themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-21--Three months and 50,000 deaths - how coronavirus brought Britain to its knees

Just twelve weeks was needed to ‘ turn the tide ’ of coronavirus according to Boris Johnson back in March this year .
“ I am absolutely confident that we can send coronavirus packing in this country , ” the prime minister told a press briefing on March 19 , the day before ordering pubs and bars to close , and four days before putting the UK under lockdown .
Three months down the line , and more than 80 press briefings later , the UK has seen more than 50,000 deaths involving Covid-19 .
With statistics showing a peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ‘ stay at home ’ fading into the past , Mr Johnson this week told the nation he believed his prediction had come true - that the tide had been turned .
News of a new drug treatment expected to save one in eight coronavirus patients admitted to hospital , and continued work to find a vaccine , are signs we are starting to see ‘ a chink of light ’ , according to the prime minister .
But despite his self-proclaimed success , coronavirus has taken a heavy toll on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson 's government has faced major PPE shortages on the frontline , a crisis in care homes across the country and calls to sack top aide Dominic Cummings after it emerged he had made a 260-mile trip out of London - as well as his own brief stint in hospital .
Insisting he is ‘ proud ’ of the government ’ s record , Mr Johnson and his cabinet ministers have resisted calls for an inquiry into their handling of the pandemic , and dismissed repeated questions from journalists around what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s too early to say .
But while ministers remain focused on the here and now , voices criticising the UK ’ s record so far are only becoming louder .
Earlier this month , former government scientist Professor Neil Ferguson made the stark claim that half of the lives lost to coronavirus could have been saved had the UK gone into lockdown just one week sooner .
MPs from both sides of the House called on Mr Cummings to quit his post as opinion polls after his appearance in the Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government ’ s handling of the crisis falling .
One police and crime commissioner said the aide ’ s actions had made it ‘ almost impossible ’ to police lockdown breaches as officers were being told ‘ if it 's okay for Cummings , it 's okay for us ’ .
Most recently , the government faced criticism for abandoning plans for its own centralised contact tracing app after months of work and despite experts pointing out initial flaws early on in the planning .
At the beginning of this month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first easing of the 'draconian ' measures implemented in March , critics warned that lockdown was being lifted too soon .
With normality now seemingly coming back into focus , we take a look at how the UK government has handled the coronavirus pandemic to date and where we stand now .
Less than 20,000 deaths in the UK would have been a ‘ good result ’ , Professor Stephen Powis , medical director of NHS England claimed at the end of March .
As the UK passed the grim milestone on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described it as a ‘ deeply tragic and moving event ’ .
Now , eight weeks later , the death toll has risen to more than double that hopeful prediction .
The number of people dying with coronavirus each day reached a peak just over two weeks after lockdown began , with nearly 1,500 deaths recorded so far on April 8 .
But the government ’ s own daily figures on testing were not giving an accurate representation of the total death toll at this time .
Figures were compiled from hospital data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes and the wider community were not included , and it wasn ’ t until April 29 that the Department of Health began including deaths in all settings in its releases .
That meant that during April , when the number of daily deaths in the UK was in fact in four figures for a consecutive period of more than 20 days , the highest total the government ever announced was 980 .
A lag in recording deaths meant that the number announced each day was not an indication of how many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so an understanding of the extent of deaths at the peak of the virus has come much later on in the crisis .
The struggle to collate data effectively was also given as the reason for the eventual ditching of a regular press briefing slide showing a global death comparison .
Up until early May , the government had shown a chart comparing the UK 's death toll to Italy , Spain , the USA , Belgium , South Korea and other nations .
But as the UK ’ s official death toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK was now the worst-hit country in Europe , the government ceased showing the graph and experts explained that global comparisons were difficult and unhelpful due to how countries record deaths differently .
Discussions instead turned towards excess deaths – a measure believed to be more accurate at measuring the impact of Covid-19 – a figure in the UK that currently stands at more than 64,000 since the pandemic began .
A National Audit Office report recently revealed that around 25,000 hospital patients were discharged into care homes in England between March 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic .
Many of them were released without being tested for Covid-19 and into homes where isolation was not possible and PPE was severely lacking , the report claims .
In mid-April testing was rolled out to those in care homes with symptoms , and by mid-May ministers pledged that every care home resident and staff member would get tested by early June – a target the government appears to have missed after it was reported this week that a third are still waiting for a test .
Meanwhile , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in UK care homes have been linked to coronavirus .
Ministers have been unapologetic for their handling of the crisis .
Health secretary Matt Hancock faced a backlash from care home bosses after he told a daily briefing that the government had ‘ thrown a protective ring around care homes from the start ’ , while justice secretary Robert Buckland insisted that prioritising testing in the NHS rather than in care homes was the right decision during the initial stages of the pandemic .
By mid-May coronavirus outbreaks had been declared at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , with some homes seeing upwards of 20 deaths .
“ You can ’ t find a virus if you don ’ t know where it is , ” the WHO director general told world leaders in March as he urged them to track and test every suspected case of Covid-19 .
Just days before , the UK government had decided to drop community testing and use its limited testing capacity to focus on the most severely ill patients .
England ’ s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty told a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer necessary for us to identify every case ” as the UK moved into the delay stage of its response to coronavirus , while ministers insisted capacity was being scaled up .
Despite repeated calls for frontline NHS workers to get tested to ensure they could continue to work , the decision to make them eligible for testing was not made until March 27 .
At the start of April , Matt Hancock set a goal of 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of the month .
On May 1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 122,347 on April 30 , but critics were not convinced the target had been met .
The figures included 27,497 home tests that had been sent out as well as 12,872 tests sent out to satellite sites , suggesting that the number of tests actually processed was closer to around 81,978 .
Despite claiming this as a success , the government later failed to reach 100,000 tests a day for eight consecutive days .
Once the UK had the capacity to test suspected cases on a wider scale , discussions around a contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be trialling an app , expected to be rolled out nationwide by mid-May , on the Isle of Wight .
The UK 's 'world beating ' contact tracing programme would be ready for June 1 , the prime minister insisted , but technical problems with the app appeared to be persistent as the mid-May deadline passed .
NHS Test and Trace was launched , as promised , at the end of May , but ministers soon admitted the app was a long way off and contract tracers hired by the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any contacts .
Eventually , it was revealed the app would not be seen until Autumn , and just this week an announcement came that it had been scrapped altogether and Google and Apple were now taking the lead .
Mr Johnson 's claims that his programme would be ‘ world beating ’ were starting to look laughable , even more so when the first figures available showed a third of people who tested positive for coronavirus could not be reached by officials or failed to provide details of their contacts .
Head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dido Harding , has admitted there is a long way to go before a 'gold standard ' system is in place .
The R number , the alert level and the five tests When a new coronavirus alert system was introduced as part of Mr Johnson 's 'road map ' out of lockdown , the UK was on the highest but one level .
Level Four on the traffic light chart meant transmission was `` high or rising exponentially '' .
At Level Three , the virus would be `` in general circulation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eased .
The UK was expected to begin moving towards Level Three , according to ministers , but was not there yet .
The level actually remained unchanged until Friday this week , but ministers pushed forward with lifting lockdown measures on two occasions - on June 1 with the opening of schools , and on June 15 with the opening of shops .
Back on May 10 the prime minister claimed the levels `` will tell us how tough we have to be in our social distancing measures – the lower the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But since then , the government has claimed that the lifting of measures is actually determined by the five tests - and the alert level itself has no direct effect on lockdown .
The five tests , which the government says are currently being met and have been since June 1 , are that the NHS is able to cope , deaths continue to fall , new infections are dropping , issues around testing and PPE are under control and the NHS is not at risk from a second wave .
The Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out at the government for its “ confusing array ” of steps and systems saying that the various measures for outlining the risk posed by coronavirus “ substantially overlap ” with one another .
It called on ministers to simplify and rationalise the different tests and alerts and recommended the easing of restrictions to be determined by the total number of daily new infections – and the rate of transmission , or R number .
Since early on in the pandemic , scientists have emphasised the importance of driving the R number below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of new cases of coronavirus down .
But regional variations showed some places were believed to have a higher infection rate than others , casting doubt on the government 's insistence that it remained below one and was therefore safe to ease the lockdown .
Now , it 's looking as though the R number could soon disappear from the conversation around lockdown entirely .
Scientists say that as the number of infections drop , it is not uncommon for the R value to increase giving a less reliable measure of infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward it is important to look at local outbreaks , and trace clusters of local outbreaks , rather than looking at regional figures .
As a result , we are more likely to start hearing about local growth rates than a national R value in the coming weeks .
While the 'stay home ' slogan made way for 'stay alert ' and talk of flattening the curve and turning the tide moved onto passing the peak and opening up the economy , one message has remained unchanged throughout the pandemic .
The Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wash their hands - for 20 seconds to the tune of Happy Birthday twice over - may seem like a distant memory now , but the message remains a consistent sound bite from government officials .
Initial encouragement to avoid social gatherings and non-essential travel appeared to have little effect , but members of the public would soon find themselves potentially breaking the law by stepping outside their doors .
After weeks of seeing some of its closest neighbours closing their borders and shutting cities down , the UK had finally followed suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network of field hospitals in an attempt to avoid overwhelming NHS facilities , while every Thursday families gathered on their doorstep to applaud carers on the frontline .
Life in Britain had drastically changed , almost overnight .
But while three months of staying at home to save lives may have felt like a drag to most , those in power faced the toughest decisions on how to progress .
Millions of Brits have tuned into daily briefings , keeping a close eye on each move the government makes .
Ministers have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic as they took on a crisis unlike any politicians before them have had to deal with .
But as they insist that the time for reflection is not now , global comparisons appear to be unavoidable , and Mr Johnson 's legacy will be defined by where the UK stands .
Some experts have predicted that the UK economy is on track to be the hardest hit by coronavirus among the world ’ s developed countries .
While the government insists its handling of the public health crisis and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job losses have been a success , the impact of the pandemic will be seen for years to come and scrutiny will follow at each step .

