themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-14--Families say coronavirus self-isolation advice is 'contradictory and confusing' while nursery calls

Families say coronavirus self-isolation advice is 'contradictory and confusing' while nursery calls for parents to be honest over symptoms

Parents have been sharing their anger and confusion over self-isolation guidance amid the coronavirus outbreak .
Families were hanging on the Prime Minister 's every word on Thursday , as he revealed whether schools would be closing to slow the spread of the disease .
They 'll be staying open for now , but he did give new guidance to those people displaying symptoms of COVID-19 .
Essentially what the government and health experts say is that anyone with a high temperature , or a new continuous cough , should stay at home for at least seven days to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But parents say that , because of usual high temperatures from seasonal coughs and colds , it 's hard to know when action is necessary - and that advice to keep a distance from young children is impracticable .
Dad Rob Williams says it took him an hour-and-a-half to get through to the NHS 111 helpline to discuss his six-year-old son Pip 's fever and cough .
And he says the advice he was given was ' a bit bizarre ' .
He said : `` We were told to keep him off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine .
We were told to disinfect the house , but we were also told keep two metres away from him .
`` I ’ m not sure how you maintain a two-metre distance from a poorly child . ''
He added : `` We were also told that there was no need for the whole family to self isolate and that there was no need to steer clear of elderly relatives - this despite the fact that if our son has COVID-19 , it is surely likely we have it as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back if it gets any worse but it appears he wo n't be tested .
All in all it ’ s a bit contradictory and confusing . ''
Another parent said she was just as confused about the advice she was given over her baby daughter 's high temperature .
The mum , from Bury , was advised by a hospital nurse that the baby needed to ‘ self-isolate for seven days ’ - while her mum and dad could ‘ go out and to work as usual ’ .
The mum said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should stay two metres away from the affected family member .
That ’ s obviously not possible with a baby .
Does that mean that really the whole family should be self-isolating now ?
” The government is however advising parents to follow the advice 'to the best of your ability ' .
Its stay at home guidance for parents in isolation states : `` We are aware that not all these measures will be possible .
`` What we have seen so far is that children with COVID-19 appear to be less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do your best to follow this guidance .
`` If your child develops symptoms , they need to stay at home for seven days from the onset of their symptoms . ''
Nurseries and schools are relying on parents being honest over symptoms and keeping children away if needed .
Most have been sending out advice to families urging them to keep little ones at home if they a fever or a cough .
One of those is Monton Village Nursery , in Monton , Salford , which shared a Facebook post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff who either have a temperature above 37.8 , or a new continuous cough must stay at home and self-isolate for 7 days . '
Manager Leanne Farnworth told the M.E.N 's Manchester Family : `` A lot of children obviously have coughs at this time of year but since the advice yesterday , if it 's a new cough the child needs to stay off .
`` It might just be a common cough and cold but we 've got to be careful at the moment .
`` It 's very difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not something we 've had to deal with before , but we need parents to be honest . ''
She added : `` We 're aware when a child is teething and they do get temperatures with that but we know the symptoms of teething .
`` Generally it 's going to be at our discretion if we need to send a child home .
But we 've got to do what 's right for that child and the other children in our care . ''
For more advice from the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's your view on the self-isolation advice ?
Have you had to keep a child with a cough or fever at home ?
Let us know in the comments or share your views on the Manchester Family Facebook page .

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Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
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Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
Parents have been sharing their anger and confusion over self-isolation guidance amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Families were hanging on the Prime Minister's every word on Thursday, as he revealed whether schools would be closing to slow the spread of the disease.
They'll be staying open for now, but he did give new guidance to those people displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
Essentially what the government and health experts say is that anyone with a high temperature, or a new continuous cough, should stay at home for at least seven days to help slow the spread of the disease.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
But parents say that, because of usual high temperatures from seasonal coughs and colds, it's hard to know when action is necessary - and that advice to keep a distance from young children is impracticable.
Dad Rob Williams says it took him an hour-and-a-half to get through to the NHS 111 helpline to discuss his six-year-old son Pip's fever and cough. And he says the advice he was given was 'a bit bizarre'.
He said: "We were told to keep him off school for seven days, which is fine. We were told to disinfect the house, but we were also told keep two metres away from him.
"I’m not sure how you maintain a two-metre distance from a poorly child."
He added: "We were also told that there was no need for the whole family to self isolate and that there was no need to steer clear of elderly relatives - this despite the fact that if our son has COVID-19, it is surely likely we have it as well.
"We were told to call back if it gets any worse but it appears he won't be tested. All in all it’s a bit contradictory and confusing."
Another parent said she was just as confused about the advice she was given over her baby daughter's high temperature.
The mum, from Bury, was advised by a hospital nurse that the baby needed to ‘self-isolate for seven days’ - while her mum and dad could ‘go out and to work as usual’.
The mum said: “The guidance also says we should stay two metres away from the affected family member. That’s obviously not possible with a baby. Does that mean that really the whole family should be self-isolating now?”
The government is however advising parents to follow the advice 'to the best of your ability'.
Its stay at home guidance for parents in isolation states: "We are aware that not all these measures will be possible.
"What we have seen so far is that children with COVID-19 appear to be less severely affected. It is nevertheless important to do your best to follow this guidance.
"If your child develops symptoms, they need to stay at home for seven days from the onset of their symptoms."
Nurseries and schools are relying on parents being honest over symptoms and keeping children away if needed.
Most have been sending out advice to families urging them to keep little ones at home if they a fever or a cough.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
One of those is Monton Village Nursery, in Monton, Salford, which shared a Facebook post advising that 'any children, parents or staff who either have a temperature above 37.8, or a new continuous cough must stay at home and self-isolate for 7 days.'
Manager Leanne Farnworth told the M.E.N's Manchester Family : "A lot of children obviously have coughs at this time of year but since the advice yesterday, if it's a new cough the child needs to stay off.
"It might just be a common cough and cold but we've got to be careful at the moment.
"It's very difficult for all nurseries and schools and it's not something we've had to deal with before, but we need parents to be honest."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
She added: "We're aware when a child is teething and they do get temperatures with that but we know the symptoms of teething.
"Generally it's going to be at our discretion if we need to send a child home. But we've got to do what's right for that child and the other children in our care."
For more advice from the government, visit the website here .
What's your view on the self-isolation advice? Have you had to keep a child with a cough or fever at home? Let us know in the comments or share your views on the Manchester Family Facebook page.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-14--'We just need people not to be afraid' - Manchester's restaurants need your support to survive the i

'We just need people not to be afraid' - Manchester's restaurants need your support to survive the impact of coronavirus

