes available , we will continue to provide updates to all of our customers.
” Meanwhile , a BT spokesperson has said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the BT Sport schedule this month due to the impact of Covid-19 .
The situation is evolving rapidly and we are working with the leagues to continue to broadcast live sport wherever possible and broadcast games when they are rescheduled over the coming months .
“ We will continue to broadcast a wide range of BT Sport content including films and documentaries and we will update our customers as we have a clearer view of the remainder of the season.
” Villa ’ s first game after the break , vs Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sport , with their high-flying Midlands rivals making the trip to B6 .

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Sky Sports and BT Sport will not be offering customers a refund on their subscriptions, despite the Premier League and Football League suspending fixtures for at least three weeks.
Bosses of the game in England came to the decision after a number of players and officials tested positive for the coronavirus that is wreaking havoc on sport across the world.
Both providers will be reworking their schedules to make up for the lack of live football, with fixtures not set to return to April 3, at the earliest.
Aston Villa were due to be on Sky Sports on Saturday night, with their game against Chelsea picked for broadcast.
According to the Guardian, BT will be showing reruns of matches already played, WWE and films and documentaries.
Their current position is that there will only be two weekends affected, with an international break scheduled during the planned suspension.
It has been confirmed that both companies will not be refunding subscribers. Sky Sports managing director, Rob Webster said: “Sky Sports is working closely with all our partners to better understand the impact on the annual sporting calendar.
“We recognise that it is a fast-moving situation and we are working at speed to ensure we continue to deliver for all of our customers. A number of sporting events have been postponed, but not cancelled, so we expect to be able to show these when they are rescheduled. Therefore, our live schedule is likely to look different for a period of time. As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates to all of our customers.”
Meanwhile, a BT spokesperson has said: “We apologise to customers about the changes to the BT Sport schedule this month due to the impact of Covid-19. The situation is evolving rapidly and we are working with the leagues to continue to broadcast live sport wherever possible and broadcast games when they are rescheduled over the coming months.
“We will continue to broadcast a wide range of BT Sport content including films and documentaries and we will update our customers as we have a clearer view of the remainder of the season.”
Villa’s first game after the break, vs Wolves, is due to be on BT Sport, with their high-flying Midlands rivals making the trip to B6.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--GMB's Susanna Reid announces she is self-isolating

Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid has revealed she is self-isolating after one of her sons developed a `` persistent cough '' .
The presenter , 49 , said she plans to spend the next 14 days away from the ITV show , in line with advice from the Government .
The mother-of-three said that while she was displaying `` no symptoms '' and believed her son 's illness was only a `` seasonal cold '' , she was still taking precautions .
Appearing on Good Morning Britain via video link , she said : `` One of the boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cough - a persistent cough , and that came on yesterday . ''
She added : `` That means that immediately I thought ' I ca n't go into work ' and work with you guys for 14 days .
`` The children are off and , of course , we are effectively two households because like many families we are a separated family , so we have two families who have gone into self-isolation . ''
In the first of his daily No 10 press conferences on Monday , Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs , clubs and theatres and to avoid all non-essential contacts and travel .
Reid confirmed she was following the Prime Minister 's advice despite her and her children having `` perfectly normal temperatures '' .
She added : `` I do n't have a cough .
I have no symptoms .
I am not feeling fatigued .
I feel 100 per cent healthy .
And in other circumstances , before the advice changed yesterday , I would have come into work .
`` Then the advice changed .
If there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole household has to self-isolate .
There is no test to establish whether this is actually the virus and I have huge doubts it is .
I really just do n't think it is .
I think it is a seasonal cough . ''
Reid 's co-host Piers Morgan quipped that she had taken extreme measures to miss working with him .
`` I have heard of some ways of avoiding working with me but this is ridiculous , '' he said .
BBC Breakfast 's presenters also took measures against the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sitting close to each other on the programme 's red sofa .
Co-host Dan Walker said the team were taking `` practical measures '' in order to `` take care of each other '' .
Celebrities including Idris Elba , Game Of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju , Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have tested positive for coronavirus , while stars such as Lady Gaga , Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande have gone into self-isolation .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alex Green, PA, Brett Gibbons)