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Just twelve weeks was needed to ‘turn the tide’ of coronavirus according to Boris Johnson back in March this year.
“I am absolutely confident that we can send coronavirus packing in this country,” the prime minister told a press briefing on March 19, the day before ordering pubs and bars to close, and four days before putting the UK under lockdown.
Three months down the line, and more than 80 press briefings later, the UK has seen more than 50,000 deaths involving Covid-19.
With statistics showing a peak in numbers in mid-April and repeated calls to ‘stay at home’ fading into the past, Mr Johnson this week told the nation he believed his prediction had come true - that the tide had been turned.
News of a new drug treatment expected to save one in eight coronavirus patients admitted to hospital, and continued work to find a vaccine, are signs we are starting to see ‘a chink of light’, according to the prime minister.
But despite his self-proclaimed success, coronavirus has taken a heavy toll on the UK.
During a three-month lockdown, Mr Johnson's government has faced major PPE shortages on the frontline, a crisis in care homes across the country and calls to sack top aide Dominic Cummings after it emerged he had made a 260-mile trip out of London - as well as his own brief stint in hospital.
Insisting he is ‘proud’ of the government’s record, Mr Johnson and his cabinet ministers have resisted calls for an inquiry into their handling of the pandemic, and dismissed repeated questions from journalists around what they could have done differently, claiming it’s too early to say.
But while ministers remain focused on the here and now, voices criticising the UK’s record so far are only becoming louder.
Earlier this month, former government scientist Professor Neil Ferguson made the stark claim that half of the lives lost to coronavirus could have been saved had the UK gone into lockdown just one week sooner.
MPs from both sides of the House called on Mr Cummings to quit his post as opinion polls after his appearance in the Downing Street rose garden showed public confidence in the government’s handling of the crisis falling.
One police and crime commissioner said the aide’s actions had made it ‘almost impossible’ to police lockdown breaches as officers were being told ‘if it's okay for Cummings, it's okay for us’.
(Image: PA)
Most recently, the government faced criticism for abandoning plans for its own centralised contact tracing app after months of work and despite experts pointing out initial flaws early on in the planning.
At the beginning of this month, as the prime minister pushed ahead with his first easing of the 'draconian' measures implemented in March, critics warned that lockdown was being lifted too soon.
With normality now seemingly coming back into focus, we take a look at how the UK government has handled the coronavirus pandemic to date and where we stand now.
The rising death toll
Less than 20,000 deaths in the UK would have been a ‘good result’, Professor Stephen Powis, medical director of NHS England claimed at the end of March.
As the UK passed the grim milestone on April 25, home secretary Priti Patel described it as a ‘deeply tragic and moving event’.
Now, eight weeks later, the death toll has risen to more than double that hopeful prediction.
The number of people dying with coronavirus each day reached a peak just over two weeks after lockdown began, with nearly 1,500 deaths recorded so far on April 8.
But the government’s own daily figures on testing were not giving an accurate representation of the total death toll at this time.
Figures were compiled from hospital data, which meant people dying in care homes and the wider community were not included, and it wasn’t until April 29 that the Department of Health began including deaths in all settings in its releases.
That meant that during April, when the number of daily deaths in the UK was in fact in four figures for a consecutive period of more than 20 days, the highest total the government ever announced was 980.
A lag in recording deaths meant that the number announced each day was not an indication of how many people had died in a 24-hour period, so an understanding of the extent of deaths at the peak of the virus has come much later on in the crisis.
The struggle to collate data effectively was also given as the reason for the eventual ditching of a regular press briefing slide showing a global death comparison.
Up until early May, the government had shown a chart comparing the UK's death toll to Italy, Spain, the USA, Belgium, South Korea and other nations.
(Image: gov.uk)
But as the UK’s official death toll overtook Italy’s, suggesting the UK was now the worst-hit country in Europe, the government ceased showing the graph and experts explained that global comparisons were difficult and unhelpful due to how countries record deaths differently.
Discussions instead turned towards excess deaths – a measure believed to be more accurate at measuring the impact of Covid-19 – a figure in the UK that currently stands at more than 64,000 since the pandemic began.
The crisis in care homes
A National Audit Office report recently revealed that around 25,000 hospital patients were discharged into care homes in England between March 17 and April 15, at the height of the pandemic.
Many of them were released without being tested for Covid-19 and into homes where isolation was not possible and PPE was severely lacking, the report claims.
In mid-April testing was rolled out to those in care homes with symptoms, and by mid-May ministers pledged that every care home resident and staff member would get tested by early June – a target the government appears to have missed after it was reported this week that a third are still waiting for a test.
Meanwhile, the latest figures reveal that more than 16,000 deaths in UK care homes have been linked to coronavirus.
Ministers have been unapologetic for their handling of the crisis.
Health secretary Matt Hancock faced a backlash from care home bosses after he told a daily briefing that the government had ‘thrown a protective ring around care homes from the start’, while justice secretary Robert Buckland insisted that prioritising testing in the NHS rather than in care homes was the right decision during the initial stages of the pandemic.
By mid-May coronavirus outbreaks had been declared at a third of all care homes across the UK, with some homes seeing upwards of 20 deaths.
Test, track and trace
“You can’t find a virus if you don’t know where it is,” the WHO director general told world leaders in March as he urged them to track and test every suspected case of Covid-19.
Just days before, the UK government had decided to drop community testing and use its limited testing capacity to focus on the most severely ill patients.
England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty told a Downing Street briefing it was “no longer necessary for us to identify every case” as the UK moved into the delay stage of its response to coronavirus, while ministers insisted capacity was being scaled up.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Despite repeated calls for frontline NHS workers to get tested to ensure they could continue to work, the decision to make them eligible for testing was not made until March 27.
At the start of April, Matt Hancock set a goal of 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of the month.
On May 1, Mr Hancock said testing figures had hit 122,347 on April 30, but critics were not convinced the target had been met.
The figures included 27,497 home tests that had been sent out as well as 12,872 tests sent out to satellite sites, suggesting that the number of tests actually processed was closer to around 81,978.
Despite claiming this as a success, the government later failed to reach 100,000 tests a day for eight consecutive days.
Once the UK had the capacity to test suspected cases on a wider scale, discussions around a contact tracing programme resumed and the government announced it would be trialling an app, expected to be rolled out nationwide by mid-May, on the Isle of Wight.
The UK's 'world beating' contact tracing programme would be ready for June 1, the prime minister insisted, but technical problems with the app appeared to be persistent as the mid-May deadline passed.
NHS Test and Trace was launched, as promised, at the end of May, but ministers soon admitted the app was a long way off and contract tracers hired by the government claimed they waited days before actually tracing any contacts.
Eventually, it was revealed the app would not be seen until Autumn, and just this week an announcement came that it had been scrapped altogether and Google and Apple were now taking the lead.
Mr Johnson's claims that his programme would be ‘world beating’ were starting to look laughable, even more so when the first figures available showed a third of people who tested positive for coronavirus could not be reached by officials or failed to provide details of their contacts.
Head of NHS Test and Trace, Baroness Dido Harding, has admitted there is a long way to go before a 'gold standard' system is in place.
The R number, the alert level and the five tests
When a new coronavirus alert system was introduced as part of Mr Johnson's 'road map' out of lockdown, the UK was on the highest but one level.
Level Four on the traffic light chart meant transmission was "high or rising exponentially".
At Level Three, the virus would be "in general circulation" and social distancing measures would be eased.
The UK was expected to begin moving towards Level Three, according to ministers, but was not there yet.
The level actually remained unchanged until Friday this week, but ministers pushed forward with lifting lockdown measures on two occasions - on June 1 with the opening of schools, and on June 15 with the opening of shops.
(Image: gov.uk)
Back on May 10 the prime minister claimed the levels "will tell us how tough we have to be in our social distancing measures – the lower the level the fewer the measures".
But since then, the government has claimed that the lifting of measures is actually determined by the five tests - and the alert level itself has no direct effect on lockdown.
The five tests, which the government says are currently being met and have been since June 1, are that the NHS is able to cope, deaths continue to fall, new infections are dropping, issues around testing and PPE are under control and the NHS is not at risk from a second wave.
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The Institute for Global Change think tank has hit out at the government for its “confusing array” of steps and systems saying that the various measures for outlining the risk posed by coronavirus “substantially overlap” with one another.
It called on ministers to simplify and rationalise the different tests and alerts and recommended the easing of restrictions to be determined by the total number of daily new infections – and the rate of transmission, or R number.
Since early on in the pandemic, scientists have emphasised the importance of driving the R number below one, in order to bring the number of new cases of coronavirus down.
But regional variations showed some places were believed to have a higher infection rate than others, casting doubt on the government's insistence that it remained below one and was therefore safe to ease the lockdown.
Now, it's looking as though the R number could soon disappear from the conversation around lockdown entirely.
Scientists say that as the number of infections drop, it is not uncommon for the R value to increase giving a less reliable measure of infections.
Government advisers also say that going forward it is important to look at local outbreaks, and trace clusters of local outbreaks, rather than looking at regional figures.
As a result, we are more likely to start hearing about local growth rates than a national R value in the coming weeks.
The new normal
While the 'stay home' slogan made way for 'stay alert' and talk of flattening the curve and turning the tide moved onto passing the peak and opening up the economy, one message has remained unchanged throughout the pandemic.
The Prime Minister's early pleas for people to wash their hands - for 20 seconds to the tune of Happy Birthday twice over - may seem like a distant memory now, but the message remains a consistent sound bite from government officials.
Initial encouragement to avoid social gatherings and non-essential travel appeared to have little effect, but members of the public would soon find themselves potentially breaking the law by stepping outside their doors.
After weeks of seeing some of its closest neighbours closing their borders and shutting cities down, the UK had finally followed suit.
Construction workers raced to build a network of field hospitals in an attempt to avoid overwhelming NHS facilities, while every Thursday families gathered on their doorstep to applaud carers on the frontline.
Life in Britain had drastically changed, almost overnight.
But while three months of staying at home to save lives may have felt like a drag to most, those in power faced the toughest decisions on how to progress.
Millions of Brits have tuned into daily briefings, keeping a close eye on each move the government makes.
(Image: Getty Images)
Ministers have been keen to emphasise the 'unprecedented' nature of the pandemic as they took on a crisis unlike any politicians before them have had to deal with.
But as they insist that the time for reflection is not now, global comparisons appear to be unavoidable, and Mr Johnson's legacy will be defined by where the UK stands.
Some experts have predicted that the UK economy is on track to be the hardest hit by coronavirus among the world’s developed countries.
While the government insists its handling of the public health crisis and the measures put in place to prevent shattering job losses have been a success, the impact of the pandemic will be seen for years to come and scrutiny will follow at each step.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-21--Coronavirus: The Vitamin D research aiming for a breakthrough