And so it begins .
Gigs are being postponed , events are being cancelled , football matches have been suspended and offices are starting to send employees to work from home .
While the UK government has yet to make any of these measures official , people are , understandably , wary .
The coronavirus outbreak - and the fear of it - is impacting just about every aspect of life in Manchester , including its nightlife , with restaurants and bars in the city reporting a dip in trade .
Simon Wood , chef-patron at Wood on First Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just one week after the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Greater Manchester .
`` Tuesday is usually really busy for us with our Tomahawk deal but this week we saw a downturn , '' he told the M.E.N .
`` This week we have definitely seen a drop-off .
[ Tuesday ] was our quietest day since England played in the World Cup semi-final , which is saying something !
`` Our weekend bookings are still busy as normal , but the mid-week is definitely quieter , and we 've got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all my suppliers about it , our butcher said everywhere 's much quieter than usual . ''
Wood has implemented stricter-than-ever hygiene precautions in their kitchen and restaurant , including compulsory hand-washing and nail-scrubbing every 20 minutes for front of house staff , and frequent disinfection of door handles and kitchen equipment .
Simon said : `` We 're being very careful , obviously , but it 's a really important message I 'd like to get across that if you like us , use us !
`` We 've got lovely new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new items coming out of the kitchen , and it would just be a shame not to serve it to any customers .
`` We just need some more bums on seats , we just need people not to be afraid and to come out for dinner ! ''
Three Little Words - Manchester Gin 's bar , restaurant and distillery experience - is feeling the strain from travel restrictions that have been implemented across Europe .
Reservations manager Ashley Carter Lawlor said : `` We ’ re seeing the biggest impact in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re receiving a lot of enquiries from international visitors due to travel restrictions .
`` We ’ ve amended our cancellation policy to cater to people who are prevented from travelling .
`` In terms of precautions , the safety and comfort of our team is our priority .
`` We ’ re currently open as normal according to government guidance and as always , we ’ re maintaining extremely high stands of hygiene throughout the bar , restaurant and distillery .
`` Our staff have been told to stay at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re doing everything we can to make sure they ’ re safe and comfortable at work and are supported to self-isolate if necessary .
`` We ’ re just really grateful that everyone involved in Manchester hospitality is so supportive and hope we can all continue to look out for each other in the future . ''
Establishments across the city are conscientiously putting extra precautions in place to keep diners and staff alike safe - and reassured .
The ever-busy brunch and coffee spot Federal has removed some seating to allow more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replacing menus for disposable paper ones and refusing the use of re-usable coffee cups .
Venues including Pollen Bakery , Siop Shop and Band on the Wall are doing away with cash for the foreseeable future and accepting only card payments , minimising hand-to-hand contact .
Tapas restaurant Porta has also removed some seating at its sites in Altrincham and Salford , where staff are also beginning to sanitise card readers between each use .
Most are doing their level best to operate as normal , though Alphabet Brewery has closed its taproom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , businesses have been struggling for far longer - and permanent closures could be on the cards , one restaurateur warned .
Takings have been down and discrimination sadly on the rise since the outbreak was first reported in Wuhan - long before the virus reached UK shores .
Bonnie Yeung , of Princess Street institution Yang Sing , said : `` For Chinatown , it 's been ongoing since the end of January .
We 've been weathering it for a lot longer which means the impact is going to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already seen partial closures in some places .
Most businesses have changed staff hours or cut staff , or reduced their offering because they ca n't afford not to .
`` There 's a real time impact and without a question we will see closures before the end of this . ''
Yang Sing is taking all the steps it can to reassure its customers , emphasising the importance of a strict hand washing regime to its staff and providing hand sanitiser to customers on the way in and out , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Bonnie , some reassurance in return would mean the world .
`` It would be nice just to get an email or a call saying ' I have concerns but as soon as it blows over we 're going to be there ' , '' she said .
`` Just some words of comfort or support for restaurants and particularly for the people of Chinatown .
Some reassurance that people in Manchester still want Chinatown , still want Chinese food and still want us . ''
Ordering takeaways or buying gift vouchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some practical ways customers can support businesses if they 're not dining out , she said .
`` We can also do private cookery classes or private dining for smaller groups .
There are no guarantees as with anything but these are some of the things people might feel a bit safer about , '' she said .
If Chinatown restaurants close , it 's entire families who will lose their livelihoods , she added .
`` No one 's got a financial backer , they are not businesses with lots of money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ livelihoods that often support three generations , '' she said .
`` We are all in it together .
It 's really important to look ahead and make sure we do n't tip into recession , because if coronavirus does n't hit you , a recession will .
`` If you think about the number of people involved in food and drink in the city , it 's massive .
A lot of people live paycheck to paycheck .
`` I think while it 's important to take every necessary precaution , ultimately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week - this is months and months .
Are you going to avoid all humanity and any interaction for months and months ?
`` The top down approach is that we ca n't - the economy wo n't weather that and society ca n't stomach it .
`` It 's important within that time to take a pragmatic , sensible approach but at the same time , life goes on .
`` It 's really important for people to think about what kind of a city do we want to be ?
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city has come back from some really awful , negative impacts before .
`` I do hope that the same will happen with this . ''
The cancellation of large events - already The Who have pulled out of their Arena gig and many ticket-holders are concerned about their events moving forward - is bound to have a knock-on effect on the number of visitors to the city .
It 's a growing concern for the hotels around Manchester .
Native , a huge aparthotel close to Piccadilly station , is one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is also home to the Cultureplex bar , restaurant and cinema .
Jacqui Griffiths , general manager , said : `` Native has watched and assessed the development of the coronavirus outbreak and its spread across the world over the last several weeks with concern .
`` Our emergency response teams are actively assessing the situation on a daily basis and we have a very robust and comprehensive plan in place – for our guests and staff - should an outbreak occur in one of our Native properties .
`` In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should display symptoms , we have a well-prepared plan and team in place that will come into action immediately .
`` While monitoring the situation , we are also looking at how best to support our staff if , in a worst case scenario , we did have to close for any period of time .
`` As it stands , we haven ’ t experienced a dip in reservations , bookings are continuing and it ’ s very much business as usual .
The impact has been felt more strongly around event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in regular contact with all our international customers and will continue to maintain an ongoing dialogue as we all navigate our way through this unprecedented situation . ''
In his Budget earlier this week , Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a business rates holiday for smaller restaurants , bars and cafés , in an attempt to alleviate the financial strain COVID-19 is likely to bring .
Adrian Ellis , chairman of the Manchester Hoteliers ’ Association and general manager of the Lowry Hotel , welcomed the announcement .
`` The abolishment of business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospitality industry , as this will help support the UK economy in the face of the disruption caused by the coronavirus , '' he said .
`` Hotel occupancy is falling , and restaurant bookings and footfall is quickly in decline , so the impact of COVID-19 is already being felt countrywide by business across the leisure and hospitality sector .
`` The policy will help businesses deal with the threat of the coronavirus and the support will enable us to temporarily resolve cashflow problems and pull through this difficult period .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , retail and leisure venues with a rateable value under £51,000 , however , and some say it does n't go far enough .
Other Budget announcements , including statutory sick pay refunds for businesses with fewer than 250 employees , also fail to protect the wider industry , critics say .
Kate Nicholls , chief executive of industry organisation UKHospitality , said : “ While easing business rates burdens and partial refunding of statutory sick pay may give smaller hospitality businesses some breathing room , it ’ s vital to recognise the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operators suffering the virus ’ s impact equally .
`` These businesses have been utterly ignored at a time of business crisis . ''
Coronavirus will not deter the industry from converging at the Northern Restaurant and Bar show at Manchester Central next week , which is on track for a record number of exhibitors , sponsors , and more side events than ever before .
Thom Hetherington , founder and CEO , said the industry 'needs NRB more than ever ' - and not just because of the challenges posed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact , albeit we all hope that it will be relatively short term , but equally there are other significant structural issues facing the hospitality sector – Brexit , taxation , staff costs , property costs such as rent and rates etc – which need addressing , '' he said .
`` It ’ s our job as the organisers of NRB to ensure that we help every single hospitality operator in the city and the region be best prepared to ride out whatever challenges they might face . ''
As well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show provides valuable networking opportunities for operators in what can be a 'surprisingly lonely industry ' , he added .
`` NRB creates a hugely beneficial informal peer network for operators to share experiences and ideas , and to offer support to one another , '' said Thom .
`` NRB has been serving Northern hospitality for twenty years , and we ’ re all in this together .
`` We ’ re expecting a busy and productive NRB .
Indeed it might be the most important yet . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Emily Heward, Daisy Jackson)

