themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-22--Former Man Utd striker Romelu Lukaku apologises for coronavirus comments

Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has apologised to the club after he suggested over 90 per cent of the Nerazzurri squad suffered with coronavirus symptoms during January .
Italy is the European country that has been worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic , suffering over 25,000 deaths , with the region of Lombardy , of which Milan is the capital , being the epicentre .
The BBC reports that Inter were left shocked by comments made by the former Manchester United forward during an Instagram Live talk with Belgian TV presenter Kat Kerkhofs on April 21 .
`` We had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to work and I swear that 23 out of 25 players were ill .
I am not kidding , '' Lukakureportedly said .
`` We played against Radja Nainggolan 's Cagliari and after about 25 minutes , one of our defenders [ Milan Skriniar ] had to leave the pitch .
He could not continue and almost fainted .
`` Everyone was coughing and had a fever .
When I was warming up , I felt a lot hotter than usual .
I had n't suffered from a fever in years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned dinner with guests from Puma , but I thanked them and went straight to bed .
We never did the COVID-19 tests at that moment , so we will never know for sure . ''
The BBC report that Lukaku has apologised to Inter for his comments and as a result the matter has been closed .

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Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has apologised to the club after he suggested over 90 per cent of the Nerazzurri squad suffered with coronavirus symptoms during January.
Italy is the European country that has been worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, suffering over 25,000 deaths, with the region of Lombardy, of which Milan is the capital, being the epicentre.
The BBC reports that Inter were left shocked by comments made by the former Manchester United forward during an Instagram Live talk with Belgian TV presenter Kat Kerkhofs on April 21.
"We had a week off in December, we returned to work and I swear that 23 out of 25 players were ill. I am not kidding," Lukaku reportedly said.
"We played against Radja Nainggolan's Cagliari and after about 25 minutes, one of our defenders [Milan Skriniar] had to leave the pitch. He could not continue and almost fainted.
"Everyone was coughing and had a fever. When I was warming up, I felt a lot hotter than usual. I hadn't suffered from a fever in years.
"After the game there was a planned dinner with guests from Puma, but I thanked them and went straight to bed. We never did the COVID-19 tests at that moment, so we will never know for sure."
The BBC report that Lukaku has apologised to Inter for his comments and as a result the matter has been closed.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-22--The volunteers using 3D-printers to make PPE for NHS workers on the frontline

Volunteers are using 3D-printers to make protective face shields for NHS and care workers on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus .
The project is the brainchild of Stockport engineer Nik Sheppard , whose day job involves supplying equipment to the food and pharmaceutical industries .
The dad-of-two began producing the face shields using a 3D printer he got for his 40th birthday - before adding another two to his arsenal of machines .
He has now been joined by three others - Andy Brown , Tony Roberts and Andy Grimshaw - in a bid to ensure those putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protection they deserve .
Between them they are producing around 40 ‘ Prusa ’ -design masks per day - described as ‘ more robust and enclosed ’ than some other types , as well as being suitable for carers who wear glasses .
At the time of writing around 360 masks had been printed with more than 200 now in the hands of GP practices , care homes and pharmacies across Stockport .
Other recipients include Stepping Hill Hospital and firms that provide care to people in their own homes .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortfall of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) - and Nik says his frustration over the situation drove him on to make his own contribution to the cause .
“ As much as the government keeps promising things have been ordered it ’ s clear they ’ ve not been , or it ’ s not sufficient for what they need '' , said Nik .
“ I ’ m going to keep printing until someone says ‘ you can stop now , that ’ s enough ’ . ''
While the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also keen to make sure that care homes , charities and those who visit the vulnerable in the community also receive vital kit .
`` There would seem to be a real lack of PPE out there and those people are putting themselves on the frontline to protect us every day , '' he said .
“ What frustrates me , at the greatest time of need there doesn ’ t seem to be the response or ability to support them .
`` That ’ s what I ’ m focusing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are incredibly important , I want to support charity workers as well.
” Nik said .
“ I have two children with additional needs , we are involved in that world and we see a lot of charities supporting older and more vulnerable adults .
“ If they don ’ t have the proper protection they could start spreading it and if they catch it they can ’ t help people at home . ''
The 42-year-old took an initial run of shields to Cheadle Medical Practice - and was ‘ overwhelmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Nik started trying to make some on his 3D printer and dropped some off at the practice , we thought they were amazing.
” said practice partner Dr Viren Mehta .
The GP said it was ‘ great to see ’ the efforts being made by Nik , Tony and the two Andys - and also praised the work of the Stockport For the Love of Scrubs group , which is making sanitary clothing for medics .
`` For a lot of people it feels like they are giving something back , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people might feel quite helpless , people have found it to be really good to be contributing to something really worthwhile and positive .
“ And for staff , having a shield or scrubs made by the local community , you feel so much more protected , but you feel really special as well .
You feel like you have superhero body armour on.
” Distribution of the shields is being handled by Mastercall Health Centre in Hazel Grove , which prioritises requests and ensures kit is sent where it is most desperately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get the strictly not-for-profit project started , and has also launched a Go Fund Me page to keep it going .
To date more than £2,600 has been made in donations , which pays for the raw materials ( elastic , printing filament , labels , pvc sheets etc ) needed to produce the masks .
Any monies left once the crisis is over are to be donated to local charities for the disabled and homeless .
Nik also posts regular updates on the Shielding Stockport - PPE for those in Need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what their money has been spent on and what his next steps will be .