For black and minority ethnic people in the UK , the novel coronavirus , which has so far killed more than 53,000 people in hospitals , care homes and the community , has been a particularly scary disease .
As the pandemic wore on , it became increasingly obvious that people of BAME heritage were disproportionately affected , with a high number of medical workers from these communities dying from the disease .
Research from the Office for National Statistics showed people from non-white British backgrounds were badly affected by higher death rates .
They found if you are of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to die with coronavirus than if you are of white , British heritage .
Meanwhile , ONS has found Black men are twice as likely to die with coronavirus than white men , bucking the previous trend for higher 'all-cause mortality ' rates in the white community .
Against that background , queries are mounting about whether Vitamin D could help explain why some people are affected more badly than others - and if the nutrient , which we absorb from sunshine , could have a critical role to play in fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with dark skin , with genetic roots in hot countries - such as those of African , African-Caribbean or south Asian origin - will need to spend longer in the sun in milder climates to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin would .
People in care homes , who may not be spending much time outside , and people in Northern areas - which get less sunshine - are also at greater risk of being deprived of Vitamin D. Care homes have been badly hit by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been a pandemic hotspot .
Now , with GPs and health bodies already recommending that patients start taking it , Covidence , a major academic study , is examining the link between lack of Vitamin D , coronavirus and the impact on people in the UK .
And it needs people from areas like ours - diverse , Northern and urban - to sign up and take part , so it can get to the bottom of the pandemic 's patterns .
The study is led by Professor of Respiratory Medicine and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University London .
Having spent 15 years looking at the impact of Vitamin D , he told the M.E.N it does boost the immune system , can 'dampen inflammation ' , and that there 's 'circumstantial evidence ' it can help with respiratory infection .
`` It 's an interesting time for us , '' he said .
`` Hopefully we will be able to shed daylight in the evidence vacuum - as Covid is a new pathogen . ''
Prof Martineau told the M.E.N that Vitamin D boosts the ability of cells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dampens harmful inflammation , which is one of the major problems of the sickest people with Covid-19 .
He notes that the virus took hold when 'Vitamin D levels were at their very lowest at the end of Spring ' , adding : `` It may not be a coincidence .
Some studies have associated low Vitamin D with the worst outcomes of Covid . ''
`` It could be that obesity is the primary problem with more adapose ( fat ) tissue becoming inflamed leading to cytokinesis ( which happens in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body 's immune system overreacts ) , '' Prof Martineau said .
People who are obese can be more prone to low Vitamin D , like people living in institutions such as care homes where they do n't get outdoors much , or people of BAME heritage .
But there 's no guarantee the mortality outcomes can be explained as simply as that - which is why the study is needed .
`` It 's possible the illness itself causes the low Vitamin D and makes you deficient , '' Prof Martineau said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leads are to advance understanding of risk factors for Covid-19 among UK adults , to find out how quickly people recover from Covid-19 and whether there are any long-term complications .
It will establish a platform for future research in the UK and also evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the physical and mental wellbeing of the population .
The majority of participants are over 50 and 95 per cent white , with more members of BAME communities needed .
Crucially , Prof Martineau warns that there will be no 'one quick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be with us for many years ' .
But he 's hopeful the results of the trial , involving 21 academics from five universities across the UK , could be available by early Spring 2021 .
And he is urging people over 16 to sign up online and take part in a brief questionnaire , which only takes 20 minutes .
Currently , just 0.7 per cent of participants are black ( compared to three per cent in the UK population ) and 2.7 per cent of participants are Asian - compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population .
`` It is something that is concerning BAME communities , '' he said of the coronavirus .
`` But there 's unlikely to be one single factor that explains the differences . ''
He suspects that social factors are more important than biological , but adds that this does not explain the disproportionate number of BAME medical staff who died from coronavirus , as they are not in poorer communities .
Bill Day is one of the participants in the study .
He told a Covidence webinar : `` All of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be true and need to be investigated .
It 's not known what the lasting impacts of the virus are on people .
`` I 'm a person on the shielded list and contributing with this study seems to help us get a better understanding . ''
Another participant , Abdul Abubakar said : `` The virus is obviously going to be here for quite a while .
It really felt like it is a way I , myself , as an individual could help the recovery and get back to normal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes to complete the survey , followed a 10 minute monthly commitment .
On Friday , it emerged South Asian people are at highest risk of dying from Covid-19 after being admitted to UK hospitals , even when factors such as obesity are taken into account .
The findings came from Edinburgh University , in the biggest study of its kind , but it has not yet been peer reviewed or published in a scientific journal , however .
The paper , which drew on data from 30,693 people admitted to 260 hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were 19 per cent more likely to die with coronavirus , while those who were black were 5 per cent more likely to die , and other ethnic minorities had no higher risk compared with white people .
Experts behind the study said 40 per cent of the South Asians in the group had diabetes – which was a 'significant factor ' in their increased risk of death .
Prof Ewen Harrison , who led the study , told the BBC 's Radio 4 Today programme : “ South Asian people look very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in particular , white people .
“ They ’ re younger , 12 years younger in average , less likely to have pre-existing conditions such as lung disease , dementia or obesity but much more likely to have diabetes .
“ In fact 40 per cent of the South Asians in hospital with Covid-19 have diabetes , we think this is quite a significant contributor to their increased likelihood of death.
” Since April , Public Health England has recommended all people supplement their diet with 10 micrograms of vitamin D to maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , meanwhile , specifically recommended earlier this month that people from BAME groups with dark skin should take the supplement .
And researchers at Brussels Free University found the risk of men being hospitalised with coronavirus was a fifth higher in those who were deficient in the vitamin .
The levels of the vitamin in almost 200 coronavirus patients was compared to a control group of more than 2,000 people who were healthy .
Men who were hospitalised with the infection were significantly more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates were 67 per cent in the Covid-19 patient group , and 49 per cent in the control group .
The same was not found for women .
The study , which started in May , tracks people 's experiences using surveys - and they are keen to hear from all of us , especially those of us living in the North and Scotland , to build up a picture of how the disease affects us .
It could have answers by as early as Spring 2021 but needs another 4,000 people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people over 16 who have already signed up .
Meanwhile , a review by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ( Nice ) , also looking into the impact of Vitamin D , is to be published soon .
The government 's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition is also looking at evidence on vitamin D and acute respiratory tract infection in the general population , while considering specific population groups , including BAME communities and varying age groups .
The importance of taking Vitamin D was supported by TV doctor Hilary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ITV 's Good Morning Britain on Thursday , Dr Jones said Vitamin D can help boost people 's immune system as he urged people to take the supplement in the winter months .
He said : `` Well , we recommend vitamin D in the winter months for everybody in the UK because we make most of our vitamin D through sunlight on our skin . ''
Speaking of back and minority ethnic communities and Vitamin D , he added : `` It ’ s interesting , we know the pigment in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vitamin D , so it could be a factor in why they ’ re so vulnerable with Covid-19 . ''
He said while there 's no 'concrete evidence that taking those supplements will reduce the risk of Covid-19 ' , the recommended daily dose is 'known to boost the immunity and protect against viruses and bacteria more generally , ' so there 's no harm in taking it .
A Public Health England review published earlier this week said 'there is clear evidence that Covid-19 does not affect all population groups equally .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are so badly affected , it pinpointed historical racism and social inequality - but it did not consider the role of Vitamin D in the disparity .
Based on engagement with 4,000 people – it found that historic racism may mean people are discriminated against when it comes to personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and may result in those from BAME backgrounds being less likely to seek care or demand better protection .
Alongside age and ethnicity , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has described living in a city as a risk factor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report : “ There is much more work to do to understand what ’ s driving these disparities and how the different risk factors interact , and we are absolutely determined to get to the bottom of this and find ways of closing that gap . ''
Follow this link to sign up to the study .