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Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
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And so it begins.
Gigs are being postponed , events are being cancelled , football matches have been suspended and offices are starting to send employees to work from home.
While the UK government has yet to make any of these measures official, people are, understandably, wary.
The coronavirus outbreak - and the fear of it - is impacting just about every aspect of life in Manchester, including its nightlife, with restaurants and bars in the city reporting a dip in trade.
Simon Wood, chef-patron at Wood on First Street, has already noticed the effects, just one week after the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Greater Manchester.
"Tuesday is usually really busy for us with our Tomahawk deal but this week we saw a downturn," he told the M.E.N.
"This week we have definitely seen a drop-off. [Tuesday] was our quietest day since England played in the World Cup semi-final, which is saying something!
"Our weekend bookings are still busy as normal, but the mid-week is definitely quieter, and we've got fewer walk-ins.
"I talk to all my suppliers about it, our butcher said everywhere's much quieter than usual."
(Image: bjl group)
Wood has implemented stricter-than-ever hygiene precautions in their kitchen and restaurant, including compulsory hand-washing and nail-scrubbing every 20 minutes for front of house staff, and frequent disinfection of door handles and kitchen equipment.
Simon said: "We're being very careful, obviously, but it's a really important message I'd like to get across that if you like us, use us!
"I am quietly worried, looking ahead.
"We've got lovely new spring produce, a new menu, new items coming out of the kitchen, and it would just be a shame not to serve it to any customers.
"We just need some more bums on seats, we just need people not to be afraid and to come out for dinner!"
Three Little Words - Manchester Gin's bar, restaurant and distillery experience - is feeling the strain from travel restrictions that have been implemented across Europe.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Reservations manager Ashley Carter Lawlor said: "We’re seeing the biggest impact in reservations for distillery experiences, where we’re receiving a lot of enquiries from international visitors due to travel restrictions.
"We’ve amended our cancellation policy to cater to people who are prevented from travelling.
"In terms of precautions, the safety and comfort of our team is our priority.
"We’re currently open as normal according to government guidance and as always, we’re maintaining extremely high stands of hygiene throughout the bar, restaurant and distillery.
"Our staff have been told to stay at home if they feel unwell and we’re doing everything we can to make sure they’re safe and comfortable at work and are supported to self-isolate if necessary.
"We’re just really grateful that everyone involved in Manchester hospitality is so supportive and hope we can all continue to look out for each other in the future."
Establishments across the city are conscientiously putting extra precautions in place to keep diners and staff alike safe - and reassured.
The ever-busy brunch and coffee spot Federal has removed some seating to allow more distance between customers, as well as replacing menus for disposable paper ones and refusing the use of re-usable coffee cups.
(Image: Publicity Picture)
Venues including Pollen Bakery, Siop Shop and Band on the Wall are doing away with cash for the foreseeable future and accepting only card payments, minimising hand-to-hand contact.
Tapas restaurant Porta has also removed some seating at its sites in Altrincham and Salford, where staff are also beginning to sanitise card readers between each use.
Most are doing their level best to operate as normal, though Alphabet Brewery has closed its taproom for the time being.
In Chinatown, businesses have been struggling for far longer - and permanent closures could be on the cards, one restaurateur warned.
(Image: Mark Waugh Manchester Press Photography Ltd)
Takings have been down and discrimination sadly on the rise since the outbreak was first reported in Wuhan - long before the virus reached UK shores.
Bonnie Yeung, of Princess Street institution Yang Sing, said: "For Chinatown, it's been ongoing since the end of January. We've been weathering it for a lot longer which means the impact is going to be a lot more severe.
"We've already seen partial closures in some places. Most businesses have changed staff hours or cut staff, or reduced their offering because they can't afford not to.
"There's a real time impact and without a question we will see closures before the end of this."
(Image: Copyright unknown)
Yang Sing is taking all the steps it can to reassure its customers, emphasising the importance of a strict hand washing regime to its staff and providing hand sanitiser to customers on the way in and out, as well as in the toilets.
To restaurateurs like Bonnie, some reassurance in return would mean the world.
"It would be nice just to get an email or a call saying 'I have concerns but as soon as it blows over we're going to be there'," she said.
"Just some words of comfort or support for restaurants and particularly for the people of Chinatown. Some reassurance that people in Manchester still want Chinatown, still want Chinese food and still want us."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Ordering takeaways or buying gift vouchers to spend at a later date are some practical ways customers can support businesses without dining out, she said.
"We can also do private cookery classes or private dining for smaller groups. There are no guarantees as with anything but these are some of the things people might feel a bit safer about," she said.
If Chinatown restaurants close, it's entire families who will lose their livelihoods, she added.
"No one's got a financial backer, they are not businesses with lots of money. These are people's real family livelihoods that often support three generations," she said.
"We are all in it together. It's really important to look ahead and make sure we don't tip into recession, because if coronavirus doesn't hit you, a recession will.
"If you think about the number of people involved in food and drink in the city, it's massive. A lot of people live paycheck to paycheck.
"I think while it's important to take every necessary precaution, ultimately this is not going to be a week - this is months and months. Are you going to avoid all humanity and any interaction for months and months?
"The top down approach is that we can't - the economy won't weather that and society can't stomach it.
"It's important within that time to take a pragmatic, sensible approach but at the same time, life goes on.
"It's really important for people to think about what kind of a city do we want to be? So far, I'm positive that the city has come back from some really awful, negative impacts before.
"I do hope that the same will happen with this."
The cancellation of large events - already The Who have pulled out of their Arena gig and many ticket-holders are concerned about their events moving forward - is bound to have a knock-on effect on the number of visitors to the city.
It's a growing concern for the hotels around Manchester.
Native, a huge aparthotel close to Piccadilly station, is one of the newest hotel openings in the city and is also home to the Cultureplex bar, restaurant and cinema.
Jacqui Griffiths, general manager, said: "Native has watched and assessed the development of the coronavirus outbreak and its spread across the world over the last several weeks with concern.
"Our emergency response teams are actively assessing the situation on a daily basis and we have a very robust and comprehensive plan in place – for our guests and staff - should an outbreak occur in one of our Native properties.
"In the event that a guest or an employee should display symptoms, we have a well-prepared plan and team in place that will come into action immediately.
"While monitoring the situation, we are also looking at how best to support our staff if, in a worst case scenario, we did have to close for any period of time.
"As it stands, we haven’t experienced a dip in reservations, bookings are continuing and it’s very much business as usual. The impact has been felt more strongly around event bookings with international partners.
"We are in regular contact with all our international customers and will continue to maintain an ongoing dialogue as we all navigate our way through this unprecedented situation."
(Image: Felix Mooneeram)
In his Budget earlier this week, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a business rates holiday for smaller restaurants, bars and cafés, in an attempt to alleviate the financial strain COVID-19 is likely to bring.
Adrian Ellis, chairman of the Manchester Hoteliers’ Association and general manager of the Lowry Hotel, welcomed the announcement.
"The abolishment of business rates is great and welcome news for the hospitality industry, as this will help support the UK economy in the face of the disruption caused by the coronavirus," he said.
"Hotel occupancy is falling, and restaurant bookings and footfall is quickly in decline, so the impact of COVID-19 is already being felt countrywide by business across the leisure and hospitality sector.
"The policy will help businesses deal with the threat of the coronavirus and the support will enable us to temporarily resolve cashflow problems and pull through this difficult period."
(Image: Greater Manchester Business Week)
The measure applies only to hospitality, retail and leisure venues with a rateable value under £51,000, however, and some say it doesn't go far enough.
Other Budget announcements, including statutory sick pay refunds for businesses with fewer than 250 employees, also fail to protect the wider industry, critics say.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of industry organisation UKHospitality, said: “While easing business rates burdens and partial refunding of statutory sick pay may give smaller hospitality businesses some breathing room, it’s vital to recognise the enormous number of jobs reliant on larger operators suffering the virus’s impact equally.
"These businesses have been utterly ignored at a time of business crisis."
Coronavirus will not deter the industry from converging at the Northern Restaurant and Bar show at Manchester Central next week, which is on track for a record number of exhibitors, sponsors, and more side events than ever before.
Thom Hetherington, founder and CEO, said the industry 'needs NRB more than ever' - and not just because of the challenges posed by the pandemic.
"Coronavirus is having an impact, albeit we all hope that it will be relatively short term, but equally there are other significant structural issues facing the hospitality sector – Brexit, taxation, staff costs, property costs such as rent and rates etc – which need addressing," he said.
"It’s our job as the organisers of NRB to ensure that we help every single hospitality operator in the city and the region be best prepared to ride out whatever challenges they might face."
As well as debates, demonstrations and exhibitors, the show provides valuable networking opportunities for operators in what can be a 'surprisingly lonely industry', he added.
"NRB creates a hugely beneficial informal peer network for operators to share experiences and ideas, and to offer support to one another," said Thom.
"NRB has been serving Northern hospitality for twenty years, and we’re all in this together.
"We’re expecting a busy and productive NRB. Indeed it might be the most important yet."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-14--Analysing Dean Henderson as he pushes for Manchester United first-team

The 2019/20 Premier League campaign is currently postponed due to the spread of coronavirus , with Manchester United and Sheffield United placed fifth and seventh in the table .
Chris Wilder 's men are five points from Chelsea in fourth place with a game in hand , and once fixtures resume , the Blades will likely make a late push for a spot in next season 's Champions League along with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's outfit .
One of the key figures behind the success of the Sheffield club this year has been Dean Henderson .
The English goalkeeper is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and during his time at Bramall Lane , he 's been amongst the best performers in the division .
So just how good has Henderson been ?
Expected Goals offers an insight into the likelihood of a shot being scored by considering aspects such as difficulty and location , and it tends to provide an accurate summary of whether a team deserved fewer or more goals based on their shots .
The metric can also be applied to goalkeepers as a means of determining whether a player saves above or below the expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been expected to concede roughly 29.4 goals in the Premier League , but he 's actually shipped just 22 .
That is a notable over-performance of around seven goals , which suggests that he 's performed to a level above the average goalkeeper .
For perspective , let 's compare his numbers to his England teammates .
Jordan Pickford has been expected to concede 39.6 goals , but he 's allowed 46 to be scored , whereas Nick Pope has been expected to ship 37.3 goals , but he 's actually conceded 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season by a total of seven and three goals respectively , which captures Henderson 's impressive showings .
David De Gea , for comparison , has been expected to concede 29.8 goals , but has actually shipped 30 , signaling that he 's basically performed to a standard level .
So what about save percentages ?
Henderson has faced 91 shots on target this season , conceding 22 which leaves him with a 75.8 percent save rate .
That places him fourth in England 's top-flight behind only Alisson , Kasper Schmeichel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comparing his numbers with Pickford and Pope , Henderson 's importance becomes clear .
Pickford has faced 118 shots on target , conceding 46 , while Pope has faced 120 , conceding 40 .
Their save percentages are 61.9 per cent and 69.2 per cent , placing them 19th and 11th respectively .
De Gea places seventh with a save percentage of 71.3 per cent , having faced 101 shots on target , conceding 30 .
Overall , the Premier League season is currently in a state of flux but once proceedings resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be crucial to the aspirations of the Blades and may return to Old Trafford in the summer with a big reputation .
He ’ s performed at an above average level this season which is remarkable considering it ’ s his debut year as a starter n the Premier League , and it ’ s likely that given his youthful age , he ’ ll only improve with time .

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The 2019/20 Premier League campaign is currently postponed due to the spread of coronavirus, with Manchester United and Sheffield United placed fifth and seventh in the table.
Chris Wilder's men are five points from Chelsea in fourth place with a game in hand, and once fixtures resume, the Blades will likely make a late push for a spot in next season's Champions League along with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's outfit.
One of the key figures behind the success of the Sheffield club this year has been Dean Henderson.
The English goalkeeper is currently on loan from the Red Devils and during his time at Bramall Lane, he's been amongst the best performers in the division.
So just how good has Henderson been?
Expected Goals offers an insight into the likelihood of a shot being scored by considering aspects such as difficulty and location, and it tends to provide an accurate summary of whether a team deserved fewer or more goals based on their shots.
The metric can also be applied to goalkeepers as a means of determining whether a player saves above or below the expected level.
This season, Henderson has been expected to concede roughly 29.4 goals in the Premier League, but he's actually shipped just 22.
That is a notable over-performance of around seven goals, which suggests that he's performed to a level above the average goalkeeper.
For perspective, let's compare his numbers to his England teammates.
Jordan Pickford has been expected to concede 39.6 goals, but he's allowed 46 to be scored, whereas Nick Pope has been expected to ship 37.3 goals, but he's actually conceded 40.
Both of those goalkeepers have under-performed this season by a total of seven and three goals respectively, which captures Henderson's impressive showings.
David De Gea, for comparison, has been expected to concede 29.8 goals, but has actually shipped 30, signaling that he's basically performed to a standard level.
So what about save percentages?
Henderson has faced 91 shots on target this season, conceding 22 which leaves him with a 75.8 percent save rate. That places him fourth in England's top-flight behind only Alisson, Kasper Schmeichel and Bernd Leno.
Again, when comparing his numbers with Pickford and Pope, Henderson's importance becomes clear.
Pickford has faced 118 shots on target, conceding 46, while Pope has faced 120, conceding 40. Their save percentages are 61.9 per cent and 69.2 per cent, placing them 19th and 11th respectively.
De Gea places seventh with a save percentage of 71.3 per cent, having faced 101 shots on target, conceding 30.
Overall, the Premier League season is currently in a state of flux but once proceedings resume at a later date, Henderson will be crucial to the aspirations of the Blades and may return to Old Trafford in the summer with a big reputation.
He’s performed at an above average level this season which is remarkable considering it’s his debut year as a starter n the Premier League, and it’s likely that given his youthful age, he’ll only improve with time.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-14--ADVERTORIAL: Europe's biggest trainer festival Crepe City returns to a bigger venue in Manchester -