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Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid has revealed she is self-isolating after one of her sons developed a "persistent cough".
The presenter, 49, said she plans to spend the next 14 days away from the ITV show, in line with advice from the Government.
The mother-of-three said that while she was displaying "no symptoms" and believed her son's illness was only a "seasonal cold", she was still taking precautions.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain via video link, she said: "One of the boys, one of my children, has a cough - a persistent cough, and that came on yesterday."
She added: "That means that immediately I thought 'I can't go into work' and work with you guys for 14 days.
"The children are off and, of course, we are effectively two households because like many families we are a separated family, so we have two families who have gone into self-isolation."
In the first of his daily No 10 press conferences on Monday, Boris Johnson called on people to stay away from pubs, clubs and theatres and to avoid all non-essential contacts and travel.
Reid confirmed she was following the Prime Minister's advice despite her and her children having "perfectly normal temperatures".
She added: "I don't have a cough. I have no symptoms. I am not feeling fatigued. I feel 100 per cent healthy. And in other circumstances, before the advice changed yesterday, I would have come into work.
Coronavirus blog
"Then the advice changed. If there is a persistent cough and/or a fever then the whole household has to self-isolate. There is no test to establish whether this is actually the virus and I have huge doubts it is. I really just don't think it is. I think it is a seasonal cough."
Reid's co-host Piers Morgan quipped that she had taken extreme measures to miss working with him.
"I have heard of some ways of avoiding working with me but this is ridiculous," he said.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
BBC Breakfast's presenters also took measures against the virus, spreading themselves across the studio instead of sitting close to each other on the programme's red sofa.
Co-host Dan Walker said the team were taking "practical measures" in order to "take care of each other".
Celebrities including Idris Elba, Game Of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have tested positive for coronavirus, while stars such as Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande have gone into self-isolation.


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Latest round-up of coronavirus news on Tuesday morning

More draconian measures are needed to protect the population during the coronavirus outbreak , top government scientists have warned .
The influential Imperial College Covid-19 response team - which has been advising ministers - said that even with the `` social distancing '' plans set out by the Government , the health system will be `` overwhelmed many times over '' .
It claimed the only `` viable strategy '' was a Chinese-style policy of `` suppression '' involving the social distancing of the entire population and these drastic steps would need to be maintained potentially for 18 months or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus or until a vaccine could be develped .
The latest warning came as it was revealed a woman had died at Walsall 's Manor Hospital .
The patient – who was in her 80s – had underlying health conditions when she contracted Covid-19 and was being treated at Walsall Manor Hospital .
She died on Thursday , March 12 but the details have only now been confirmed .
A man has also died at Sutton Coldfield 's Good Hope Hospital it has been revealed .
As of Tuesday morning , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 11 in Walsall , 11 in Wolverhampton , six in Dudley and four in Sandwell .
The death toll of people with coronavirus across the UK has reached 55 .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled unprecedented peacetime measures to try to control the spread of Covid-19 .
In the first of his daily No 10 press conferences , the Prime Minister called on people to stay away from pubs , clubs and theatres and to avoid all non-essential contacts and travel .
• Chancellor Rishi Sunak will set out a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak less than a week after announcing £12 billion of emergency funding in the Budget • The Government will lay out emergency legislation expected to include powers for police to detain people to stop them spreading the virus and allowing hospitals to send patients home to free up beds • All non-essential access to the Houses of Parliament has been stopped and MPs and peers over the age of 70 or with underlying health problems have been urged to heed Government advice • The Prime Minister has held a conference call with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step up production of ventilators and other vital medical equipment Under the latest Government advice , anyone living in a household with somebody who has the symptoms of a persistent cough or fever was told to isolate themselves for 14 days .
Special guidance will be issued by the NHS for the 1.4 million people most at risk from the disease - including the elderly with underlying health conditions - on further measures they need to take to `` shield '' themselves .
Mr Johnson said the measures were needed as the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the upward curve '' in the number of cases .
`` Without drastic action , cases could double every five or six days , '' he said .
However , the Imperial College report warned that even with such a dramatic closing down of normal life , the capacity of health systems in the UK and the US - which is adopting similar measures - was likely to be `` exceeded many times over '' .
At his news conference Mr Johnson the said the latest Government measures represented a `` very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was asking people to live their lives that was unprecedented in peacetime .
He said they represented `` a very considerable psychological , behavioural change '' but he said he had `` absolutely no doubt '' the country could do it .
The Government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance insisted the measures would have a `` big effect '' on the spread of the virus .
`` This is not a series of small interventions .
You would anticipate that this could have a dramatic effect to reduce the peak and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Meanwhile , England ’ s deputy chief medical officer said there are “ significant moves afoot ” to increase coronavirus testing but said currently it must be focused where it will most benefit the “ country as a whole ” .
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam told BBC Breakfast : “ We in the UK already perform really a very high level of testing compared to most nations on the planet but for now we are absolutely focusing our testing where it ’ s going to help us most , where it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients on the intensive care unit , patients admitted to hospital with the coronavirus and special situations such as outbreak settings .
“ We do have an absolute ambition to increase testing as much as we possibly can .
There are already significant moves afoot inside the NHS and Public Health England to further increase the testing and capacity .
“ We understand it is a better place for people to be if they understand their diagnosis but right now we have to focus the testing where it ’ s going to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Gavin Cordon, Sam Dimmer, Brett Gibbons)