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For black and minority ethnic people in the UK, the novel coronavirus, which has so far killed more than 53,000 people in hospitals, care homes and the community, has been a particularly scary disease.
As the pandemic wore on, it became increasingly obvious that people of BAME heritage were disproportionately affected, with a high number of medical workers from these communities dying from the disease.
Research from the Office for National Statistics showed people from non-white British backgrounds were badly affected by higher death rates.
They found if you are of Bangladeshi heritage, you are twice as likely to die with coronavirus than if you are of white, British heritage.
Meanwhile, ONS has found Black men are twice as likely to die with coronavirus than white men, bucking the previous trend for higher 'all-cause mortality' rates in the white community.
Against that background, queries are mounting about whether Vitamin D could help explain why some people are affected more badly than others - and if the nutrient, which we absorb from sunshine, could have a critical role to play in fighting the disease.
(Image: PA)
It is known that people with dark skin, with genetic roots in hot countries - such as those of African, African-Caribbean or south Asian origin - will need to spend longer in the sun in milder climates to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin would.
People in care homes, who may not be spending much time outside, and people in Northern areas - which get less sunshine - are also at greater risk of being deprived of Vitamin D.
Care homes have been badly hit by the pandemic - and North West England has been a pandemic hotspot.
Now, with GPs and health bodies already recommending that patients start taking it, Covidence, a major academic study, is examining the link between lack of Vitamin D, coronavirus and the impact on people in the UK.
And it needs people from areas like ours - diverse, Northern and urban - to sign up and take part, so it can get to the bottom of the pandemic's patterns.
The study is led by Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Immunity Adrian Martineau, of Queen Mary University London.
Having spent 15 years looking at the impact of Vitamin D, he told the M.E.N it does boost the immune system, can 'dampen inflammation', and that there's 'circumstantial evidence' it can help with respiratory infection.
"It's an interesting time for us," he said. "Hopefully we will be able to shed daylight in the evidence vacuum - as Covid is a new pathogen."
Prof Martineau told the M.E.N that Vitamin D boosts the ability of cells to kill and resist viruses and simultaneously dampens harmful inflammation, which is one of the major problems of the sickest people with Covid-19.
He notes that the virus took hold when 'Vitamin D levels were at their very lowest at the end of Spring', adding: "It may not be a coincidence. Some studies have associated low Vitamin D with the worst outcomes of Covid."
Obesity is another risk factor.
"It could be that obesity is the primary problem with more adapose (fat) tissue becoming inflamed leading to cytokinesis (which happens in the most seriously ill coronavirus patients as their body's immune system overreacts)," Prof Martineau said.
People who are obese can be more prone to low Vitamin D, like people living in institutions such as care homes where they don't get outdoors much, or people of BAME heritage.
But there's no guarantee the mortality outcomes can be explained as simply as that - which is why the study is needed.
"It's possible the illness itself causes the low Vitamin D and makes you deficient," Prof Martineau said.
(Image: PA)
The aims of the study he leads are to advance understanding of risk factors for Covid-19 among UK adults, to find out how quickly people recover from Covid-19 and whether there are any long-term complications.
It will establish a platform for future research in the UK and also evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the physical and mental wellbeing of the population.
The majority of participants are over 50 and 95 per cent white, with more members of BAME communities needed.
(Image: PA)
Crucially, Prof Martineau warns that there will be no 'one quick fix with Covid and it's going to be with us for many years'.
But he's hopeful the results of the trial, involving 21 academics from five universities across the UK, could be available by early Spring 2021.
And he is urging people over 16 to sign up online and take part in a brief questionnaire, which only takes 20 minutes.
Currently, just 0.7 per cent of participants are black (compared to three per cent in the UK population) and 2.7 per cent of participants are Asian - compared to 8 per cent in the UK population.
"It is something that is concerning BAME communities," he said of the coronavirus. "But there's unlikely to be one single factor that explains the differences."
He suspects that social factors are more important than biological, but adds that this does not explain the disproportionate number of BAME medical staff who died from coronavirus, as they are not in poorer communities.
Bill Day is one of the participants in the study.
He told a Covidence webinar: "All of our assumptions about healthy living may not be true and need to be investigated. It's not known what the lasting impacts of the virus are on people.
"I'm a person on the shielded list and contributing with this study seems to help us get a better understanding."
Another participant, Abdul Abubakar said: "The virus is obviously going to be here for quite a while. It really felt like it is a way I, myself, as an individual could help the recovery and get back to normal."
Mr Abubakar said it took 45 minutes to complete the survey, followed a 10 minute monthly commitment.
On Friday, it emerged South Asian people are at highest risk of dying from Covid-19 after being admitted to UK hospitals, even when factors such as obesity are taken into account.
The findings came from Edinburgh University, in the biggest study of its kind, but it has not yet been peer reviewed or published in a scientific journal, however.
The paper, which drew on data from 30,693 people admitted to 260 hospitals showed that those who were South Asian were 19 per cent more likely to die with coronavirus, while those who were black were 5 per cent more likely to die, and other ethnic minorities had no higher risk compared with white people.
Experts behind the study said 40 per cent of the South Asians in the group had diabetes – which was a 'significant factor' in their increased risk of death.
Prof Ewen Harrison, who led the study, told the BBC's Radio 4 Today programme: “South Asian people look very different in hospital to other groups, in particular, white people.
“They’re younger, 12 years younger in average, less likely to have pre-existing conditions such as lung disease, dementia or obesity but much more likely to have diabetes.
(Image: PA)
“In fact 40 per cent of the South Asians in hospital with Covid-19 have diabetes, we think this is quite a significant contributor to their increased likelihood of death.”
Since April, Public Health England has recommended all people supplement their diet with 10 micrograms of vitamin D to maintain bone and muscle structure.
The Scottish government, meanwhile, specifically recommended earlier this month that people from BAME groups with dark skin should take the supplement.
And researchers at Brussels Free University found the risk of men being hospitalised with coronavirus was a fifth higher in those who were deficient in the vitamin.
The levels of the vitamin in almost 200 coronavirus patients was compared to a control group of more than 2,000 people who were healthy.
Men who were hospitalised with the infection were significantly more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency than those in the control group.
Deficiency rates were 67 per cent in the Covid-19 patient group, and 49 per cent in the control group. The same was not found for women.
The study, which started in May, tracks people's experiences using surveys - and they are keen to hear from all of us, especially those of us living in the North and Scotland, to build up a picture of how the disease affects us.
It could have answers by as early as Spring 2021 but needs another 4,000 people to join, in addition to the 8,000 people over 16 who have already signed up.
Meanwhile, a review by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), also looking into the impact of Vitamin D, is to be published soon.
The government's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition is also looking at evidence on vitamin D and acute respiratory tract infection in the general population, while considering specific population groups, including BAME communities and varying age groups.
(Image: ITV)
The importance of taking Vitamin D was supported by TV doctor Hilary Jones just this week.
Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Thursday, Dr Jones said Vitamin D can help boost people's immune system as he urged people to take the supplement in the winter months.
He said: "Well, we recommend vitamin D in the winter months for everybody in the UK because we make most of our vitamin D through sunlight on our skin."
Speaking of back and minority ethnic communities and Vitamin D, he added: "It’s interesting, we know the pigment in their skin being higher reduces the production of vitamin D, so it could be a factor in why they’re so vulnerable with Covid-19."
(Image: PA)
He said while there's no 'concrete evidence that taking those supplements will reduce the risk of Covid-19', the recommended daily dose is 'known to boost the immunity and protect against viruses and bacteria more generally,' so there's no harm in taking it.
A Public Health England review published earlier this week said 'there is clear evidence that Covid-19 does not affect all population groups equally.
Looking into the reasons why BAME people are so badly affected, it pinpointed historical racism and social inequality - but it did not consider the role of Vitamin D in the disparity.
Based on engagement with 4,000 people – it found that historic racism may mean people are discriminated against when it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE) and may result in those from BAME backgrounds being less likely to seek care or demand better protection.
Alongside age and ethnicity, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has described living in a city as a risk factor.
He said, in response to the report: “There is much more work to do to understand what’s driving these disparities and how the different risk factors interact, and we are absolutely determined to get to the bottom of this and find ways of closing that gap."
Follow this link to sign up to the study.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-21--Manchester United evening headlines as Maguire mocked by Man Utd academy player