ADVERTORIAL: Europe's biggest trainer festival Crepe City returns to a bigger venue in Manchester - here's the line-up

Trainer lovers can rejoice as Crepe City is set to return to Manchester this month .
And this year , founder and director Ronal Raichura says it 's going be the biggest and best event that the city has seen .
Europe 's biggest trainer festival will be held at its new home Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Trafford Park on Sunday , March 29 .
From limited editions and rare finds to some of the most in-demand trainers from across the world , it 's the number one place to be for those looking to stock up on their sneaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London in 2009 as an event where trainer fans could meet up , socialise and trade the rarest and most desirable trainers .
Now in its 11th year it has grown into Europe 's largest pop-up sneaker shop and lifestyle festival with thousands of sought-after shoes on sale .
The event is in huge demand - so make sure you grab your ticket if you want to be seen in some of the coolest 'creps ' on earth .
After overwhelming attendance last year , this March will see the footwear festival move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than three times the capacity of the previous venue .
Bowlers has hosted many events over the years from gigs and sporting events , to exhibitions and product launches , and can hold numbers ranging from 300 up to 4,500 .
The flexible design allows for a pillar-free open floor area of 2,960 square metres , creating more than enough space for the 150 traders and more than 2,000 shoppers expected to attend .
Best of all there 's free parking on-site and the new Trafford Park tram line , which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the venue .
Founder Ronal said : `` It 's our third event in Manchester this year and I think we 've finally found the right venue for it .
`` It 's a lot bigger and more custom-built for the event and our growing traders and vendors . ''
This year 's event welcomes returning vendors as well as some new businesses raring to get their sneakers seen .
Over 150 stalls will feature some of the rares shoes in the world from top brands such as Nike , Adidas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There 's a great mix of both traditional , timeless kicks as well as new and upcoming styles - selling from anywhere between £20 and £3,500 .
So far , confirmed vendors include Crep Select , Sneaker 63 , Kersh Kicks , Famous Grail , VNDS , M5 Sneakers and MattB Customs who are showcasing their latest sneakers .
Not just a huge trainer festival , Crepe City is set to host entertainment throughout the day to keep you on your feet .
This year will see the venue 's stage being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the most respected trainer-enthusiasts and creators in the business .
Talking sneaker and street wear culture , the discussion will be presented by Andrew Willz and will feature AK Gramm , who runs one of the leading street wear brands to come out of Manchester .
Also set to join the discussion is footwear designer Junior Clint , co-owner of Sneaker 63 Dominic Hespe , Lauren Fairweather from JD Women and William Wong who is a well-known Manchester-based sneaker reseller .
There will also be DJ sets throughout the day from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DJs including TOOJ , DJ Roesh , KemoyB , Vintiago and JesseTheDJ .
To keep you going , there will be a host of street food traders and a bar , as well as a barbers shop if you fancy a fresh trim whilst you 're there .
There 's also a cleaning service on-site , so you can walk away with the shiniest sneakers .
Tickets are on sale now General admission tickets are on sale now to grant you entry from 12pm to 5pm .
Tickets are priced between £11.37 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tickets include early entry at 11am , queue jump , a drinks token provided by Rockstar Spirits , a goodie back , free re-entry and free admission to the after-party .
Crepe City 's Sneaker Festival will be held at Bowlers Exhibition Centre , Longbridge Road , Stretford , M17 1EH .
You can get tickets for the event here .

Trainer lovers can rejoice as Crepe City is set to return to Manchester this August and tickets are on sale now.
The 2020 show was postponed due to coronavirus, but this year the CrepeCity founder and director Ronal Raichura says it's going be the biggest and best event that the city has seen.
Europe's biggest trainer festival will be held at its new home Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Trafford Park on Sunday, August 1st. All tickets purchased for the 2020 show will be valid for the new date for 2021.
From limited editions and rare finds to some of the most in-demand trainers from across the world, it's the number one place to be for those looking to stock up on their sneaker collection.
Crepe City was founded in London in 2009 as an event where trainer fans could meet up, socialise and trade the rarest and most desirable trainers.
Now in its 12th year it has grown into Europe's largest pop-up sneaker shop and lifestyle festival with thousands of sought-after shoes on sale.
The event is in huge demand - so make sure you Crepe City if you want to be seen in some of the coolest 'creps' on earth.
(Image: Romel Birch)
The venue
After overwhelming attendance in 2019, this August will see the footwear festival move to Bowlers Exhibition Centre, which has more than three times the capacity of the previous venue.
Bowlers has hosted many events over the years from gigs and sporting events, to exhibitions and product launches, and can hold numbers ranging from 300 up to 4,500.
The flexible design allows for a pillar-free open floor area of 2,960 square metres, creating more than enough space for the 150 traders and more than 2,000 shoppers expected to attend.
Best of all there's free parking on-site and the new Trafford Park tram line, which runs right by the venue.
Founder Ronal said: "We've done a number of shows in Manchester and I think we've finally found the right venue for our event.
"It's a lot bigger and more custom-built for the event and our growing traders and vendors."
(Image: Romel Birch)
The vendors
This year's event welcomes returning vendors as well as some new businesses raring to get their sneakers seen.
Over 150 stalls will feature some of the rares shoes in the world from top brands such as Nike, Adidas and more unique releases yet to be seen.
There's a great mix of both traditional, timeless kicks as well as new and upcoming styles - selling from anywhere between £20 and £3,500.
So far, confirmed vendors include Crep Select, Sneaker 63, Kersh Kicks, Famous Grail, VNDS, M5 Sneakers and MattB Customs who are showcasing their latest sneakers.
(Image: Romel Birch)
The entertainment
Not just a huge trainer festival, Crepe City is set to host entertainment throughout the day to keep you on your feet.
This year will see the venue's stage being used to host a panel discussion with some of the most respected trainer-enthusiasts and creators in the business.
Talking sneaker and streetwear culture, the discussion will be presented by Andrew Willz and will feature AK Gramm, who runs one of the leading streetwear brands to come out of Manchester.
DJ sets will run throughout the day from local radio station Pie Radio and to keep you going there will be a host of street food traders and a bar. To keep you extra fresh Crepe City will be hosting a barbers shop and there is also a cleaning service on-site, so you can walk away with the shiniest sneakers.
(Image: Romel Birch)
Tickets are on sale now
General admission tickets are here to grant you entry from 12pm to 5pm. All tickets purchased for the 2020 show will be valid for the new date for 2021.
Tickets are priced at £10 plus a small booking fee.
Follow commercial writer Phoebe Jobling on social media To follow Phoebe on Twitter, click here. Or to like her Facebook page and keep up to date with her latest content, click here. Here's the link to the M.E.N's Facebook Partner page where we share all of our branded content articles. For brand partnership enquiries please email: brandpartnershipsmcr@reachplc.com
Crepe City's Sneaker Festival will be held at Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Longbridge Road, Stretford, M17 1EH.
You can get tickets for the event here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-14--One man’s diary of living with coronavirus: 'I was shivering and shaking like a snowman, and by 8pm

One man’s diary of living with coronavirus: 'I was shivering and shaking like a snowman, and by 8pm my temperature was around 38.2C'