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Volunteers are using 3D-printers to make protective face shields for NHS and care workers on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus.
The project is the brainchild of Stockport engineer Nik Sheppard, whose day job involves supplying equipment to the food and pharmaceutical industries.
The dad-of-two began producing the face shields using a 3D printer he got for his 40th birthday - before adding another two to his arsenal of machines.
He has now been joined by three others - Andy Brown, Tony Roberts and Andy Grimshaw - in a bid to ensure those putting themselves at risk to help others get the protection they deserve.
Between them they are producing around 40 ‘Prusa’-design masks per day - described as ‘more robust and enclosed’ than some other types, as well as being suitable for carers who wear glasses.
At the time of writing around 360 masks had been printed with more than 200 now in the hands of GP practices, care homes and pharmacies across Stockport.
Other recipients include Stepping Hill Hospital and firms that provide care to people in their own homes.
The government continues to face criticism for a shortfall of personal protective equipment (PPE) - and Nik says his frustration over the situation drove him on to make his own contribution to the cause.
“As much as the government keeps promising things have been ordered it’s clear they’ve not been, or it’s not sufficient for what they need", said Nik.
“I’m going to keep printing until someone says ‘you can stop now, that’s enough’."
While the NHS obviously plays a vital role, Nik is also keen to make sure that care homes, charities and those who visit the vulnerable in the community also receive vital kit.
"There would seem to be a real lack of PPE out there and those people are putting themselves on the frontline to protect us every day," he said.
“What frustrates me, at the greatest time of need there doesn’t seem to be the response or ability to support them.
"That’s what I’m focusing on, but as well as the NHS who are incredibly important, I want to support charity workers as well.” Nik said.
“I have two children with additional needs, we are involved in that world and we see a lot of charities supporting older and more vulnerable adults.
“If they don’t have the proper protection they could start spreading it and if they catch it they can’t help people at home."
The 42-year-old took an initial run of shields to Cheadle Medical Practice - and was ‘overwhelmed’ by the response he received.
“Nik started trying to make some on his 3D printer and dropped some off at the practice, we thought they were amazing.” said practice partner Dr Viren Mehta.
The GP said it was ‘great to see’ the efforts being made by Nik, Tony and the two Andys - and also praised the work of the Stockport For the Love of Scrubs group, which is making sanitary clothing for medics.
"For a lot of people it feels like they are giving something back,” said.
“At a time people might feel quite helpless, people have found it to be really good to be contributing to something really worthwhile and positive.
“And for staff, having a shield or scrubs made by the local community, you feel so much more protected, but you feel really special as well. You feel like you have superhero body armour on.”
Distribution of the shields is being handled by Mastercall Health Centre in Hazel Grove, which prioritises requests and ensures kit is sent where it is most desperately needed.
Nik used his own money to get the strictly not-for-profit project started, and has also launched a Go Fund Me page to keep it going.
To date more than £2,600 has been made in donations , which pays for the raw materials (elastic, printing filament, labels, pvc sheets etc) needed to produce the masks.
Any monies left once the crisis is over are to be donated to local charities for the disabled and homeless.
Nik also posts regular updates on the Shielding Stockport - PPE for those in Need Facebook page, so people can see what their money has been spent on and what his next steps will be.
To donate visit here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-22--What happened to Manchester United starting XI vs Juventus in 1999

It was a night not many Manchester United fans over a certain age will ever forget .
On Wednesday , 21 April 1999 , United came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Juventus in Turin to reach the Champions League final .
Filippo Inzaghi had put the hosts in command , scoring twice inside the opening 11 minutes to move Juve 3-1 ahead on aggregate , but goals from Roy Keane and Dwight Yorke levelled things for United before half-time , and Andy Cole found the net with just five minutes of normal time remaining to seal the win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dramatic night in northern Italy , so we thought now would be a good time to take a look at what the players who started that match for United are doing with their lives now .
Schmeichel left United at the end of the 1998-99 season to join Sporting Lisbon .
After two years in Portugal , the Denmark international returned to the Premier League , joining Aston Villa and later , controversially , Manchester City .
He retired in 2003 and has since worked as a pundit and in various other media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for United over a near 20-year career before deciding to retire after a disastrous performance in a United win over West Brom in January 2011 .
He has since gone on to work as a successful pundit for Sky Sports - with a brief , somewhat less successful spell as coach of Valencia in 2015-16 .
Neville is a keen entrepreneur and owns a stake in Salford City , and was also involved in the foundation of University Academy 92 , a higher education institution located in Old Trafford .
Johnsen stayed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night in Turin .
But he found his game time significantly reduced , and moved to Aston Villa in 2002 .
Then came spells at Newcastle and Norwegian side Vålerenga , where he retired in 2008 .
Johnsen is now a United ambassador .
Stam was one of the best defenders in the world during his three years at United and continued to be so after he left .
Ferguson would later admit selling Stam was one of his biggest career mistakes .
He stayed at Lazio for three seasons , before moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he ended his career in 2007 .
Stam is now manager of Eredivisie club Feyenoord after previous spells in charge of Ajax 's reserve team , Reading and PEC Zwolle .
Irwin stayed at United until 2002 and had , by the time of his departure , made over 500 appearances in a red shirt .
He moved on to Wolves , where he played for two years before retiring in 2004 .
Irwin has since worked as a pundit and columnist and , like Johnsen , is a United ambassador .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at United , Beckham joined Real Madrid in 2003 .
Then came high-profile moves to LA Galaxy , Milan and Paris Saint-Germain .
Beckham is now , after years of planning and negotiation , guiding his MLS franchise , Inter Miami , and also holds a 10 per cent stake in Salford City .
Butt remained a dogged and reliable player in United ’ s midfield until 2004 , when he left for Newcastle .
He stayed in the North East for six years before joining Hong Kong club South China in 2010 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career a year later and returned to Old Trafford as a coach .
Butt is now the head of United 's academy and , like Beckham and Neville , holds a 10 per cent stake in Salford City .
A talented winger , Blomqvist played his part as United won the treble in 1999 .
He made 38 appearances that season , but the European Cup final against Bayern proved to be his last game for United .
Injuries decimated his United career , and he joined David Moyes ’ Everton in 2001 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he lasted just a year .
He retired in 2010 after spells at Djurgården , Enköping and Hammarby .
Blomqvist now owns his own pizzeria on the Swedish island of Lidingo .
The hard-tackling , abrasive Irishman stayed at United until 2005 , racking up seven Premier League titles along the way .
Keane had a brief spell at Celtic before retiring in 2006 .
Since then , he has worked as a manager - for Sunderland and Ipswich - and as an assistant with Ireland ’ s national team and Aston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football , Keane is a regular pundit for ITV and Sky Sports .
Cole left United for Blackburn in 2001 and remained a regular goal scorer .
Then it was onto brief spells at Fulham , Manchester City , Portsmouth , Sunderland and Nottingham Forest , before his retirement in 2009 .
Cole is now working as a coach under Sol Campbell at Southend United .
Yorke was prolific in front of goal throughout the 1998-99 season , but his final two campaigns with United proved less fruitful .
He left in 2002 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spells at Birmingham , Sydney FC and Sunderland , where he retired in 2008 .
Yorke has since worked as a coach and pundit .