Manchester United youngster James Garner has stated his desire to live up to the high expectations put on him by Fred .
The Brazilian midfielder previously outlined that Garner impressed him the most out of any talent from United ’ s academy .
Fred told Trivela in April : “ He is a player who has an impressive vision of the game , has a huge future for United . ''
Garner has made three starts in the Europa League this season but is yet to play for the senior side in 2020 .
`` It was very nice to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see that kind of stuff , it makes you smile but it also makes you want to get better to show him , and not just him but everyone , that they can have the same opinion .
`` The main goal is to get into the first team and , really , I 'll take it from there .
Each day , I 'll try to impress and eventually try to get into the team . ''
Dillon Hoogewerf shared a post on social media which mocked Harry Maguire ’ s error @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal against United .
The Spurs forward breezed past Maguire before firing at David de Gea , who was equally at fault for the goal as he parried the ball into the roof of the net .
Bruno Fernandes equalised late on from the penalty spot to salvage a draw for Solskjaer ’ s side but from Maguire and de Gea .
Hoogewerf , a 17-year-old striker in United 's academy , shared a video on his Instagram account which pointed out the mistake made by Maguire .
The Instagram story showed footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a street before falling over after attempting to kick the bike .
The video ’ s caption read : `` what the back of Bergwijn 's boots saw when he ran past Harry Maguire '' .
Former United striker Wayne Rooney insists that Liverpool could create a dynasty similar to the one created at Old Trafford by Sir Alex Ferguson .
Liverpool will secure their first Premier League title with wins against Everton and Crystal Palace , adding to last season ’ s UEFA Champions League triumph .
However , Klopp has played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ length of success to Ferguson amid speculation of how long his side can continue to win trophies .
Nevertheless , Rooney believes that Klopp and his side could go on to have an incredibly successful period in the coming years .
`` Liverpool ’ s squad is young and all the key players are tied down on long contracts , '' Rooney said in his `` They have huge potential to win more trophies .
`` Klopp says it ’ s impossible for any club to dominate like United once did but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simple way for Liverpool : let Klopp go on and on .
`` United dominated because Fergie stayed so long .
I think if Klopp , who is only 53 , stayed at Anfield for the next ten years Liverpool would win at least five Premier League titles .
`` If I were one of Liverpool ’ s owners , I would be doing everything in my power to tie him down for many years . ''

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United youngster Garner responds to Fred comments
Manchester United youngster James Garner has stated his desire to live up to the high expectations put on him by Fred.
The Brazilian midfielder previously outlined that Garner impressed him the most out of any talent from United’s academy.
Fred told Trivela in April: “He is a player who has an impressive vision of the game, has a huge future for United."
Garner has made three starts in the Europa League this season but is yet to play for the senior side in 2020.
"It was very nice to hear it," Garner told United's website of Fred's comments. "When you see that kind of stuff, it makes you smile but it also makes you want to get better to show him, and not just him but everyone, that they can have the same opinion.
"The main goal is to get into the first team and, really, I'll take it from there. Each day, I'll try to impress and eventually try to get into the team."
Academy player mocks Maguire mistake versus Spurs
Dillon Hoogewerf shared a post on social media which mocked Harry Maguire’s error leading up to Steven Bergwijn’s goal against United.
The Spurs forward breezed past Maguire before firing at David de Gea, who was equally at fault for the goal as he parried the ball into the roof of the net.
Bruno Fernandes equalised late on from the penalty spot to salvage a draw for Solskjaer’s side but former United midfielder Roy Keane slammed individual errors from Maguire and de Gea.
Hoogewerf, a 17-year-old striker in United's academy, shared a video on his Instagram account which pointed out the mistake made by Maguire.
The Instagram story showed footage of a man chasing a cyclist down a street before falling over after attempting to kick the bike.
The video’s caption read: "what the back of Bergwijn's boots saw when he ran past Harry Maguire".
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Rooney disagrees with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
Former United striker Wayne Rooney insists that Liverpool could create a dynasty similar to the one created at Old Trafford by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Liverpool will secure their first Premier League title with wins against Everton and Crystal Palace, adding to last season’s UEFA Champions League triumph. However, Klopp has played down the possibility of replicating a similar length of success to Ferguson amid speculation of how long his side can continue to win trophies.
Nevertheless, Rooney believes that Klopp and his side could go on to have an incredibly successful period in the coming years.
"Liverpool’s squad is young and all the key players are tied down on long contracts," Rooney said in his Sunday Times column . "They have huge potential to win more trophies.
"Klopp says it’s impossible for any club to dominate like United once did but he is wrong. There’s a simple way for Liverpool: let Klopp go on and on.
"United dominated because Fergie stayed so long. I think if Klopp, who is only 53, stayed at Anfield for the next ten years Liverpool would win at least five Premier League titles.
"If I were one of Liverpool’s owners, I would be doing everything in my power to tie him down for many years."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-21--Aguero and Otamendi in - Man City predicted XI vs Burnley

It ’ s a short turn around for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola as the Premier League restart gets into full swing .
Just five days after the 3-0 win over Arsenal in the opening game of the restart , City host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Monday evening .
Goals from Raheem Sterling , Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden gave Pep Guardiola ’ s men a comfortable victory over the Gunners , and they will be looking to repeat that against Burnley and maintain the pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table .
Guardiola hinted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to change his side for the visit of the Clarets , especially in defence , where the head injury suffered to Eric Garcia on Wednesday means he will be forced into at least one change .
So who could Guardiola pick in his starting lineup for the match ?
Barring any last-minute injuries , Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson will maintain his place in goal vs Burnley .
In front of Ederson , central defender Garcia will be unavailable after suffering a concussion in the second half of the win over Arsenal .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the protocols around the injury .
That means that Guardiola will have to find a new partner for Aymeric Laporte in the centre of defence .
That though may be the only change that the City manager decides to make in the backline after a clean sheet against Arsenal , with Nicolas Otamendi the likely man to come in .
David Silva was chosen to start in the last game in midfield , however , with the aim of keeping things fresh in the middle , Guardiola could opt for Rodri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne in midfield .
Raheem Sterling was on the scoresheet against Arsenal and is likely to retain his place opposite fellow wideman Riyad Mahrez , who has had an improved second season in a City shirt .
Leroy Sane is still awaiting his first appearance of the season and could come off the bench again .
Up front , City have the choice between Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero , with Jesus getting the nod against Arsenal , Aguero could get his chance to add to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the third goal against the Gunners .