A dad from Manchester who tested positive for coronavirus has shared his experience of living in self-isolation with the illness .
Andrew O'Dwyer , 52 , tested positive for COVID-19 after going on a ski trip with friends to the Italian Dolomites in February .
Out of a group of 24 , 17 people have tested positive for virus .
Some have passed it onto spouses and family members .
Andrew , who is from Prestwich but lives in London , is recovering at home in self-isolation after suffering with a fever and breathing difficulties .
He decided to self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the following days , Andrew and 16 of his friends tested positive for the virus .
Here he shares his diary of living in self-isolation with COVID-19 .
I stayed at home for the day and caught up with my emails and watched television .
At this stage I had no symptoms and felt completely fine .
I was just keeping an eye on the news and observing what was happening in Italy .
This was the day we found out that two people from our group of 24 were ill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and were among the first 10 people in the UK to test positive .
One of them had shown signs of the illness and it was very quick .
They have underlying an heart issue so they were taken into hospital .
The other person was a younger member of the group so it was quite surprising when they became ill.
He ’ s only in his 20s and he became very ill too .
We were all up to date with what was happening because we 're in a group WhatsApp .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby .
He understands that I ’ m not very well and has seen coronavirus on the news .
I ’ m not sure he fully understands what it means but he knows his daddy has to stay at home for a couple of weeks .
I had a chat with him via FaceTime when he came from school to let him know I was okay .
In the morning my son rang me and said he was at the bus stop across the road from my flat .
I looked out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told me he was giving me a big hug as he wrapped his arms around himself .
I did the same back and told him I loved him .
That was a nice boost after a few days in the flat on my own .
By this point , I was running low on food and my neighbour offered to bring me some shopping .
I gave her a list of essentials to tide me over in case I became ill .
It was just general stuff like bananas , cornflakes , tins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Diet Coke .
That kind of thing .
I ’ m friends with my neighbours and that was really helpful .
At this stage I felt completely fine without any symptoms but I didn ’ t leave the house .
This was the first day I contacted NHS 111 because more people in our group had tested positive for the virus .
It took me about 40 minutes to get through to an advisor .
I explained that I ’ d been in contact with someone with coronavirus and returned from Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back around an hour and a half later , and told me to self-isolate , which I was already doing , and that they would send a nurse to my home to do a swab test .
Two nurses who were going to do the swab called ahead beforehand .
They said to ask any questions over the phone , rather than ask questions when they arrived to avoid any contamination via spittle .
At around 3.30pm they arrived in an unmarked car in hazmat suits .
They knocked on the door , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back of my throat and left .
It took a matter of seconds .
I got up , ate and did some life admin as normal .
I really didn ’ t feel poorly or anything at this point but I was aware I could be carrying the virus .
I carried on with the self-isolation as instructed , and waited for my results .
I was told my GP surgery would be in touch to let me know either way .
Still feeling fine and chipper .
I watched television and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign of my results , but also no symptoms .
It was now a week since our group had returned from the Dolomites and 16 people had tested positive for coronavirus .
I found out I was the seventeenth person to contract the virus on this day .
At around 8.30pm , I received a call from a consultant at St George ’ s Hospital in London who confirmed I had COVID-19 .
I knew all along I was probably positive and that confirmed I had done the right thing from the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group to get my results .
The people who lived in Manchester were among the first ones to get the diagnoses .
We ’ re all in the same WhatsApp group and we ’ ve had a bit of a laugh and a joke about it .
You need a bit of dark humour to get you through these situations .
This was when I started getting symptoms .
I had quite a minor cough .
It was very intermittent - I would have a coughing fit for a few minutes every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t think about it too much at the time , but looking back , that was when my symptoms started .
I asked my neighbour to buy me a thermometer and post it through the letterbox so I could check my temperature .
Apart from the coughing , I was eating and drinking as normal .
This was the first day I started to get a fever .
I took my temperature at around 12.30pm and it was 36.4C .
By 4pm it 37.7C and at 5.15pm it was 38.1C .
I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was feeling physically quite ill .
The sporadic coughing fits were becoming more frequent and were lasting for longer .
I was having 15-20 bouts of coughing and I was struggling with my breathing .
Just before 6pm , my temperature had reached 38.2C and the coughing wasn ’ t abating .
At 6.30pm I decided to call 999 for an ambulance because I couldn ’ t catch my breath .
The advisor told me to pack a bag and leave the front door open .
They told me not to eat or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would call me back .
Two hours later , an ambulance still hadn ’ t arrived so I shut the front door and went back upstairs .
I also went against the initial advice and had something to eat because I ’ m a diabetic .
My sugar levels were really high and I needed my insulin injection .
At 10.30pm a clinician called me and by then I had started to feel better .
They said the initial information I had been given was incorrect and I was right to eat something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathing had eased and my temperature had fallen to 35.8 by midnight so I went to bed .
When I woke up I felt absolutely fantastic , which was surprising considering how ill I had felt the day before .
I took Nurofen and paracetamol intermittently throughout the day .
But at 6pm I developed a real chill .
I had the heating and gas fire on , and I was under the duvet in a jumper and my ski hat , and I still felt freezing .
I was shivering and shaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my temperature was around 38.2C .
It was really quite an intense feeling but by 10pm the fever seemed to have broken .
By midnight my temperature was back to 36.2 and went to bed .
I ’ d not had much sleep so I felt really groggy and had a sore throat from all the coughing .
Someone from NHS 111 called to do a welfare check because I ’ m a diabetic .
I told them about my fever and the coughing .
They decided that they would send someone to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At 2pm they turned up in an ambulance in full hazmats , and decided to take me to St Helier Hospital to be checked over .
When we arrived they couldn ’ t take me in for some reason .
A nurse came out to speak to me and by that time I was well .
They sent me home and told me to continue to self-isolate .
I did an interview with Hugh Pym from the BBC in the morning and I was feeling okay .
It was only in the evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my temperature went back up .
It seems to hit you in bouts .
You can feel fine for a few hours and then all of a sudden it hits you .
This was the first night I slept really badly because I was coughing so much .
It ’ s worth saying that this isn ’ t like a normal cough .
It ’ s an involuntary cough that has you on all fours retching .
You cough like you ’ re a 40-a-day smoker in their forties .
I was hugging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be vomit .
It ’ s that which gives you the headaches .
I found that anti inflammatories like Nurofen really helped with the coughing .
Today I feel almost back to normal , and everyone who was hospitalised in our group has been discharged .
A friend of mine collected my insulin prescription from the pharmacy and some of the mums from school rang to ask if I wanted a coffee .
I ’ ve weirdly been off caffeinated drinks and have been craving sharp drinks or smoothies .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not going to be tested to see if I ’ m negative .
How are you meant to know that you don ’ t have it anymore ?
I really think that ’ s something they should be looking at to contain this .
What ’ s you advice to people who think they have COVID-19 and those who are self-isolating ?
You need your friends to help you get through this .
I ’ ve been lucky because my neighbours and friends have fetched groceries and my medication for me .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I know friends from the trip had mixed experiences with online shopping .
Some supermarkets refused to deliver when asked to leave the shopping by the door because of coronavirus .
My second piece of advice is to take this seriously .
If you do think you ’ ve come into contact with it , the last thing you want to do is spread it around to elderly relatives or neighbours .
You need to think about protecting those people and not just yourself .
Finally , don ’ t panic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it ’ s not the end of the world if you do get it .
In most cases it ’ s a flu-like illness that ’ s quite debilitating for a while that you will recover from .
It ’ s annoying and it takes a bit of time to get better , but for the majority of people it passes .