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More draconian measures are needed to protect the population during the coronavirus outbreak, top government scientists have warned.
The influential Imperial College Covid-19 response team - which has been advising ministers - said that even with the "social distancing" plans set out by the Government, the health system will be "overwhelmed many times over".
It claimed the only "viable strategy" was a Chinese-style policy of "suppression" involving the social distancing of the entire population and these drastic steps would need to be maintained potentially for 18 months or more to combat the effects of the virus or until a vaccine could be develped.
The latest warning came as it was revealed a woman had died at Walsall's Manor Hospital.
The patient – who was in her 80s – had underlying health conditions when she contracted Covid-19 and was being treated at Walsall Manor Hospital.
She died on Thursday, March 12 but the details have only now been confirmed. A man has also died at Sutton Coldfield's Good Hope Hospital it has been revealed.
As of Tuesday morning, there are 15 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Birmingham, 11 in Walsall, 11 in Wolverhampton, six in Dudley and four in Sandwell.
The death toll of people with coronavirus across the UK has reached 55.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled unprecedented peacetime measures to try to control the spread of Covid-19.
In the first of his daily No 10 press conferences, the Prime Minister called on people to stay away from pubs, clubs and theatres and to avoid all non-essential contacts and travel.
Coronavirus blog
In other developments:
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will set out a new package of support for businesses hit by the outbreak less than a week after announcing £12 billion of emergency funding in the Budget
The Government will lay out emergency legislation expected to include powers for police to detain people to stop them spreading the virus and allowing hospitals to send patients home to free up beds
All non-essential access to the Houses of Parliament has been stopped and MPs and peers over the age of 70 or with underlying health problems have been urged to heed Government advice
The Prime Minister has held a conference call with manufacturing firms and organisations urging them to step up production of ventilators and other vital medical equipment
Under the latest Government advice, anyone living in a household with somebody who has the symptoms of a persistent cough or fever was told to isolate themselves for 14 days.
Special guidance will be issued by the NHS for the 1.4 million people most at risk from the disease - including the elderly with underlying health conditions - on further measures they need to take to "shield" themselves.
Mr Johnson said the measures were needed as the UK was approaching the "fast growth part of the upward curve" in the number of cases.
"Without drastic action, cases could double every five or six days," he said.
However, the Imperial College report warned that even with such a dramatic closing down of normal life, the capacity of health systems in the UK and the US - which is adopting similar measures - was likely to be "exceeded many times over".
At his news conference Mr Johnson the said the latest Government measures represented a "very substantial change" in the way it was asking people to live their lives that was unprecedented in peacetime.
He said they represented "a very considerable psychological, behavioural change" but he said he had "absolutely no doubt" the country could do it.
The Government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance insisted the measures would have a "big effect" on the spread of the virus.
"This is not a series of small interventions. You would anticipate that this could have a dramatic effect to reduce the peak and to reduce death rates," he said.
Meanwhile, England’s deputy chief medical officer said there are “significant moves afoot” to increase coronavirus testing but said currently it must be focused where it will most benefit the “country as a whole”.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam told BBC Breakfast: “We in the UK already perform really a very high level of testing compared to most nations on the planet but for now we are absolutely focusing our testing where it’s going to help us most, where it’s going to matter, which is patients on the intensive care unit, patients admitted to hospital with the coronavirus and special situations such as outbreak settings.
“We do have an absolute ambition to increase testing as much as we possibly can. There are already significant moves afoot inside the NHS and Public Health England to further increase the testing and capacity.
“We understand it is a better place for people to be if they understand their diagnosis but right now we have to focus the testing where it’s going to do most good for the country as a whole.”