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It’s a short turn around for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola as the Premier League restart gets into full swing.
Just five days after the 3-0 win over Arsenal in the opening game of the restart, City host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Monday evening.
Goals from Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden gave Pep Guardiola’s men a comfortable victory over the Gunners, and they will be looking to repeat that against Burnley and maintain the pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table.
Guardiola hinted after the routine win that he is likely to change his side for the visit of the Clarets, especially in defence, where the head injury suffered to Eric Garcia on Wednesday means he will be forced into at least one change.
So who could Guardiola pick in his starting lineup for the match?
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Barring any last-minute injuries, Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson will maintain his place in goal vs Burnley.
In front of Ederson, central defender Garcia will be unavailable after suffering a concussion in the second half of the win over Arsenal. The 19-year-old will need 10 days of rest due to the protocols around the injury. That means that Guardiola will have to find a new partner for Aymeric Laporte in the centre of defence.
That though may be the only change that the City manager decides to make in the backline after a clean sheet against Arsenal, with Nicolas Otamendi the likely man to come in.
David Silva was chosen to start in the last game in midfield, however, with the aim of keeping things fresh in the middle, Guardiola could opt for Rodri instead, with the Spaniard lining up alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne in midfield.
Raheem Sterling was on the scoresheet against Arsenal and is likely to retain his place opposite fellow wideman Riyad Mahrez, who has had an improved second season in a City shirt. Leroy Sane is still awaiting his first appearance of the season and could come off the bench again.
Up front, City have the choice between Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero, with Jesus getting the nod against Arsenal, Aguero could get his chance to add to his 16 league goals this season after setting up the third goal against the Gunners.
Predicted City starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Mendy; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Sterling; Aguero


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-21--Man Utd great Ferdinand trolls Arsenal fans with three word tweet

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand baited Arsenal fans on Twitter with a simple three-word message on Sunday morning .
Arsenal were defeated by Brighton on Saturday after French forward Neal Maupay netted deep into injury time to condemn Mikel Arteta to his second loss in two games since the Premier League restarted .
The defeat leaves the Gunners 10th in the table , eight points adrift of fourth placed Chelsea having played a game more and six points behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's United .
A return to Champions League football now seems out of reach for the north @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remind supporters of yesterday 's result .
United returned to action on Friday , drawing 1-1 with Jose Mourinho 's Tottenham thanks to a Bruno Fernandes penalty .
Ferdinand is backing his former side to secure a place in the top four .
He said : `` I reckon they should make the top four — with that squad they ought to .
`` Paul Pogba is fit again , as is Marcus Rashford , there is talk Pogba is looking really good in training .
`` They haven ’ t lost in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s good management are coming to fruition now .
I ’ ve never lost faith in Ole despite all the criticism he was getting .
`` I believe in him and if he makes that top four he ’ ll have done a good job .
He also still has the Europa League to aim for if we can get that going again . ''

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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand baited Arsenal fans on Twitter with a simple three-word message on Sunday morning.
Arsenal were defeated by Brighton on Saturday after French forward Neal Maupay netted deep into injury time to condemn Mikel Arteta to his second loss in two games since the Premier League restarted.
The defeat leaves the Gunners 10th in the table, eight points adrift of fourth placed Chelsea having played a game more and six points behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United.
A return to Champions League football now seems out of reach for the north London side and Ferdinand was keen to remind supporters of yesterday's result.
Morning Arsenal Fans..... ☕ — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 21, 2020
Predictably, United fans loved his tweet.
United returned to action on Friday, drawing 1-1 with Jose Mourinho's Tottenham thanks to a Bruno Fernandes penalty.
Ferdinand is backing his former side to secure a place in the top four.
He said: "I reckon they should make the top four — with that squad they ought to.
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"Paul Pogba is fit again, as is Marcus Rashford, there is talk Pogba is looking really good in training.
"They haven’t lost in about ten games and signs of Ole’s good management are coming to fruition now. I’ve never lost faith in Ole despite all the criticism he was getting.
"I believe in him and if he makes that top four he’ll have done a good job. He also still has the Europa League to aim for if we can get that going again."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Outrage as plans to shut off major road to cars put on hold indefinitely

Plans to pedestrianise a busy road in Altrincham have been indefinitely put on hold and those living nearby are furious .
During lockdown , Trafford Council announced its potential plans to shut off Barrington Road along with others in the borough to traffic .
In a similar move to the pedestrianisation of Deansgate in Manchester city centre , the idea had been to construct a barrier at the junction between Sandiway Road and Gaskell Road for up to a year and a half .
An official traffic order appeared on the council ’ s website stating the barrier would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received letters from the council with further details .
The idea was heralded as part of the council ’ s aim to bring about a cleaner , greener borough for current and future residents and reduce pollution .
The busy road is a main route through Altrincham for buses , lorries and cars , but the hope was to restrict it to pedestrians and cyclists ; reducing pollution , noise and vibrations from passing traffic .
But it has emerged these proposals have now been indefinitely paused .
John Baxter is 65 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dementia .
He and his family live just off Barrington Road .
He said : “ The residents are outraged .
[ In May ] we received a letter through the post outlining the plan to put a barrier across Barrington Road stopping all through traffic except for cyclists and walkers and our household rejoiced at this news .
“ Our lives have been ruined since moving to our new home in November 2017 .
The buses relentlessly drive up and down along with numerous HGV ’ s and cars .
This caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house started to shake .
“ My bed was hopping across the floor and I got seriously ill with migraines because of sleep deprivation , I had to sleep on a single mattress on the ground floor kitchen.
” Mr Baxter said all this was caused by the large vehicles crashing into the ruts and pot holes along the road outside his home , causing “ huge vibrations ” in houses along the route .
He added : “ It only stopped when the road was resurfaced in February 2018 , but is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baxter said he felt `` betrayed '' the plans had been put on hold .
He said : “ I was absolutely gutted to see the Barrington Road barrier put on hold .
I felt betrayed and disgusted that the council could send these letters to all the residents building their hopes up only to destroy them , it was horrible .
“ It was brought about by selfish people in the surrounding areas who complained that they were worried that some of the traffic would come down their roads and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on enduring the traffic problem.
” A spokesperson at One Trafford , the partnership between Trafford Council and its contractors Amey , said : “ Following concerns from residents living around Barrington Road , Altrincham , we are reviewing potential options to continue the cycleway into Altrincham as part of our commitment to active travel and cycleways .
“ In the meantime a decision was made to put Barrington Road closure plans on hold.
” Residents can continue to add their thoughts and comments on the proposals for Barrington Road and others here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Streets campaign .