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A dad from Manchester who tested positive for coronavirus has shared his experience of living in self-isolation with the illness.
Andrew O'Dwyer, 52, tested positive for COVID-19 after going on a ski trip with friends to the Italian Dolomites in February.
Out of a group of 24, 17 people have tested positive for virus. Some have passed it onto spouses and family members.
Andrew, who is from Prestwich but lives in London, is recovering at home in self-isolation after suffering with a fever and breathing difficulties.
He decided to self-isolate immediately after his trip Italy as precaution.
In the following days, Andrew and 16 of his friends tested positive for the virus.
Here he shares his diary of living in self-isolation with COVID-19.
Sunday, March 1
I stayed at home for the day and caught up with my emails and watched television.
At this stage I had no symptoms and felt completely fine. I was just keeping an eye on the news and observing what was happening in Italy.
Monday, March 2
This was the day we found out that two people from our group of 24 were ill. They both ended up in hospital and were among the first 10 people in the UK to test positive.
One of them had shown signs of the illness and it was very quick. They have underlying an heart issue so they were taken into hospital.
The other person was a younger member of the group so it was quite surprising when they became ill. He’s only in his 20s and he became very ill too.
We were all up to date with what was happening because we're in a group WhatsApp.
I have a nine-year-old son who lives nearby. He understands that I’m not very well and has seen coronavirus on the news.
I’m not sure he fully understands what it means but he knows his daddy has to stay at home for a couple of weeks.
I had a chat with him via FaceTime when he came from school to let him know I was okay.
Tuesday, March 3
In the morning my son rang me and said he was at the bus stop across the road from my flat.
I looked out the window and waved at him. He told me he was giving me a big hug as he wrapped his arms around himself. I did the same back and told him I loved him. That was a nice boost after a few days in the flat on my own.
By this point, I was running low on food and my neighbour offered to bring me some shopping.
I gave her a list of essentials to tide me over in case I became ill. It was just general stuff like bananas, cornflakes, tins of soup and baked beans, painkillers and Diet Coke. That kind of thing. I’m friends with my neighbours and that was really helpful.
At this stage I felt completely fine without any symptoms but I didn’t leave the house.
Wednesday, March 4
This was the first day I contacted NHS 111 because more people in our group had tested positive for the virus.
It took me about 40 minutes to get through to an advisor. I explained that I’d been in contact with someone with coronavirus and returned from Northern Italy.
A clinical advisor called me back around an hour and a half later, and told me to self-isolate, which I was already doing, and that they would send a nurse to my home to do a swab test.
Two nurses who were going to do the swab called ahead beforehand. They said to ask any questions over the phone, rather than ask questions when they arrived to avoid any contamination via spittle.
At around 3.30pm they arrived in an unmarked car in hazmat suits. They knocked on the door, came in, took two swabs from the back of my throat and left. It took a matter of seconds.
Thursday, March 5
I got up, ate and did some life admin as normal. I really didn’t feel poorly or anything at this point but I was aware I could be carrying the virus.
I carried on with the self-isolation as instructed, and waited for my results. I was told my GP surgery would be in touch to let me know either way.
Friday, March 6
Still feeling fine and chipper. I watched television and did some work from home.
No sign of my results, but also no symptoms.
Saturday, March 7
It was now a week since our group had returned from the Dolomites and 16 people had tested positive for coronavirus. I found out I was the seventeenth person to contract the virus on this day.
At around 8.30pm, I received a call from a consultant at St George’s Hospital in London who confirmed I had COVID-19. I knew all along I was probably positive and that confirmed I had done the right thing from the start. I was the last one in the group to get my results. The people who lived in Manchester were among the first ones to get the diagnoses.
We’re all in the same WhatsApp group and we’ve had a bit of a laugh and a joke about it. You need a bit of dark humour to get you through these situations.
Sunday, March 8
This was when I started getting symptoms. I had quite a minor cough. It was very intermittent - I would have a coughing fit for a few minutes every couple of hours. I didn’t think about it too much at the time, but looking back, that was when my symptoms started.
I asked my neighbour to buy me a thermometer and post it through the letterbox so I could check my temperature.
Apart from the coughing, I was eating and drinking as normal.
Monday, March 9
This was the first day I started to get a fever. I took my temperature at around 12.30pm and it was 36.4C. By 4pm it 37.7C and at 5.15pm it was 38.1C.
I could feel it rising and by then I was feeling physically quite ill. The sporadic coughing fits were becoming more frequent and were lasting for longer. I was having 15-20 bouts of coughing and I was struggling with my breathing.
Just before 6pm, my temperature had reached 38.2C and the coughing wasn’t abating.
At 6.30pm I decided to call 999 for an ambulance because I couldn’t catch my breath.
The advisor told me to pack a bag and leave the front door open. They told me not to eat or drink anything, and that a clinician would call me back.
Two hours later, an ambulance still hadn’t arrived so I shut the front door and went back upstairs. I also went against the initial advice and had something to eat because I’m a diabetic. My sugar levels were really high and I needed my insulin injection.
At 10.30pm a clinician called me and by then I had started to feel better. They said the initial information I had been given was incorrect and I was right to eat something.
The coughing had subsided, my breathing had eased and my temperature had fallen to 35.8 by midnight so I went to bed.
Tuesday, March 10
When I woke up I felt absolutely fantastic, which was surprising considering how ill I had felt the day before. I took Nurofen and paracetamol intermittently throughout the day.
But at 6pm I developed a real chill. I had the heating and gas fire on, and I was under the duvet in a jumper and my ski hat, and I still felt freezing.
I was shivering and shaking like a snowman, and by 8pm my temperature was around 38.2C.
(Image: Andrew O'Dwyer)
It was really quite an intense feeling but by 10pm the fever seemed to have broken.
By midnight my temperature was back to 36.2 and went to bed.
Wednesday, March 11
I’d not had much sleep so I felt really groggy and had a sore throat from all the coughing.
Someone from NHS 111 called to do a welfare check because I’m a diabetic.
I told them about my fever and the coughing. They decided that they would send someone to do an assessment at my home. At 2pm they turned up in an ambulance in full hazmats, and decided to take me to St Helier Hospital to be checked over.
When we arrived they couldn’t take me in for some reason. A nurse came out to speak to me and by that time I was well.
They sent me home and told me to continue to self-isolate.
Thursday, March 12
I did an interview with Hugh Pym from the BBC in the morning and I was feeling okay.
It was only in the evening when I had a coughing fit and my temperature went back up.
It seems to hit you in bouts. You can feel fine for a few hours and then all of a sudden it hits you.
This was the first night I slept really badly because I was coughing so much.
It’s worth saying that this isn’t like a normal cough. It’s an involuntary cough that has you on all fours retching. You cough like you’re a 40-a-day smoker in their forties.
I was hugging the toilet because I thought I was going to be vomit. It’s that which gives you the headaches.
I found that anti inflammatories like Nurofen really helped with the coughing.
Friday, March 13
Today I feel almost back to normal, and everyone who was hospitalised in our group has been discharged.
A friend of mine collected my insulin prescription from the pharmacy and some of the mums from school rang to ask if I wanted a coffee. I’ve weirdly been off caffeinated drinks and have been craving sharp drinks or smoothies.
My only concern now is that I’m not going to be tested to see if I’m negative. How are you meant to know that you don’t have it anymore? I really think that’s something they should be looking at to contain this.
What’s your advice to people who think they have COVID-19 and those who are self-isolating?
You need your friends to help you get through this. I’ve been lucky because my neighbours and friends have fetched groceries and my medication for me. I would have been snookered without that.
I know friends from the trip had mixed experiences with online shopping. Some supermarkets refused to deliver when asked to leave the shopping by the door because of coronavirus.
My second piece of advice is to take this seriously. If you do think you’ve come into contact with it, the last thing you want to do is spread it around to elderly relatives or neighbours. You need to think about protecting those people and not just yourself.
Finally, don’t panic. It’s not a pleasant illness but it’s not the end of the world if you do get it.
In most cases it’s a flu-like illness that’s quite debilitating for a while that you will recover from.
It’s annoying and it takes a bit of time to get better, but for the majority of people it passes.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-14--'Ultimate' slow cooker Mac 'n' Cheese hack goes viral

If you 've bought more pasta than you can shake a stick at to keep yourself fed while you self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic , you may now be wondering what to do with it all .
You need n't worry , though , because one man has come through with the 'ultimate ' cheesy macaroni cheese recipe , and the best bit is , it requires almost no effort to make .
That is music to my ears .
The recipe was first shared by Emmett Otter on popular Facebook group Crockpot/Slow Cooker Recipes & Tips , where it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit with followers .
Posting a mouth-watering picture of his stringy mac ' n ' cheese , Emmett wrote : `` Y ’ all like cheese pulls ?
This is for cheese lovers only !
!
! ''
Emmett then went on to share his recipe for his Extra cheesy Mac and cheese .
The recipe is as follows : • Combine the ingredients and stir until well mixed • Put slow cooker on LOW and cook for 1-3 hours , until done .
• Emmett recommends checking it after the first hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His was done after 1 hour and 30 minutes .
Hundreds of people have now responded to the post , with many keen to give it a go themselves .
Writing under Emmett 's recipe , one person said : `` My favorite Mac and cheese recipe . ''
`` Yum !
!
!
Definitely cooking this , '' said somebody else .
A third person added : `` Giving this a go today . ''
`` Looks delicious to me , '' said somebody else .
Looks like it 's mac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !

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If you've bought more pasta than you can shake a stick at to keep yourself fed while you self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic, you may now be wondering what to do with it all.
You needn't worry, though, because one man has come through with the 'ultimate' cheesy macaroni cheese recipe, and the best bit is, it requires almost no effort to make. That is music to my ears.
The recipe was first shared by Emmett Otter on popular Facebook group Crockpot/Slow Cooker Recipes & Tips , where it quickly went viral after becoming a huge hit with followers.
Posting a mouth-watering picture of his stringy mac 'n' cheese, Emmett wrote: "Y’all like cheese pulls? This is for cheese lovers only!!!"
Emmett then went on to share his recipe for his Extra cheesy Mac and cheese.
The recipe is as follows:
1lb uncooked macaroni pasta
4 1/2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups shredded Colby jack Cheese
1/4 cup butter
Season to taste using: salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, ground black pepper
(Image: Facebook)
Follow these steps:
Combine the ingredients and stir until well mixed
Put slow cooker on LOW and cook for 1-3 hours, until done.
Emmett recommends checking it after the first hour, then every 30 minutes after that. His was done after 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Follow Money-Saving and Shopping Editor Rachel Pugh on social media To follow Rachel on Twitter click here. Or to like her Facebook page click here . Here's a link to the M.E.N.'s main Facebook page where we share our latest stories.
Hundreds of people have now responded to the post, with many keen to give it a go themselves.
Writing under Emmett's recipe, one person said: "My favorite Mac and cheese recipe."
"Yum!!! Definitely cooking this," said somebody else.
A third person added: "Giving this a go today."
"Looks delicious to me," said somebody else.
Looks like it's mac 'n' cheese for dinner tonight!


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-14--Bruno Fernandes reacts to his new Manchester United chant

Bruno Fernandes admitted he is loving the support he 's received from Manchester United fans since signing for the club in January - especially his chant .
United paid Sporting Lisbon an initial £47million for Fernandes in the mid-season transfer window and the Portuguese playmaker is already paying off a chunk of that fee .
He has three goals and four assists in nine United appearances so far and has been the catalyst for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side going on an 11-game unbeaten run .
Competitive action in the Premier League , FA Cup and European competition is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak and how to combat its spread .
But United are scheduled to return on April 4th away at Brighton with Fernandes - who spoke about his start at Old Trafford to Sky Sports - striking up a great relationship with his new fans .
`` It 's a big change coming from another country to a big club with big players , '' he said .
`` When I have the chance to come , I did n't think twice . ''
Fernandes ' chant mentions the 25-year-old 's footballing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United favourite - now at Juventus - taking a similar path to Old Trafford from Sporting .
`` Ronaldo is an inspiration for me , '' added Fernandes .
`` You start watching Ronaldo and then you start to watch the team and you see this kind of team can win everything , you dream to be here .
Sky presenter Laura Woods then asked Fernandes about the chant United fans had made up for him - and even asked if could sing the song .
Fernandes laughed and replied : `` Bruno @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Sporting like Cristiano , he goes left , he goes right , makes defenders look sh*te , he 's our Portuguese magnifico ! ''
He added on the chant : `` The support I 've received from the fans since the first day is amazing .
I listened to the song they do for me and I 'm like 'two days I 'm here and I already have the song ' .
`` The love they give me in this first month is really good . ''