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It was a night not many Manchester United fans over a certain age will ever forget.
On Wednesday, 21 April 1999, United came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Juventus in Turin to reach the Champions League final.
Filippo Inzaghi had put the hosts in command, scoring twice inside the opening 11 minutes to move Juve 3-1 ahead on aggregate, but goals from Roy Keane and Dwight Yorke levelled things for United before half-time, and Andy Cole found the net with just five minutes of normal time remaining to seal the win.
It is 21 years since that dramatic night in northern Italy, so we thought now would be a good time to take a look at what the players who started that match for United are doing with their lives now.
Peter Schmeichel
Schmeichel left United at the end of the 1998-99 season to join Sporting Lisbon.
After two years in Portugal, the Denmark international returned to the Premier League, joining Aston Villa and later, controversially, Manchester City. He retired in 2003 and has since worked as a pundit and in various other media roles.
Gary Neville
Neville managed over 600 appearances for United over a near 20-year career before deciding to retire after a disastrous performance in a United win over West Brom in January 2011.
He has since gone on to work as a successful pundit for Sky Sports - with a brief, somewhat less successful spell as coach of Valencia in 2015-16.
Neville is a keen entrepreneur and owns a stake in Salford City, and was also involved in the foundation of University Academy 92, a higher education institution located in Old Trafford.
(Image: (Mike Egerton/PA Wire))
Ronny Johnsen
Johnsen stayed at United for another three seasons after that night in Turin. But he found his game time significantly reduced, and moved to Aston Villa in 2002.
Then came spells at Newcastle and Norwegian side Vålerenga, where he retired in 2008. Johnsen is now a United ambassador.
Jaap Stam
Stam was one of the best defenders in the world during his three years at United and continued to be so after he left. Ferguson would later admit selling Stam was one of his biggest career mistakes.
He stayed at Lazio for three seasons, before moving on to Milan and later Ajax, where he ended his career in 2007.
Stam is now manager of Eredivisie club Feyenoord after previous spells in charge of Ajax's reserve team, Reading and PEC Zwolle.
Denis Irwin
Irwin stayed at United until 2002 and had, by the time of his departure, made over 500 appearances in a red shirt.
He moved on to Wolves, where he played for two years before retiring in 2004. Irwin has since worked as a pundit and columnist and, like Johnsen, is a United ambassador.
David Beckham
Having established himself as a global star at United, Beckham joined Real Madrid in 2003.
Then came high-profile moves to LA Galaxy, Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. Beckham is now, after years of planning and negotiation, guiding his MLS franchise, Inter Miami, and also holds a 10 per cent stake in Salford City.
Nicky Butt
Butt remained a dogged and reliable player in United’s midfield until 2004, when he left for Newcastle. He stayed in the North East for six years before joining Hong Kong club South China in 2010.
The United academy product ended his career a year later and returned to Old Trafford as a coach. Butt is now the head of United's academy and, like Beckham and Neville, holds a 10 per cent stake in Salford City.
Jesper Blomqvist
A talented winger, Blomqvist played his part as United won the treble in 1999.
He made 38 appearances that season, but the European Cup final against Bayern proved to be his last game for United. Injuries decimated his United career, and he joined David Moyes’ Everton in 2001.
Then it was onto Charlton, where he lasted just a year. He retired in 2010 after spells at Djurgården, Enköping and Hammarby. Blomqvist now owns his own pizzeria on the Swedish island of Lidingo.
Roy Keane
The hard-tackling, abrasive Irishman stayed at United until 2005, racking up seven Premier League titles along the way.
Keane had a brief spell at Celtic before retiring in 2006. Since then, he has worked as a manager - for Sunderland and Ipswich - and as an assistant with Ireland’s national team and Aston Villa.
Currently without a job in football, Keane is a regular pundit for ITV and Sky Sports.
Andrew Cole
Cole left United for Blackburn in 2001 and remained a regular goal scorer. Then it was onto brief spells at Fulham, Manchester City, Portsmouth, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, before his retirement in 2009.
Cole is now working as a coach under Sol Campbell at Southend United.
Dwight Yorke
Yorke was prolific in front of goal throughout the 1998-99 season, but his final two campaigns with United proved less fruitful.
He left in 2002 for Blackburn Rovers, and then had spells at Birmingham, Sydney FC and Sunderland, where he retired in 2008.
Yorke has since worked as a coach and pundit.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-22--How police are tackling Piccadilly Gardens during the coronavirus crisis

Normally the square would be packed with its usuaL mix of shoppers , office workers , rough sleepers and street drinkers .
During the coronavirus lockdown , however , it 's a different story .
Most businesses and shops are closed and although there 's still a few people about , it 's nowhere near as busy as usual .
But as the Manchester Evening News reported , that does n't mean its problems have disappeared entirely .
Mobile phone footage and photographs taken this week showed people gathering in large groups , fights breaking out and games of football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in breach of social distancing rules .
But police insist that 's not been the norm and say they are in fact getting on top of Piccadilly Gardens ' problems - before and during the pandemic .
Chief Insp Zac Fraser is the man in charge of policing the city centre - and the gardens are high on his list of priorities .
But he says it 's not just a case of throwing as many officers as he can spare at the problem .
`` If I could put 20 cops in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably solve it in that area , '' he said .
`` But I ca n't do that indefinitely and it 's just going to move the problems into the Northern Quarter or to Ancoats .
`` It needs to be more sustainable . ''
That sustainable approach involves relatively small things , such as removing a particular bench , close to Morrisons , which was popular with street drinkers , and blocking off a doorway near McDonalds that was being used by drug dealers .
Other recent measures have included clampdowns on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation on Back Piccadilly last month saw police carry out 100 stop and searches and make seven arrests , including three for drug dealing .
During the operation the average number of daily incidents on the street also fell from 10 to just one .
Sixteen Criminal Behaviour Orders and civil injunctions , banning known trouble-makers from entering the city centre , have also been issued .
And police are also involved in the design process for the long-awaited revamp of Piccadilly Gardens , pushing for increased CCTV , better sight lines and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow trouble-makers to congregate unseen .
The aim , Insp John Shilvock says , is to 'restrict options for criminality ' .
`` We are looking to make it a hostile enviornment for them , '' he said '' The ultimate aim is to make this a no-go area for criminals .
`` Rome was n't built in a day , but I believe we will get there . ''
But in order to achieve that police say they have to help the drug users and alcoholics who frequent the gardens get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GMP 's four-strong Street Engagement Team comes in .
Set up three years ago much of their work , targeting rough sleepers and addicts , is based around the gardens .
Pc Louise McFarlane , from the Street Engagement Team said : `` Arresting people was n't working .
`` We had to take a different approach , so now it 's about engaging people and getting the help they need . ''
Her colleague Pc Warren Yates said : `` The longer someone 's on the streets , the more they detriorate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worse their mental health problems get .
`` So the key thing for us is to try get them help before they start offending .
`` How can we keep them away from the criminal justice system ? ''
During the crisis 1,140 rough sleepers have been put up in hotels across Greater Manchester .
Pc McFarlane says that 's a once in a lifetime opportunity to help the region 's homeless population - and police are already seeing the results .
`` There are people in the hotels who if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would n't recognise them now , '' she said '' They 're in a safe place , we know where they are , so we 've been able to get them the help and support they need .
`` If this had n't happened some of them would have been dead within six months .
`` Now they 're looking forward to the future for the first time in years .
`` It 's the best thing I 've done in my career .
`` Seeing how people have changed in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been humbling .
`` The crisis has actually been a massive improvement for them .
They will never get this chance again .
`` Our concern is what happens after all this is done . ''
It 's an approach that has the full support of Chief Insp Fraser .
He said : `` It might sound a bit soft , and do n't get me wrong if someone 's putting others at risk we 'll lock them up straight away , but they are people I believe this is the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the case of putting a roof over their heads .
They are still entrenched in this lifestyle .
`` They still need a lot of support and help '' The gardens are where they come to socialise .
It 's hard to break away from all that .
`` So giving someone like that a £60 fine for hanging around is n't going to help anyone . ''
Last month Chief Constable Ian Hopkins suggested Piccadilly Gardens should be closed off during the lockdown , before police eventually backtracked .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have helped .
`` There was talk about fencing the grass off , '' he said .
`` That would n't acheive anything in my opinion .
`` At best it would move the problems somewhere else .
`` There are much better ways to deal with people . ''
But he does believe the measures being taken now will eventually come good .
He said : `` One of the things we need to do is change the culture of the place .
`` People are fearful of the gardens because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becomes a vicious circle .
`` Stood here now there are no mass gatherings , no-one causing trouble , there 's no big groups of drinkers .
`` I know I 'm a cop , but I 'd feel safe stood here with my one-year-old son .
`` There are no quick wins here , but I 'm sure in the next couple of years we will see massive changes . ''