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Plans to pedestrianise a busy road in Altrincham have been indefinitely put on hold and those living nearby are furious.
During lockdown, Trafford Council announced its potential plans to shut off Barrington Road along with others in the borough to traffic.
In a similar move to the pedestrianisation of Deansgate in Manchester city centre, the idea had been to construct a barrier at the junction between Sandiway Road and Gaskell Road for up to a year and a half.
An official traffic order appeared on the council’s website stating the barrier would be in place by June 20 and residents received letters from the council with further details.
(Image: Google)
The idea was heralded as part of the council’s aim to bring about a cleaner, greener borough for current and future residents and reduce pollution.
The busy road is a main route through Altrincham for buses, lorries and cars, but the hope was to restrict it to pedestrians and cyclists; reducing pollution, noise and vibrations from passing traffic.
But it has emerged these proposals have now been indefinitely paused.
John Baxter is 65 and cares for his elderly mother who has dementia. He and his family live just off Barrington Road.
He said: “The residents are outraged. [In May] we received a letter through the post outlining the plan to put a barrier across Barrington Road stopping all through traffic except for cyclists and walkers and our household rejoiced at this news.
“Our lives have been ruined since moving to our new home in November 2017. The buses relentlessly drive up and down along with numerous HGV’s and cars. This caused the tarmac to fall apart and our house started to shake.
“My bed was hopping across the floor and I got seriously ill with migraines because of sleep deprivation, I had to sleep on a single mattress on the ground floor kitchen.”
Mr Baxter said all this was caused by the large vehicles crashing into the ruts and pot holes along the road outside his home, causing “huge vibrations” in houses along the route.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
He added: “It only stopped when the road was resurfaced in February 2018, but is already starting to break up.”
Mr Baxter said he felt "betrayed" the plans had been put on hold.
He said: “I was absolutely gutted to see the Barrington Road barrier put on hold. I felt betrayed and disgusted that the council could send these letters to all the residents building their hopes up only to destroy them, it was horrible.
“It was brought about by selfish people in the surrounding areas who complained that they were worried that some of the traffic would come down their roads and that the residents of Barrington Road should just keep on enduring the traffic problem.”
A spokesperson at One Trafford, the partnership between Trafford Council and its contractors Amey, said: “Following concerns from residents living around Barrington Road, Altrincham, we are reviewing potential options to continue the cycleway into Altrincham as part of our commitment to active travel and cycleways.
“In the meantime a decision was made to put Barrington Road closure plans on hold.”
Residents can continue to add their thoughts and comments on the proposals for Barrington Road and others here, through the council’s Safer Streets campaign.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Molly-Mae Hague on 'horrendous' two weeks following death of puppy

Molly-Mae Hague has opened up on a 'horrendous ' two weeks after her puppy died five days after she got him .
The pomeranian pup , which she and partner Tommy Fury named Mr Chai , was just four and a half months old and a gift for Molly-Mae 's 21st birthday last month .
After a few days with the couple , Mr Chai started to become unwell and after a trip to the vets he had a seizure and passed away .
Molly-Mae and Tommy , also 21 , received a lot of backlash after it was reveled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving the pair having to reveal the autopsy results for the dog .
Following a break on social media , the influencer has returned with her first YouTube video since the pup 's death and a big house move in Manchester .
Speaking in a hair and beauty tutorial video , Molly said : `` I 'm back on YouTube and this was actually a little sooner than I had planned .
I was enjoying the break from social media and just taking some time to just chill with Tommy and just deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going through over the last month .
`` The last few weeks have really made me reflect on how on Earth people go through things like losing a parent , losing a family member , losing someone close to them like a girlfriend , boyfriend – whatever it is , I do not understand how people go through that kind of stuff .
`` I 'm just extremely lucky in my life that I 've never lost a family member at this age .
I honestly just cry thinking about it because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been horrendous and it was a dog and I had him for five days . ''
She went on to say that she and Tommy were in a great place prior to Mr Chai 's death but have since had a fresh start , moving out of their former apartment in Ancoats and into a new home .
`` I was literally on cloud nine , it 's probably the happiest I 've ever been and in a split second just like that , everything can just change , '' Molly-Mae said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ city centre and I think that was something we really needed .
`` I moved up from Hertfordshire to live in the city so I never ever wanted to move out of the city .
So many times Tommy suggested maybe we should move somewhere quieter , but I was like no , the whole reason I moved up here was to be like a city girl .
`` There was just a lot of sad memories in that apartment towards the end .
It served its purpose so well . ''
Molly-Mae @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new home which she shares with boxer Tommy , who met on last summer 's series of the dating show Love Island .

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Molly-Mae Hague has opened up on a 'horrendous' two weeks after her puppy died five days after she got him.
The pomeranian pup, which she and partner Tommy Fury named Mr Chai, was just four and a half months old and a gift for Molly-Mae's 21st birthday last month.
After a few days with the couple, Mr Chai started to become unwell and after a trip to the vets he had a seizure and passed away.
Molly-Mae and Tommy, also 21, received a lot of backlash after it was reveled the pup had been shipped from Russia leaving the pair having to reveal the autopsy results for the dog.
Following a break on social media, the influencer has returned with her first YouTube video since the pup's death and a big house move in Manchester.
Speaking in a hair and beauty tutorial video, Molly said: "I'm back on YouTube and this was actually a little sooner than I had planned. I was enjoying the break from social media and just taking some time to just chill with Tommy and just deal with some of the stuff we were going through over the last month.
"The last few weeks have really made me reflect on how on Earth people go through things like losing a parent, losing a family member, losing someone close to them like a girlfriend, boyfriend – whatever it is, I do not understand how people go through that kind of stuff.
"I'm just extremely lucky in my life that I've never lost a family member at this age. I honestly just cry thinking about it because the last two weeks for me have just been horrendous and it was a dog and I had him for five days."
She went on to say that she and Tommy were in a great place prior to Mr Chai's death but have since had a fresh start, moving out of their former apartment in Ancoats and into a new home.
(Image: Molly-Mae Hague/YouTube)
"I was literally on cloud nine, it's probably the happiest I've ever been and in a split second just like that, everything can just change," Molly-Mae said.
"We have moved out of the city centre and I think that was something we really needed.
"I moved up from Hertfordshire to live in the city so I never ever wanted to move out of the city. So many times Tommy suggested maybe we should move somewhere quieter, but I was like no, the whole reason I moved up here was to be like a city girl.
"There was just a lot of sad memories in that apartment towards the end. It served its purpose so well."
Molly-Mae recently gave fans a glimpse inside her new home which she shares with boxer Tommy, who met on last summer's series of the dating show Love Island.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Dad caught using his four-day-old baby to smuggle drugs

A newborn baby was taken into care after his dad was caught using the infant 's pram to smuggle cannabis .
The 27-year-old father , from Wigan , was stopped by British Transport Police at Liverpool Lime Street station as part of an operation targeting county lines drug dealing .
The dad was arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and was released under investigation , reports the Liverpool Echo .
As a result of the arrest , the youngster was taken in by social services , according to authorities .
County lines refers to young , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent and often forced to sell drugs in smaller towns or rural areas , where there is less competition from rival gangs .
A BTP spokesman said : `` A man suspected of using his baby boy to sneak drugs through Liverpool Lime Street station has been arrested by British Transport Police ’ s County Lines Taskforce .
`` The Taskforce works nationally , carrying out operations across England Wales and Scotland , to tackle gangs using the railway to move drugs and cash .
`` They stopped the man on Tuesday 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baby in a pram with suspected cannabis stashed in the undercarriage .
`` The 27-year-old from Wigan , who was arrested at Liverpool Lime Street , was arrested on suspicion of carrying a Class B drug with intent to supply .
`` He has been released under investigation while officers carry out further enquiries .
`` The baby has since been taken into the care of the social services .
`` The arrest was part of the Taskforce ’ s latest operation in the Merseyside area , with support from Merseyside Police .
@

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A newborn baby was taken into care after his dad was caught using the infant's pram to smuggle cannabis.
The 27-year-old father, from Wigan, was stopped by British Transport Police at Liverpool Lime Street station as part of an operation targeting county lines drug dealing.
Officers discovered the drugs stashed inside the buggy's undercarriage.
The dad was arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and was released under investigation, reports the Liverpool Echo.
As a result of the arrest, the youngster was taken in by social services, according to authorities.
County lines refers to young, vulnerable or easily manipulated drug dealers being sent and often forced to sell drugs in smaller towns or rural areas, where there is less competition from rival gangs.
(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
A BTP spokesman said: "A man suspected of using his baby boy to sneak drugs through Liverpool Lime Street station has been arrested by British Transport Police’s County Lines Taskforce.
"The Taskforce works nationally, carrying out operations across England Wales and Scotland, to tackle gangs using the railway to move drugs and cash.
"They stopped the man on Tuesday 12 May, as he pushed his four-day-old baby in a pram with suspected cannabis stashed in the undercarriage.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
"The 27-year-old from Wigan, who was arrested at Liverpool Lime Street, was arrested on suspicion of carrying a Class B drug with intent to supply.
"He has been released under investigation while officers carry out further enquiries.
"The baby has since been taken into the care of the social services.
"The arrest was part of the Taskforce’s latest operation in the Merseyside area, with support from Merseyside Police."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--Manchester United's succession plan for Dean Henderson has already changed