Bruno Fernandes admitted he is loving the support he's received from Manchester United fans since signing for the club in January - especially his chant.
United paid Sporting Lisbon an initial £47million for Fernandes in the mid-season transfer window and the Portuguese playmaker is already paying off a chunk of that fee. He has three goals and four assists in nine United appearances so far and has been the catalyst for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side going on an 11-game unbeaten run.
Competitive action in the Premier League, FA Cup and European competition is currently postponed as Europe comes to terms with the coronavirus outbreak and how to combat its spread.
But United are scheduled to return on April 4th away at Brighton with Fernandes - who spoke about his start at Old Trafford to Sky Sports - striking up a great relationship with his new fans.
"It's a big change coming from another country to a big club with big players," he said. "When I have the chance to come, I didn't think twice."
Fernandes' chant mentions the 25-year-old's footballing idol Cristiando Ronaldo, with the former United favourite - now at Juventus - taking a similar path to Old Trafford from Sporting.
"Ronaldo is an inspiration for me," added Fernandes. "You start watching Ronaldo and then you start to watch the team and you see this kind of team can win everything, you dream to be here.
Sky presenter Laura Woods then asked Fernandes about the chant United fans had made up for him - and even asked if could sing the song.
Fernandes laughed and replied: "Bruno, Bruno, Bruno, he came from Sporting like Cristiano, he goes left, he goes right, makes defenders look sh*te, he's our Portuguese magnifico!"
He added on the chant: "The support I've received from the fans since the first day is amazing. I listened to the song they do for me and I'm like 'two days I'm here and I already have the song'.
"The love they give me in this first month is really good."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-14--Manchester United have four issues to address before their next fixture

Manchester United could never have prepared for the situation that is now facing them .
The spread of coronavirus throughout Europe has put football in the shade , with public health a far more important and pressing issue .
And despite the blanket ban on all Premier League , FA Cup and Europa League games that will affect United for the foreseeable future , nobody can really know what the future holds .
All United 's players can do , as things stand , is keep themselves safe , fit and prepared for their next game which , until further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amex Stadium on Saturday April 4th .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's challenge will be equally difficult , but he and his staff have to press on with their jobs and get United ready to play when they are required to .
Here are the issues United can address off the field before their next scheduled fixture : It 's the obvious question ; though it feels a little insensitive in the current circumstances to suggest this forced break has come at a bad time for United .
Nobody can change what 's happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over how he can extend United 's 11-game unbeaten run .
In the behind-closed-doors game against LASK in the Europa League , United looked like a team with a truckload of momentum .
It will be difficult to maintain that over an unforeseen hiatus in action , but United benefited from the official winter break in February and this one — providing everyone stays safe and fully fit — will give players another opportunity to rest .
Solskjaer thanked fans for their support in a recent statement and will be hoping to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon .
“ I would like to thank our fans for their tremendous support so far this season , '' he said .
`` And we look forward to welcoming them back to Old Trafford as soon as is safely possible.
” Solskjaer 's last press conference before the suspensions came in was after the 5-0 LASK win , in which he revealed he 'd had a `` nice conversation '' with Paul Pogba .
And whether or not they can iron out Pogba 's contract situation , it seems certain that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of weeks , potentially to play a part in the finale of the season .
There have been conflicting reports over Pogba 's future , with some suggestion he 's ready to sign a contract renewal despite previous comments from the player himself and his agent Mino Raiola pointing towards an exit .
This could be an issue United are able to resolve by the time they next play a game .
Choosing who to partner Harry Maguire at the back is a small fry dilemma in the grand scheme of things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solskjaer has rarely had to mull over this season .
The form of Eric Bailly , Victor Lindelof 's continued solid displays and the rise of Axel Tuanzebe will surely give Solskjaer a difficult call to make in the centre-back positions .
At full back too , Solskjaer will have a dilemma , with Luke Shaw battling Brandon Williams for a spot .
It 's probably a decision for the administrators more than the clubs at the moment , but if and when these fixtures are rearranged , there will surely be huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in three major competitions , so if they resume as is currently expected Solskjaer will have a huge task to manage his squad .
It is perhaps a little soon to be thinking ahead to the Brighton game and beyond — such is the fast-moving pace of the coronavirus news story — but United must be prepared for all eventualities .
It 's not an easy time for anyone .

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Manchester United could never have prepared for the situation that is now facing them.
The spread of coronavirus throughout Europe has put football in the shade, with public health a far more important and pressing issue. And despite the blanket ban on all Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League games that will affect United for the foreseeable future, nobody can really know what the future holds.
All United's players can do, as things stand, is keep themselves safe, fit and prepared for their next game which, until further notice, is against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday April 4th.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's challenge will be equally difficult, but he and his staff have to press on with their jobs and get United ready to play when they are required to.
Here are the issues United can address off the field before their next scheduled fixture:
How to continue form
It's the obvious question; though it feels a little insensitive in the current circumstances to suggest this forced break has come at a bad time for United. Nobody can change what's happened, but Solskjaer will nevertheless be poring over how he can extend United's 11-game unbeaten run.
In the behind-closed-doors game against LASK in the Europa League, United looked like a team with a truckload of momentum.
It will be difficult to maintain that over an unforeseen hiatus in action, but United benefited from the official winter break in February and this one — providing everyone stays safe and fully fit — will give players another opportunity to rest.
Solskjaer thanked fans for their support in a recent statement and will be hoping to play in front of a full house again soon.
“I would like to thank our fans for their tremendous support so far this season," he said. "And we look forward to welcoming them back to Old Trafford as soon as is safely possible.”
The Pogba situation
Solskjaer's last press conference before the suspensions came in was after the 5-0 LASK win, in which he revealed he'd had a "nice conversation" with Paul Pogba.
And whether or not they can iron out Pogba's contract situation, it seems certain that he will return to training in the next couple of weeks, potentially to play a part in the finale of the season.
There have been conflicting reports over Pogba's future, with some suggestion he's ready to sign a contract renewal despite previous comments from the player himself and his agent Mino Raiola pointing towards an exit. This could be an issue United are able to resolve by the time they next play a game.
Defensive decisions
Choosing who to partner Harry Maguire at the back is a small fry dilemma in the grand scheme of things, but it's been a decision Solskjaer has rarely had to mull over this season.
The form of Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof's continued solid displays and the rise of Axel Tuanzebe will surely give Solskjaer a difficult call to make in the centre-back positions.
At full back too, Solskjaer will have a dilemma, with Luke Shaw battling Brandon Williams for a spot.
Potential fixture pile up
It's probably a decision for the administrators more than the clubs at the moment, but if and when these fixtures are rearranged, there will surely be huge pile-up of fixtures.
United are still in three major competitions, so if they resume as is currently expected Solskjaer will have a huge task to manage his squad.
It is perhaps a little soon to be thinking ahead to the Brighton game and beyond — such is the fast-moving pace of the coronavirus news story — but United must be prepared for all eventualities. It's not an easy time for anyone.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-14--Gabriel Jesus has given Pep Guardiola a decision to make at Man City

In January , there were murmurs that this season would be Gabriel Jesus ' last at Manchester City .
The striker endured a difficult season last term , and in the first few months of this season he still had n't found a way to dislodge Sergio Aguero as Pep Guardiola 's first-choice striker .
Some would argue he still has n't , but Jesus ' City career looks far more promising than it did just two months ago .
Last season , the Brazilian started just 21 of his 47 appearances , and those were predominately outside the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already started more times ( 22 ) in less total appearances ( 39 ) , with his goal tally just three behind the 21 strikes he recorded in 2018/19 .
Those appearance statistics suggest Jesus is slowly becoming more trusted under Guardiola , but he still has a challenge to become the first choice forward at the Etihad .
That is because of his 39 appearances this season , 22 have come away from home .
And 13 of Jesus ' 18 goals in 2019/20 have come away , too .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jesus that he has emphatically taken his chance , even if it is away from home .
And such a statistic does n't acknowledge how one of those away goals was at the Bernabeu earlier this month to cap off a superb individual display in City 's biggest game of the season .
It was n't the performance of a second striker .
However , ask the player himself and he would surely prefer to be Guardiola 's first name on the teamsheet regardless of opposition , venue , or importance of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than Aguero , he will always be the second choice .
So he will be encouraged that Guardiola recently opened the door to playing the pair together in the same starting line up - something he has been reluctant to do last season and even at the beginning of this campaign .
`` They can play together , '' Guardiola said earlier this week , suggesting Jesus could operate from the left more often - as he did at Real Madrid .
`` I think Gabriel can adapt perfectly in that way , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really wide .
He can play a little bit wider , then inside .
Gabriel can play perfectly in that position and he ’ s done really well there . ''
Just for Guardiola to explore the option of Jesus playing alongside club legend Aguero is a promising sign for the no.9 .
He can focus on being Aguero 's successor at a later date .
And since those rumours of City letting Jesus leave at the end of the season surfaced , Guardiola has started him in seven of 15 games this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's six home fixtures .
So when ( or if ) the season resumes , Jesus will hope to continue playing his way into Guardiola 's first-choice XI .
Whether it is home or away , the more Jesus scores , the more he gives his manager a decision to make .