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It's warm, sunny weekday lunchtime in Piccadilly Gardens.
Normally the square would be packed with its usuaL mix of shoppers, office workers, rough sleepers and street drinkers.
During the coronavirus lockdown, however, it's a different story.
Most businesses and shops are closed and although there's still a few people about, it's nowhere near as busy as usual.
But as the Manchester Evening News reported, that doesn't mean its problems have disappeared entirely.
Mobile phone footage and photographs taken this week showed people gathering in large groups, fights breaking out and games of football being played on the grass, all in breach of social distancing rules.
But police insist that's not been the norm and say they are in fact getting on top of Piccadilly Gardens' problems - before and during the pandemic.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Chief Insp Zac Fraser is the man in charge of policing the city centre - and the gardens are high on his list of priorities.
But he says it's not just a case of throwing as many officers as he can spare at the problem.
"If I could put 20 cops in Piccadilly Gardens every day, it would probably solve it in that area," he said.
"But I can't do that indefinitely and it's just going to move the problems into the Northern Quarter or to Ancoats.
"It needs to be more sustainable."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
That sustainable approach involves relatively small things, such as removing a particular bench, close to Morrisons, which was popular with street drinkers, and blocking off a doorway near McDonalds that was being used by drug dealers.
Other recent measures have included clampdowns on surrounding trouble hot-spots.
One such week-long operation on Back Piccadilly last month saw police carry out 100 stop and searches and make seven arrests, including three for drug dealing.
During the operation the average number of daily incidents on the street also fell from 10 to just one.
Sixteen Criminal Behaviour Orders and civil injunctions, banning known trouble-makers from entering the city centre, have also been issued.
And police are also involved in the design process for the long-awaited revamp of Piccadilly Gardens, pushing for increased CCTV, better sight lines and the removal of the secluded areas which allow trouble-makers to congregate unseen.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
The aim, Insp John Shilvock says, is to 'restrict options for criminality'.
"We are looking to make it a hostile enviornment for them," he said
"The ultimate aim is to make this a no-go area for criminals.
"Rome wasn't built in a day, but I believe we will get there."
But in order to achieve that police say they have to help the drug users and alcoholics who frequent the gardens get the support they need.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
That's where GMP's four-strong Street Engagement Team comes in.
Set up three years ago much of their work, targeting rough sleepers and addicts, is based around the gardens.
Pc Louise McFarlane, from the Street Engagement Team said: "Arresting people wasn't working.
"We had to take a different approach, so now it's about engaging people and getting the help they need."
Her colleague Pc Warren Yates said: "The longer someone's on the streets, the more they detriorate, the worse their addictions get, the worse their mental health problems get.
"So the key thing for us is to try get them help before they start offending.
"How can we keep them away from the criminal justice system?"
During the crisis 1,140 rough sleepers have been put up in hotels across Greater Manchester.
Pc McFarlane says that's a once in a lifetime opportunity to help the region's homeless population - and police are already seeing the results.
"There are people in the hotels who if you knew them four weeks ago, you wouldn't recognise them now," she said
"They're in a safe place, we know where they are, so we've been able to get them the help and support they need.
"If this hadn't happened some of them would have been dead within six months.
"Now they're looking forward to the future for the first time in years.
"It's the best thing I've done in my career.
"Seeing how people have changed in the last four weeks has been remarkable, it's been humbling.
"The crisis has actually been a massive improvement for them. They will never get this chance again.
"Our concern is what happens after all this is done."
It's an approach that has the full support of Chief Insp Fraser.
He said: "It might sound a bit soft, and don't get me wrong if someone's putting others at risk we'll lock them up straight away, but they are people I believe this is the right approach.
"But it's not just the case of putting a roof over their heads. They are still entrenched in this lifestyle.
"They still need a lot of support and help
(Image: ABNM Photography)
"The gardens are where they come to socialise. It's hard to break away from all that.
"So giving someone like that a £60 fine for hanging around isn't going to help anyone."
Last month Chief Constable Ian Hopkins suggested Piccadilly Gardens should be closed off during the lockdown, before police eventually backtracked.
It's not something Chief Insp Fraser thinks would have helped.
"There was talk about fencing the grass off," he said.
"That wouldn't acheive anything in my opinion.
"At best it would move the problems somewhere else.
"There are much better ways to deal with people."
But he does believe the measures being taken now will eventually come good.
He said: "One of the things we need to do is change the culture of the place.
"People are fearful of the gardens because we tell people it's bad. It becomes a vicious circle.
"Stood here now there are no mass gatherings, no-one causing trouble, there's no big groups of drinkers.
"I know I'm a cop, but I'd feel safe stood here with my one-year-old son.
"There are no quick wins here, but I'm sure in the next couple of years we will see massive changes."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-22--Salford mayor warns council could face £33m shortfall if government doesn't fully fund coronavirus c

Salford mayor warns council could face £33m shortfall if government doesn't fully fund coronavirus cost