birminghammail--2020-03-17--Villa could be embroiled in Leeds & Albion legal battle - reports

The Championship ’ s top six are ready to ‘ park their tanks on the Premier League ’ s lawn ’ and sue the Premier League over claims the season could be made void .
Elite football in England was suspended last week , in an attempt to contain the coronavirus outbreak that is wreaking havoc across the world .
With games to go in both the top flight and the second tier , there has been much debate as to how promotions and relegations could be decided .
On Monday , Aston Villa 's sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be frozen at is , with no relegations for the sides at the bottom .
Villa , who currently occupy 19th place in the Premier League , have distanced themselves from Suso ’ s claims , in a statement , they said : “ The views attributed to Mr Garcia Pitarch in the Spanish media are not those of Aston Villa .
Now is not the time to be speculating about future arrangements for Premier League football this season . ''
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady also speculated that the current campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be completed .
Those claims have reportedly left teams outside the top division ‘ seething ’ with a lucrative promotion under threat .
According to a report in the Times , Leeds United , West Brom , Fulham , Brentford , Nottingham Forest and Preston held a secret meeting to discuss their position and could be set to launch a legal battle .
It is also reported that a further follow-up meeting , which will involve all 24 of the Championship ’ s clubs , will take place today via conference call .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopefuls want the season to be completed , even if it means that the start of the 2020/21 campaign has to be delayed as a result .
They also want all three promotion places - the two automatic slots and the play-offs winner - to be protected .
On Tuesday , UEFA are set to announce a postponement to this summer ’ s European Championship , allowing domestic leagues to complete fixtures .
Earlier this week , the president of the Italian football federation , Gabriele Gravina has suggested that Serie A could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring the league to a conclusion .
“ If it isn ’ t possible to bring the leagues to a conclusion , we will opt for other decisions , ” Gravina told Radio 1 Rai .
“ It isn ’ t ruled out that the current season could be spread out over two different seasons .
I understand that there is a lot of curiosity , but today nobody is in a position to say what our future holds .
”

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The Championship’s top six are ready to ‘park their tanks on the Premier League’s lawn’ and sue the Premier League over claims the season could be made void.
Elite football in England was suspended last week, in an attempt to contain the coronavirus outbreak that is wreaking havoc across the world.
With games to go in both the top flight and the second tier, there has been much debate as to how promotions and relegations could be decided.
On Monday, Aston Villa's sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch (Suso) claimed that the league should be frozen at is, with no relegations for the sides at the bottom.
Villa, who currently occupy 19th place in the Premier League, have distanced themselves from Suso’s claims, in a statement, they said: “The views attributed to Mr Garcia Pitarch in the Spanish media are not those of Aston Villa. Now is not the time to be speculating about future arrangements for Premier League football this season."
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady also speculated that the current campaign could be annulled, should fixtures not be completed. Those claims have reportedly left teams outside the top division ‘seething’ with a lucrative promotion under threat.
According to a report in the Times, Leeds United, West Brom, Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Preston held a secret meeting to discuss their position and could be set to launch a legal battle.
It is also reported that a further follow-up meeting, which will involve all 24 of the Championship’s clubs, will take place today via conference call.
Understandably, the Championship’s promotion hopefuls want the season to be completed, even if it means that the start of the 2020/21 campaign has to be delayed as a result. They also want all three promotion places - the two automatic slots and the play-offs winner - to be protected.
On Tuesday, UEFA are set to announce a postponement to this summer’s European Championship, allowing domestic leagues to complete fixtures.
Earlier this week, the president of the Italian football federation, Gabriele Gravina has suggested that Serie A could be spread over two seasons in order to bring the league to a conclusion.
“If it isn’t possible to bring the leagues to a conclusion, we will opt for other decisions,” Gravina told Radio 1 Rai. “It isn’t ruled out that the current season could be spread out over two different seasons. I understand that there is a lot of curiosity, but today nobody is in a position to say what our future holds.”