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In January, there were murmurs that this season would be Gabriel Jesus' last at Manchester City.
The striker endured a difficult season last term, and in the first few months of this season he still hadn't found a way to dislodge Sergio Aguero as Pep Guardiola's first-choice striker.
Some would argue he still hasn't, but Jesus' City career looks far more promising than it did just two months ago.
Last season, the Brazilian started just 21 of his 47 appearances, and those were predominately outside the Premier League. This term, he has already started more times (22) in less total appearances (39), with his goal tally just three behind the 21 strikes he recorded in 2018/19.
Those appearance statistics suggest Jesus is slowly becoming more trusted under Guardiola, but he still has a challenge to become the first choice forward at the Etihad.
That is because of his 39 appearances this season, 22 have come away from home. And 13 of Jesus' 18 goals in 2019/20 have come away, too.
On the one hand, it reflects well on Jesus that he has emphatically taken his chance, even if it is away from home. And such a statistic doesn't acknowledge how one of those away goals was at the Bernabeu earlier this month to cap off a superb individual display in City's biggest game of the season. It wasn't the performance of a second striker.
However, ask the player himself and he would surely prefer to be Guardiola's first name on the teamsheet regardless of opposition, venue, or importance of the game. Until he is preferred more than Aguero, he will always be the second choice.
So he will be encouraged that Guardiola recently opened the door to playing the pair together in the same starting line up - something he has been reluctant to do last season and even at the beginning of this campaign.
"They can play together," Guardiola said earlier this week, suggesting Jesus could operate from the left more often - as he did at Real Madrid.
"I think Gabriel can adapt perfectly in that way, especially because he doesn’t play really wide. He can play a little bit wider, then inside. Gabriel can play perfectly in that position and he’s done really well there."
Just for Guardiola to explore the option of Jesus playing alongside club legend Aguero is a promising sign for the no.9. He can focus on being Aguero's successor at a later date.
And since those rumours of City letting Jesus leave at the end of the season surfaced, Guardiola has started him in seven of 15 games this calendar year, including three of City's six home fixtures.
So when (or if) the season resumes, Jesus will hope to continue playing his way into Guardiola's first-choice XI. Whether it is home or away, the more Jesus scores, the more he gives his manager a decision to make.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-14--Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a new challenge to confront as Manchester United manager

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's inexperience as manager of a club the size of Manchester United has often been held against him during his time in the Old Trafford dugout , but the suspension of the season has placed every top flight boss into unchartered territory .
Every club must now work out how best to deal with the threat of the coronavirus around their staff and squad , while trying to keep players fit for a resumption of the season which is currently scheduled for April 3 , a target that looks ambitious as things stand .
So much is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost impossible for clubs to plan how to deal with the escalating issue in the UK .
When the season will finish , how the season will finish and even if the season will finish are all unclear .
The suspension of the campaign was the only move the Premier League and Football League could make on Friday morning .
The only surprise was it did n't come earlier , likewise with UEFA 's decision just 90 minutes earlier to call a halt to the Champions League and Europa League .
United 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly should n't have gone ahead , but at least they managed to sign off before an unexpected but enforced break on a high .
Whether the suspension is good or not for clubs is a complete irrelevance but in the endless chatter around football it will be inevitably feature in conversations .
Some might be thankful for a chance to press the reset button , others in need of a rest .
United will hope that it does n't rob them of a momentum the type of which they have n't had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's reign between December 2018 and March 2019 .
What had hitherto been a slow burn of a season , with plenty of disappointments to offset the occasional high , has begun to catch fire recently .
The demolition job against LASK Linz made it 11 unbeaten , with 29 goals scored and just two conceded .
They were flying under Solskjaer , breathing down Chelsea 's necks for a top four finish , into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and , after Thursday night , all but assured of a last-eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they must wait to find out when those games will be played .
United could have 18 games left to play this season if they reach the final of both remaining cup competitions , but nobody knows when , or if , they can be scheduled .
The health of a nation has to take precedence .
So the challenge for Solskjaer now is to maintain this momentum over however long the hiatus is .
No doubt different Premier League managers will have different ideas of how to approach it .
Some squads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be given a good stretch of time off , others might continue to train , just in case the league does resume , unexpectedly , in early April .
The longer the suspension goes on , however , the more this becomes a pre-season scenario .
Players will lose fitness and match sharpness but may then be expected to play up to 18 games at the rate of two a week .
It could be a demanding schedule that will require careful monitoring and astute planning from clubs .
Solskjaer will hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've built up over the previous 11 games , although it is to be expected that some of that sharpness will now leave them .
They had hit a perfect match of form and confidence , but maintaining that while not playing games and probably taking some time off will be difficult .
But the Norwegian has come through plenty of challenges already this season .
In the grand scheme of things how a football club copes with this suspension is a mere footnote , but at some point the games will resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they left off will be a test of how Solskjaer and his staff manage this extraordinary period .

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's inexperience as manager of a club the size of Manchester United has often been held against him during his time in the Old Trafford dugout, but the suspension of the season has placed every top flight boss into unchartered territory.
Every club must now work out how best to deal with the threat of the coronavirus around their staff and squad, while trying to keep players fit for a resumption of the season which is currently scheduled for April 3, a target that looks ambitious as things stand.
So much is unknown at the moment that it is almost impossible for clubs to plan how to deal with the escalating issue in the UK. When the season will finish, how the season will finish and even if the season will finish are all unclear.
The suspension of the campaign was the only move the Premier League and Football League could make on Friday morning. The only surprise was it didn't come earlier, likewise with UEFA's decision just 90 minutes earlier to call a halt to the Champions League and Europa League.
United's last-16 first leg trip to Austria almost certainly shouldn't have gone ahead, but at least they managed to sign off before an unexpected but enforced break on a high.
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Whether the suspension is good or not for clubs is a complete irrelevance but in the endless chatter around football it will be inevitably feature in conversations. Some might be thankful for a chance to press the reset button, others in need of a rest. United will hope that it doesn't rob them of a momentum the type of which they haven't had since the first three months of Solskjaer's reign between December 2018 and March 2019.
What had hitherto been a slow burn of a season, with plenty of disappointments to offset the occasional high, has begun to catch fire recently. The demolition job against LASK Linz made it 11 unbeaten, with 29 goals scored and just two conceded. They were flying under Solskjaer, breathing down Chelsea's necks for a top four finish, into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and, after Thursday night, all but assured of a last-eight place in the Europa League.
Now they must wait to find out when those games will be played. United could have 18 games left to play this season if they reach the final of both remaining cup competitions, but nobody knows when, or if, they can be scheduled. The health of a nation has to take precedence.
So the challenge for Solskjaer now is to maintain this momentum over however long the hiatus is. No doubt different Premier League managers will have different ideas of how to approach it. Some squads will be forced into self-isolation, some might be given a good stretch of time off, others might continue to train, just in case the league does resume, unexpectedly, in early April.
The longer the suspension goes on, however, the more this becomes a pre-season scenario. Players will lose fitness and match sharpness but may then be expected to play up to 18 games at the rate of two a week. It could be a demanding schedule that will require careful monitoring and astute planning from clubs.
Solskjaer will hope United don't lose the rhythm they've built up over the previous 11 games, although it is to be expected that some of that sharpness will now leave them. They had hit a perfect match of form and confidence, but maintaining that while not playing games and probably taking some time off will be difficult.
But the Norwegian has come through plenty of challenges already this season. In the grand scheme of things how a football club copes with this suspension is a mere footnote, but at some point the games will resume, and whether United can pick up where they left off will be a test of how Solskjaer and his staff manage this extraordinary period.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-14--Man City appoint British tennis boss and former Olympic supremo as new performance director

Manchester City have snapped up Simon Timson from the Lawn Tennis Association ( LTA ) to be their new performance director .
Timson , 49 , has been at the LTA for two years having made his name as team manager for in British skeleton , helping Amy Williams to an Olympic gold medal in Vancouver in 2010..
He then moved on to work for the England and Wales Cricket Board before becoming performance director for UK Sport , a role which guided GB to a record medal tally in the Rio Olympics .
He will start at the Etihad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sporting director Txiki Begiristain as the Blues look to keep improving in every department .
“ I am incredibly excited about being able to join one of the world ’ s foremost sports teams and working with Pep and Txiki , ” Timson told The Times .
“ It is too early to talk specifics .
I am going to be here [ at the LTA ] until the summer and my focus is on leaving the performance plan and the team in the strongest possible place.
” City could also add a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
Mikel Arteta was not replaced when he left in December to become Arsenal manager with Rodolfo Borrell stepping up to become the manager 's No.2 , but Guardiola said at the time that the set-up would be reviewed in the summer .
It remains uncertain when the current campaign will end .
UEFA are speaking to clubs and leagues on Tuesday to discuss the latest plans for the Europa League , Champions League , and Euro 2020 .

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Manchester City have snapped up Simon Timson from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to be their new performance director.
Timson, 49, has been at the LTA for two years having made his name as team manager for in British skeleton, helping Amy Williams to an Olympic gold medal in Vancouver in 2010..
He then moved on to work for the England and Wales Cricket Board before becoming performance director for UK Sport, a role which guided GB to a record medal tally in the Rio Olympics.
He will start at the Etihad in summer working under Pep Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain as the Blues look to keep improving in every department.
“I am incredibly excited about being able to join one of the world’s foremost sports teams and working with Pep and Txiki,” Timson told The Times. “It is too early to talk specifics. I am going to be here [at the LTA] until the summer and my focus is on leaving the performance plan and the team in the strongest possible place.”
City could also add a new member of the backroom staff next season. Mikel Arteta was not replaced when he left in December to become Arsenal manager with Rodolfo Borrell stepping up to become the manager's No.2, but Guardiola said at the time that the set-up would be reviewed in the summer.
It remains uncertain when the current campaign will end. UEFA are speaking to clubs and leagues on Tuesday to discuss the latest plans for the Europa League, Champions League, and Euro 2020.