Central government must ‘ fully fund ’ the cost of Covid-19 to local authorities , Salford city mayor has said - estimating that the first six months of the pandemic could leave the town hall with a £33m shortfall .
He has said that austerity-hit councils would be left in a ‘ perilous ’ financial position without a full bail-out by the government .
And Salford council leader Paul Dennett said he was concerned about the ‘ change in language ’ from government ministers towards local authorities ‘ sharing the burden ’ .
In a letter to prime minister Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other than full funding of local government for our response and for longer term financial stability would be a betrayal of the critical front line workers in local government , and of the people of Salford.
” At the start of the Covid-19 crisis , the government announced £1.6bn of funding for local authorities , £8.9m of which was earmarked for Salford .
And this weekend , communities secretary Robert Jenrick said a further £1.6bn would be provided to councils to help them deal with the crisis .
But city mayor Dennett said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was concerned about a shift in ministerial tone .
“ I am though concerned by the changing language of your Secretary of State that local government must now ‘ share the burden ’ of this crisis , ” he wrote .
“ Anything less than the full cost recovery would leave local councils in a perilous financial position.
” In a tweet accompanying the letter , city mayor Dennett wrote : “ Councils were told to spend whatever was needed to respond to the current crisis and we ’ d be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost of the crisis - through loss of income and additional service demands - for the first six months was estimated to be £33m , although he said there was a ‘ real risk ’ that this would increase .
And he said that this came against a backdrop of austerity in the city , which has seen its budget cut by 53 percent since 2010 .
`` As a minimum , councils must be no worse off as a result of the coronavirus response , '' he added .
Salford aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed concerns that councils could be left to partially foot the bill of the coronavirus recovery .
Read more of today 's top stories here Manchester council leader Sir Richard Leese also wrote to the prime minister , saying after a decade of austerity that there are ‘ no easy cuts left to make ’ .
Manchester is facing a £152m shortfall as a result of the pandemic .
A couple of weeks ago Trafford council had to borrow from a commercial bank in order to cover its day-to-day costs after it ran @ @ @ @

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Central government must ‘fully fund’ the cost of Covid-19 to local authorities, Salford city mayor has said - estimating that the first six months of the pandemic could leave the town hall with a £33m shortfall.
He has said that austerity-hit councils would be left in a ‘perilous’ financial position without a full bail-out by the government.
And Salford council leader Paul Dennett said he was concerned about the ‘change in language’ from government ministers towards local authorities ‘sharing the burden’.
In a letter to prime minister Boris Johnson, he wrote: “Anything other than full funding of local government for our response and for longer term financial stability would be a betrayal of the critical front line workers in local government, and of the people of Salford.”
At the start of the Covid-19 crisis, the government announced £1.6bn of funding for local authorities, £8.9m of which was earmarked for Salford.
And this weekend, communities secretary Robert Jenrick said a further £1.6bn would be provided to councils to help them deal with the crisis.
But city mayor Dennett said that although he welcomed the extra funding, he was concerned about a shift in ministerial tone.
“I am though concerned by the changing language of your Secretary of State that local government must now ‘share the burden’ of this crisis,” he wrote.
“Anything less than the full cost recovery would leave local councils in a perilous financial position.”
In a tweet accompanying the letter, city mayor Dennett wrote: “Councils were told to spend whatever was needed to respond to the current crisis and we’d be compensated.”
He said that the estimated cost of the crisis - through loss of income and additional service demands - for the first six months was estimated to be £33m, although he said there was a ‘real risk’ that this would increase.
And he said that this came against a backdrop of austerity in the city, which has seen its budget cut by 53 percent since 2010.
"As a minimum, councils must be no worse off as a result of the coronavirus response," he added.
Salford aren’t the only local authority that have stressed concerns that councils could be left to partially foot the bill of the coronavirus recovery.
Manchester council leader Sir Richard Leese also wrote to the prime minister, saying after a decade of austerity that there are ‘no easy cuts left to make’. Manchester is facing a £152m shortfall as a result of the pandemic.
A couple of weeks ago Trafford council had to borrow from a commercial bank in order to cover its day-to-day costs after it ran out of cash.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-22--This is when you can see the Starlink satellites in the sky tonight

Elon Musk 's SpaceX Starlink satellites will be visible again tonight as much of the UK enjoys clear skies .
If you 've missed them so far , or want to see them fly across the sky again , you 'll have several chances to catch a glimpse between sunset and sunrise .
The 60 satellites appear in the night sky like a string of lights and will travel across the UK once again overnight .
And a combination of the their low orbit , the clear night skies and the angle they 're travelling in means you do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear view .
They are the latest collection of orbiting satellites launched by the entrepreneur 's company - SpaceX .
This string of travelling devices are being used to provide internet service to remote locations across the world .
Stargazers will be able to catch a glimpse of this feat of modern technology once darkness falls - and with largely clear skies predicted , you 'll get a first class view .
And for those with younger children , you wo n't have to stay up really late to see them either .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and simply look up to see the train of lights as they travel across the sky .
This is when you 'll be able to see the Starlink satellites overnight tonight , April 22 - 23 .
9.34pm : Starlink-5,6 will be visible over the UK for six minutes travelling from west to east ( bright ) .
4.39am : Starlink 3 will be visible over the UK for five minutes travelling from west to east ( bright ) .
5.01am : Starlink 2 will be visible over the UK for three minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Covaid-19 - helping those who need it most in Greater Manchester The coronavirus outbreak has left many people across Greater Manchester struggling for access to food , basics and other support .
Many of them are self-isolating , often in fragile health and alone .
Public services have been working hard to find and help them , but we know they are over-stretched and working round the clock .
So the Manchester Evening News and the Greater Manchester Mayor 's Charity have launched Covaid-19 - a fundraiser aimed at supporting those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with no support network to homeless families living in hotels .
The money will be distributed via the mayor of Greater Manchester 's charity .
You can donate by visiting our JustGiving page here .
These are the approximate optimum times for the north west of England , and timings at other parts of the UK may vary by a few minutes .
You can enter your location here to find the days and times they 'll be most visible in your area .
You can also track the satellites using the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the SpaceX satellites are expected to be visible above your current location .

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Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink satellites will be visible again tonight as much of the UK enjoys clear skies.
If you've missed them so far, or want to see them fly across the sky again, you'll have several chances to catch a glimpse between sunset and sunrise.
The 60 satellites appear in the night sky like a string of lights and will travel across the UK once again overnight.
And a combination of the their low orbit, the clear night skies and the angle they're travelling in means you don't need any equipment to get a really clear view.
They are the latest collection of orbiting satellites launched by the entrepreneur's company - SpaceX.
This string of travelling devices are being used to provide internet service to remote locations across the world.
Stargazers will be able to catch a glimpse of this feat of modern technology once darkness falls - and with largely clear skies predicted, you'll get a first class view.
And for those with younger children, you won't have to stay up really late to see them either.
Grab a blanket and a warm drink and simply look up to see the train of lights as they travel across the sky.
This is when you'll be able to see the Starlink satellites overnight tonight, April 22 - 23.
April 22
9.34pm: Starlink-5,6 will be visible over the UK for six minutes travelling from west to east (bright).
April 23
4.39am: Starlink 3 will be visible over the UK for five minutes travelling from west to east (bright).
5.01am: Starlink 2 will be visible over the UK for three minutes travelling from south to east (dim).
Covaid-19 - helping those who need it most in Greater Manchester The coronavirus outbreak has left many people across Greater Manchester struggling for access to food, basics and other support. Many of them are self-isolating, often in fragile health and alone. Public services have been working hard to find and help them, but we know they are over-stretched and working round the clock. So the Manchester Evening News and the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity have launched Covaid-19 - a fundraiser aimed at supporting those who most need help, from elderly people with no support network to homeless families living in hotels. The money will be distributed via the mayor of Greater Manchester's charity. You can donate by visiting our JustGiving page here.
These are the approximate optimum times for the north west of England, and timings at other parts of the UK may vary by a few minutes.
You can enter your location here to find the days and times they'll be most visible in your area.
You can also track the satellites using the dedicated Starlink app, which automatically calculates when the SpaceX satellites are expected to be visible above your current location.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-22--Man City evening headlines as Gundogan tips Sane to bounce back

Samir Nasri only made one appearance at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola before being moved on , but he evidently has no hard feelings and respects him as a manager .
The 32-year-old midfielder , who has linked back up with Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht , says that France would be easier on the eye under Guardiola as opposed to their current coach Didier Deschamps , who led them to glory at the 2018 World Cup .
`` I am happy that [ France ] won the 2018 World Cup , but there are some flaws , '' Nasri said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can construct three teams of a very , very good level and I have the right not to like it.
” '' Look , I have friends who play for the national team .
They deserved to win the World Cup , but put [ Pep ] Guardiola in [ charge of ] the French team and you will see how they will play .
We would enjoy it . ''
Ilkay Gundogan says lockdown gives Leroy Sane a chance to bounce back Ilkay Gundogan has suggested that Leroy Sane , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knee ligament injury in the Community Shield win over Liverpool in August , could return to his best once football gets back underway .
The 29-year-old City midfielder was speaking about his team-mate for club and country , admitting it will have been frustrating for the winger , who was close to a first-team return before the season was suspended .
`` For everyone the situation has its good and bad sides , '' said Gundogan .
`` On one hand , Leroy had already trained with the team and he had his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still had a few minor things .
But he was almost back at playing again .
Especially for your psyche , it ’ s important to be able to play again after such a long time .
`` On the other hand , he now has a bit more time to figure out those minor problems he still had .
The fact that others can ’ t play either is not so bad for him .
`` Also the Euros were postponed until next year .
It ’ s bit like for Niklas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The unique challenge all players face without football Gundogan was perhaps a little too honest when he admitted it ’ s difficult to remain motivated to maintain a demanding fitness and training plan in the absence of football .
“ I have a few things to do and then I ’ m ready to go .
To be honest , it ’ s not so easy to motivate yourself these days every day when you are training , '' he said .
But it highlights something that will apply to every footballer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a discrepancy in how dedicated players have been since the season was suspended .
`` Regardless of whether you 're a football player or not , fundamentally we are all human .
Something like this that has presented itself to us in these current circumstances makes us realise that more than ever , '' explained performance psychology consultant Philippa McGregor , who runs Thrive2Perform and has worked with football clubs including City .
`` Even these multi-millionaire footballers and professional athletes will all be experiencing very similar anxieties and uncertainties to those of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elite athletes because they are human and have the same emotions and feelings and are faced with the same uncertainties .
”

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Nasri hopes Guardiola takes charge of the French national team
Samir Nasri only made one appearance at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola before being moved on, but he evidently has no hard feelings and respects him as a manager.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who has linked back up with Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht, says that France would be easier on the eye under Guardiola as opposed to their current coach Didier Deschamps, who led them to glory at the 2018 World Cup.
"I am happy that [France] won the 2018 World Cup, but there are some flaws," Nasri said on Instagram.
"[Deschamps] can construct three teams of a very, very good level and I have the right not to like it.”
"Look, I have friends who play for the national team. They deserved to win the World Cup, but put [Pep] Guardiola in [charge of] the French team and you will see how they will play. We would enjoy it."
Ilkay Gundogan says lockdown gives Leroy Sane a chance to bounce back
Ilkay Gundogan has suggested that Leroy Sane, who has been out of action since suffering a knee ligament injury in the Community Shield win over Liverpool in August, could return to his best once football gets back underway.
The 29-year-old City midfielder was speaking about his team-mate for club and country, admitting it will have been frustrating for the winger, who was close to a first-team return before the season was suspended.
"For everyone the situation has its good and bad sides," said Gundogan.
"On one hand, Leroy had already trained with the team and he had his comeback in sight, even though he still had a few minor things. But he was almost back at playing again. Especially for your psyche, it’s important to be able to play again after such a long time.
"On the other hand, he now has a bit more time to figure out those minor problems he still had. The fact that others can’t play either is not so bad for him.
"Also the Euros were postponed until next year. It’s bit like for Niklas Süle who might have missed the Euro.”
(Image: (Victoria Haydn/Man City via Getty Images))
The unique challenge all players face without football
Gundogan was perhaps a little too honest when he admitted it’s difficult to remain motivated to maintain a demanding fitness and training plan in the absence of football.
“I have a few things to do and then I’m ready to go. To be honest, it’s not so easy to motivate yourself these days every day when you are training," he said.
But it highlights something that will apply to every footballer, and there’s sure be a discrepancy in how dedicated players have been since the season was suspended.
"Regardless of whether you're a football player or not, fundamentally we are all human. Something like this that has presented itself to us in these current circumstances makes us realise that more than ever," explained performance psychology consultant Philippa McGregor, who runs Thrive2Perform and has worked with football clubs including City.
"Even these multi-millionaire footballers and professional athletes will all be experiencing very similar anxieties and uncertainties to those of us that aren't professional footballers or elite athletes because they are human and have the same emotions and feelings and are faced with the same uncertainties.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-22--Man United evening headlines as club stance on Paul Pogba revealed

There has been some extra clarity regarding Paul Pogba ’ s contract situation at Manchester United .
It ’ s been widely reported that the World Cup winner will enter the final year of his contract next season , and while that ’ s technically true , United have the option of an additional year to tie Pogba to the club until 2022 .
It has been suggested that the player ’ s high-profile , outspoken agent Mino Raiola is angling for a move away , but the MEN understands United have not exercised the one-year option in Pogba 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the 27-year-old ’ s future .
The average age of the Manchester United squad is set to dramatically decrease over the coming seasons , with a succession plan becoming clear at Old Trafford .
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer , the average age of departures is 29 and all were turning 30 or in their 30s , Romelu Lukaku being the only exception .
The permanent signings under the Norwegian so far were 21 , 21 , 26 , and 25 on their arrival , while Jadon Sancho , 20 , and Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the average age of the United squad after Jose Mourinho signed a number of older , more experienced players such as Nemanja Matic and Alexis Sanchez .
Portuguese midfielder Francisco Ramos has thanked Bruno Fernandes after he was named by the Manchester United maestro as the former team-mate he ’ d most like to play alongside again .
Ramos , on loan at the Azores-based Santa Clara FC from his parent club Vitória Guimarães , is a long-time close friend of Fernandes , after the pair came up together from the Portuguese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has gone from strength to strength , earning 19 caps for his country , his old teammate hasn ’ t enjoyed quite the same level of success in his career , never getting a senior call-up .
`` I 'm a friend of Bruno 's and we talk every day , so I already thanked him for his thoughts , '' Ramos told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo .
`` He replied that he did n't do me any favours .
We can have similar characteristics , but his finishing and his final ball @ @ @ @ @

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United’s stance on Paul Pogba contract option
There has been some extra clarity regarding Paul Pogba’s contract situation at Manchester United.
It’s been widely reported that the World Cup winner will enter the final year of his contract next season, and while that’s technically true, United have the option of an additional year to tie Pogba to the club until 2022.
It has been suggested that the player’s high-profile, outspoken agent Mino Raiola is angling for a move away, but the MEN understands United have not exercised the one-year option in Pogba's contract to quell speculation and are relaxed about the 27-year-old’s future.
United’s full succession plan revealed
The average age of the Manchester United squad is set to dramatically decrease over the coming seasons, with a succession plan becoming clear at Old Trafford.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the average age of departures is 29 and all were turning 30 or in their 30s, Romelu Lukaku being the only exception.
The permanent signings under the Norwegian so far were 21, 21, 26, and 25 on their arrival, while Jadon Sancho, 20, and Jack Grealish, 24, would also bring down the average age of the United squad after Jose Mourinho signed a number of older, more experienced players such as Nemanja Matic and Alexis Sanchez.
Francisco Ramos thanks Bruno Fernandes for namecheck
Portuguese midfielder Francisco Ramos has thanked Bruno Fernandes after he was named by the Manchester United maestro as the former team-mate he’d most like to play alongside again.
Ramos, on loan at the Azores-based Santa Clara FC from his parent club Vitória Guimarães, is a long-time close friend of Fernandes, after the pair came up together from the Portuguese youth ranks.
However, while Fernandes has gone from strength to strength, earning 19 caps for his country, his old teammate hasn’t enjoyed quite the same level of success in his career, never getting a senior call-up.
"I'm a friend of Bruno's and we talk every day, so I already thanked him for his thoughts," Ramos told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.
"He replied that he didn't do me any favours. We can have similar characteristics, but his finishing and his final ball is more accurate."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-22--Fears over 'at risk' children as only tiny fraction of them are attending school

Fears have been raised over the small number of 'at risk ' children attending school amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Schools closed in March to everyone except the children of key workers , vulnerable pupils who have social workers , and those with special needs and individual Education , Health and Care ( EHC ) plans .
But official figures show that only a tiny fraction of these children in England are taking up the emergency school places .
The figures from the Department for Education ( DfE ) show that just 24k pupils classed as vulnerable turned up at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the total entitled to attend school during the lockdown , including over the Easter break .
It has sparked concerns over the increased danger to children in lockdown and England 's Children 's Commissioner Anne Longfield has said social workers should be out 'knocking on doors ' .
She told the BBC : `` What we now know is , what we 've been hearing over the last few weeks , that the vast majority of vulnerable children in this country are not attending , despite the fact that schools are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they are at home , potentially with a cocktail of risks .
`` They may be in homes with quite fragile environments , potentially domestic violence in the home - which we know is increasing , parents with drug and alcohol addictions or indeed severe mental health conditions .
`` So often these children are quite invisible at home and not in the place which is best at keeping them safe - school . ''
She called for a clearer message from government , adding that 'social workers need to be knocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working tirelessly to get these vulnerable children into schools ' .
Andrew Fellowes , associate head of policy and public affairs at the NSPCC , says the figures are 'worrying ' , adding : `` If children who could be in school are not coming in , teachers and social workers need to check in with parents and carers to ensure they are safe and well at home , be it face-to-face , on the phone or online . ''
The government says that children who are not in school are indeed being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other ways .
And those working on the ground with families say the figures do n't always give an accurate picture of what is happening .
Home-Start is a family support organisation helping parents facing all sorts of challenges , from isolation to health problems , poverty and more .
Sarah Cook , of Home-Start in Greater Manchester , said : `` Whilst the figures for the take-up of school places for 'at risk ' children are low , it 's not as clear cut as simply talking about statistics .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some foster carers are deeply concerned - as are natural birth parents - of children being in school right now , with many thinking it 's simply too high risk .
We should n't differentiate between children who live with their natural parents and those that do n't .
`` However , as a family support charity we are aware that many children in our local communities need protecting , and Home-Starts across Greater Manchester are working extremely hard to make sure that the families that we support , with very complex needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are possibly able to right now.
`` DfE guidance also states that some children with EHC plans could in fact be better off remaining at home if their needs can be safely met .
Education secretary Gavin Williamson said : “ Our first priority has always been protecting the wellbeing of children and young people , but particularly those vulnerable young people with special educational needs or a social worker .
Schools are open for them and we ’ re working to make sure those who should attend do so .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every single day , schools are helping keep the country moving .
And we are asking our local authorities and schools to ensure every vulnerable child knows that their school is there to support them , that systems are in place to keep in touch with those children who are unable to attend because of health reasons .
”

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Fears have been raised over the small number of 'at risk' children attending school amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Schools closed in March to everyone except the children of key workers, vulnerable pupils who have social workers, and those with special needs and individual Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.
But official figures show that only a tiny fraction of these children in England are taking up the emergency school places.
The figures from the Department for Education (DfE) show that just 24k pupils classed as vulnerable turned up at schools last Friday, which constitutes 5% of the total entitled to attend school during the lockdown, including over the Easter break.
(Image: PA)
It has sparked concerns over the increased danger to children in lockdown and England's Children's Commissioner Anne Longfield has said social workers should be out 'knocking on doors'.
She told the BBC : "What we now know is, what we've been hearing over the last few weeks, that the vast majority of vulnerable children in this country are not attending, despite the fact that schools are open.
"What that means is that they are at home, potentially with a cocktail of risks.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"They may be in homes with quite fragile environments, potentially domestic violence in the home - which we know is increasing, parents with drug and alcohol addictions or indeed severe mental health conditions.
"So often these children are quite invisible at home and not in the place which is best at keeping them safe - school."
She called for a clearer message from government, adding that 'social workers need to be knocking on doors and everyone needs to be working tirelessly to get these vulnerable children into schools'.
Andrew Fellowes, associate head of policy and public affairs at the NSPCC, says the figures are 'worrying', adding : "If children who could be in school are not coming in, teachers and social workers need to check in with parents and carers to ensure they are safe and well at home, be it face-to-face, on the phone or online."
The government says that children who are not in school are indeed being monitored by social workers and supported in other ways.
And those working on the ground with families say the figures don't always give an accurate picture of what is happening.
Home-Start is a family support organisation helping parents facing all sorts of challenges, from isolation to health problems, poverty and more.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Sarah Cook, of Home-Start in Greater Manchester, said: "Whilst the figures for the take-up of school places for 'at risk' children are low, it's not as clear cut as simply talking about statistics. It's much more complicated than that.
"Some foster carers are deeply concerned - as are natural birth parents - of children being in school right now, with many thinking it's simply too high risk. We shouldn't differentiate between children who live with their natural parents and those that don't.
"However, as a family support charity we are aware that many children in our local communities need protecting, and Home-Starts across Greater Manchester are working extremely hard to make sure that the families that we support, with very complex needs, are being supported as much as we are possibly able to right now. "
DfE guidance also states that some children with EHC plans could in fact be better off remaining at home if their needs can be safely met.
(Image: PA)
Education secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Our first priority has always been protecting the wellbeing of children and young people, but particularly those vulnerable young people with special educational needs or a social worker. Schools are open for them and we’re working to make sure those who should attend do so.
“With up to 130,000 children in school every single day, schools are helping keep the country moving. And we are asking our local authorities and schools to ensure every vulnerable child knows that their school is there to support them, that systems are in place to keep in touch with those children who are unable to attend because of health reasons.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-04-22--Social distancing very likely to stay in place for rest of year - Chris Whitty

The UK 's chief medical officer has suggested social distancing measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus could remain in place for the rest of the year .
Professor Chris Whitty said 'disruptive social measures ' would have to go on until a vaccine , or 'highly effective drugs ' , could be found , which he warned was unlikely to happen this year .
`` In the long run , the exit from this is going to be one of two things , ideally , '' Prof Whitty said at Wednesday 's Downing Street press conference .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ways they can be deployed… or , and or , highly effective drugs so that people stop dying of this disease even if they catch it , or which can prevent this disease in vulnerable people .
`` Until we have those , and the probability of having those any time in the next calendar year are incredibly small , and I think we should be realistic about that .
`` We 're going to have to rely on other social measures , which of course are very socially disruptive as everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But until that point , that is what we will have to do but it will be the best combination that maximises the outlooks , but it 's going to take a long time and I think we need to be aware of that . ''
Today 's press conference came as figures showed the UK 's coronavirus death toll rose by 763 in 24 hours .
Sadly , 18,100 people have now died in hospital after being diagnosed with Covid-19 .
The coronavirus death toll in hospitals across Greater Manchester meanwhile has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any easing of the lockdown measures must keep the transmission rate to below one as he described the balancing act under consideration by ministers .
He said : `` We can not allow R , the force of transmission , to go above one for any extended period at any point because , if it does , exponential growth of this will continue .
`` It 'll resume and we will get back to a situation where the NHS could have its emergency services overwhelmed .
`` It does not take very long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to really bad numbers .
`` This disease is not going to be eradicated , it is not going to disappear so we have to accept that we are working with a disease that we are going to be with globally for the foreseeable future .
`` What we are trying to work out is what are the things that add up to an R of less than one .
`` That narrows our options quite significantly . ''
Prof Whitty added : `` We have to be very realistic if people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move from where we are in lockdown to where suddenly into everything is gone , that is a wholly unrealistic expectation .
`` We are going to have to do a lot of things for really quite a long period of time , the question is what is the best package and this is what we 're trying to work out .
`` If you release more on one area , you have to keep on board more of another area so there ’ s a proper trade-off and this is what ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitty said the public could expect to see more testing of the population to determine whether a second peak was occurring .
`` An area we will be doing a lot more of , testing across the community to find out , at the earliest possible stage , if we ’ re starting to see a resurgence of this virus , '' he said .
`` At the moment , we are relying on a situation where people get as far as hospital .
`` If they do that , they will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have any symptoms , they might have had up to a week where things were getting worse and so you are behind the curve if you rely on that .
`` We are going to certainly be doing a lot more population testing and we will go into details on that very shortly . ''
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The UK's chief medical officer has suggested social distancing measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus could remain in place for the rest of the year.
Professor Chris Whitty said 'disruptive social measures' would have to go on until a vaccine, or 'highly effective drugs', could be found, which he warned was unlikely to happen this year.
"In the long run, the exit from this is going to be one of two things, ideally," Prof Whitty said at Wednesday's Downing Street press conference.
"A vaccine, and there are a variety of ways they can be deployed… or, and or, highly effective drugs so that people stop dying of this disease even if they catch it, or which can prevent this disease in vulnerable people.
(Image: PA)
"Until we have those, and the probability of having those any time in the next calendar year are incredibly small, and I think we should be realistic about that.
"We're going to have to rely on other social measures, which of course are very socially disruptive as everyone is finding at the moment.
"But until that point, that is what we will have to do but it will be the best combination that maximises the outlooks, but it's going to take a long time and I think we need to be aware of that."
Today's press conference came as figures showed the UK's coronavirus death toll rose by 763 in 24 hours.
Sadly, 18,100 people have now died in hospital after being diagnosed with Covid-19.
The coronavirus death toll in hospitals across Greater Manchester meanwhile has risen to 1,052.
Prof Whitty said any easing of the lockdown measures must keep the transmission rate to below one as he described the balancing act under consideration by ministers.
He said: "We cannot allow R, the force of transmission, to go above one for any extended period at any point because, if it does, exponential growth of this will continue.
"It'll resume and we will get back to a situation where the NHS could have its emergency services overwhelmed.
"It does not take very long from where you get from bad numbers to really bad numbers.
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"This disease is not going to be eradicated, it is not going to disappear so we have to accept that we are working with a disease that we are going to be with globally for the foreseeable future.
"What we are trying to work out is what are the things that add up to an R of less than one.
"That narrows our options quite significantly."
Prof Whitty added: "We have to be very realistic if people are hoping it’s suddenly going to move from where we are in lockdown to where suddenly into everything is gone, that is a wholly unrealistic expectation.
"We are going to have to do a lot of things for really quite a long period of time, the question is what is the best package and this is what we're trying to work out.
"If you release more on one area, you have to keep on board more of another area so there’s a proper trade-off and this is what ministers are having to consider."
Prof Whitty said the public could expect to see more testing of the population to determine whether a second peak was occurring.
"An area we will be doing a lot more of, testing across the community to find out, at the earliest possible stage, if we’re starting to see a resurgence of this virus," he said.
"At the moment, we are relying on a situation where people get as far as hospital.
"If they do that, they will have had five days in which they don’t have any symptoms, they might have had up to a week where things were getting worse and so you are behind the curve if you rely on that.
"We are going to certainly be doing a lot more population testing and we will go into details on that very shortly."
Covaid-19 - helping those who need it most in Greater Manchester The coronavirus outbreak has left many people across Greater Manchester struggling for access to food, basics and other support. Many of them are self-isolating, often in fragile health and alone. Public services have been working hard to find and help them, but we know they are over-stretched and working round the clock. So the Manchester Evening News and the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity have launched Covaid-19 - a fundraiser aimed at supporting those who most need help, from elderly people with no support network to homeless families living in hotels. The money will be distributed via the mayor of Greater Manchester's charity. You can donate by visiting our JustGiving page here.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here .