Players are judged differently through the prism of their reputations and it was only when Graeme Souness was back on mic in the studio that Dean Henderson 's positioning for Matt Ritchie 's goal was called into question .
If Gary Neville , the hardest pundit on goalkeepers , was on commentary then he would have questioned why Henderson was not further to his right .
Newcastle midfielder Ritchie 's rifled shot did not kiss the near post and Henderson did not attempt to save it .
Near post used to be David de Gea 's Kryptonite , though he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controlling him with a voodoo doll .
Specifically since the beginning of March last year , De Gea has started to regress and the plethora of errors in last season 's run-in outnumbered any he had committed in the previous five : Valery , Xhaka , Messi , Sigurdsson , Digne , Sane , Alonso .
De Gea did not record a clean sheet in his last 14 appearances of 2018-19 .
This season they have become more egregious : Van Aanholt , Sarr , Calvert-Lewin , Bergwijn .
The irony is De @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has looked like his old self ; the one-man defence in the first-half at Sheffield United , stunning saves from Rodri at City and Jordan Henderson at the Kop .
He had four clean sheets in five prior to the Bergwijn fumble .
Roy Keane 's half-time diatribe was beyond parody and God forbid Neville - on commentary at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium - text his old captain how quiet De Gea was in an empty stadium .
When he was adjacent to the press box in the first-half , one could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gea .
His silence is usually an asset .
Joe Hart , once De Gea 's superior , is proof the loudest voice seldom belongs to the most intelligent mind and he relinquished world-class status nearly eight years ago .
Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon , two of the 'keepers of the century , were almost always phlegmatic in their pomp .
Henderson 's idol was Hart and there are obvious parallels beyond the cocksure personalities .
Hart has his own attachment with Shrewsbury Town , where Henderson formed a bond on loan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a Premier League loan in a season he turned 23 before a scheduled major tournament .
Hart returned to his parent club in Manchester to assume the number one role , though De Gea is a more formidable competitor than the overrated Shay Given .
Henderson 's aberration at Newcastle was cause for United to take stock and not rush into wresting the torch from De Gea .
Henderson was mildly culpable for Allan Saint-Maximin 's opener after Enda Stevens swiped at thin air and there was personal humiliation in conceding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time Henderson had conceded three in a Premier League game .
A little like Hart , Henderson can become too big for his boots and has previously made mistakes amid mounting hype .
He basked in the adulation of his Under-21 European Championship opener against France last year by liking a tweet suggesting he had replaced De Gea as United 's number one and in the next match dropped a clanger against Romania .
England lost and were eliminated .
Henderson is still young enough to embrace equanimity but has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What could be decisive in United 's goalkeeping dilemma is De Gea seems to have nestled into a comfort zone .
He is on a £300,000-a-week four-year contract , turns 29 in November , the Real Madrid armada has sailed , and his girlfriend is not pining for him to return to Spain .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has failed to challenge De Gea by overlooking Sergio Romero for Premier League matches .
Henderson , not long turned 23 , is at a hungrier age .
`` I always wanted to get out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my comfort zone , '' he said upon arrival at Sheffield United two years ago .
It is understood that was a reference to his academy goalkeeping predecessor Sam Johnstone , who enjoyed the perks of a professional Manchester United footballer until he permanently left at the age of 25 without ever playing for the first-team .
De Gea is not a busted flush and would still improve elite European clubs ( Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain ) ; he is at the same age Peter Schmeichel turned in his first season with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Championship with Denmark .
The talent pool of Spanish custodians is not as deep as it was during their international hegemony though De Gea is still the most talented .
Romero is good enough to ensure a Mexican stand-off between the finest Argentinian , Spanish , and English goalkeepers at United but may stand aside .
He is out of contract next year and recently switched to the Stellar Group agency , which curiously also represents Henderson .
The most concise advice Henderson has received so far has not been from another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play for the top teams , if he wants to play for England , then he needs to do better , '' Chris Wilder said .
`` He needs to concentrate more . ''
Henderson will be judged differently at United .

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Players are judged differently through the prism of their reputations and it was only when Graeme Souness was back on mic in the studio that Dean Henderson's positioning for Matt Ritchie's goal was called into question.
If Gary Neville, the hardest pundit on goalkeepers, was on commentary then he would have questioned why Henderson was not further to his right. Newcastle midfielder Ritchie's rifled shot did not kiss the near post and Henderson did not attempt to save it.
Near post used to be David de Gea's Kryptonite, though he now keeps goal as though someone is controlling him with a voodoo doll. Specifically since the beginning of March last year, De Gea has started to regress and the plethora of errors in last season's run-in outnumbered any he had committed in the previous five: Valery, Xhaka, Messi, Sigurdsson, Digne, Sane, Alonso. De Gea did not record a clean sheet in his last 14 appearances of 2018-19.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
This season they have become more egregious: Van Aanholt, Sarr, Calvert-Lewin, Bergwijn. The irony is De Gea has had spells of form where he has looked like his old self; the one-man defence in the first-half at Sheffield United, stunning saves from Rodri at City and Jordan Henderson at the Kop. He had four clean sheets in five prior to the Bergwijn fumble.
Roy Keane's half-time diatribe was beyond parody and God forbid Neville - on commentary at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium - text his old captain how quiet De Gea was in an empty stadium. When he was adjacent to the press box in the first-half, one could make out just one murmur from De Gea.
His silence is usually an asset. Joe Hart, once De Gea's superior, is proof the loudest voice seldom belongs to the most intelligent mind and he relinquished world-class status nearly eight years ago. Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon, two of the 'keepers of the century, were almost always phlegmatic in their pomp.
Henderson's idol was Hart and there are obvious parallels beyond the cocksure personalities. Hart has his own attachment with Shrewsbury Town, where Henderson formed a bond on loan, and was the best English goalkeeper during a Premier League loan in a season he turned 23 before a scheduled major tournament.
Hart returned to his parent club in Manchester to assume the number one role, though De Gea is a more formidable competitor than the overrated Shay Given.
Henderson's aberration at Newcastle was cause for United to take stock and not rush into wresting the torch from De Gea. Henderson was mildly culpable for Allan Saint-Maximin's opener after Enda Stevens swiped at thin air and there was personal humiliation in conceding to the usually jittery Joelinton. It was the first time Henderson had conceded three in a Premier League game.
A little like Hart, Henderson can become too big for his boots and has previously made mistakes amid mounting hype. He basked in the adulation of his Under-21 European Championship opener against France last year by liking a tweet suggesting he had replaced De Gea as United's number one and in the next match dropped a clanger against Romania. England lost and were eliminated. Henderson is still young enough to embrace equanimity but has to eradicate errors when under intense scrutiny.
What could be decisive in United's goalkeeping dilemma is De Gea seems to have nestled into a comfort zone. He is on a £300,000-a-week four-year contract, turns 29 in November, the Real Madrid armada has sailed, and his girlfriend is not pining for him to return to Spain. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has failed to challenge De Gea by overlooking Sergio Romero for Premier League matches.
Henderson, not long turned 23, is at a hungrier age. "I always wanted to get out there and prove myself, rather than sit in my comfort zone," he said upon arrival at Sheffield United two years ago. It is understood that was a reference to his academy goalkeeping predecessor Sam Johnstone, who enjoyed the perks of a professional Manchester United footballer until he permanently left at the age of 25 without ever playing for the first-team.
De Gea is not a busted flush and would still improve elite European clubs (Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain); he is at the same age Peter Schmeichel turned in his first season with United before going on to win the European Championship with Denmark. The talent pool of Spanish custodians is not as deep as it was during their international hegemony though De Gea is still the most talented.
Romero is good enough to ensure a Mexican stand-off between the finest Argentinian, Spanish, and English goalkeepers at United but may stand aside. He is out of contract next year and recently switched to the Stellar Group agency, which curiously also represents Henderson.
The most concise advice Henderson has received so far has not been from another United manager. "If he wants to play for the top teams, if he wants to play for England, then he needs to do better," Chris Wilder said. "He needs to concentrate more."
Henderson will be judged differently at United.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-06-22--75,000 Aldi shoppers queued overnight for its new SpecialBuy item

This week the Met Office has forecasted the hottest day of the year - with temperatures expected to reach an impressive 30C in some parts of the UK .
With such warm weather expected , shoppers have been rushing to deck their gardens out to make sure they can make the most of the sunshine .
Aldi shoppers were no exception this weekend , as 75,000 people queued up with the hopes of bagging one of the supermarket 's most popular summer SpecialBuys - the hanging egg chair .
Aldi 's hanging egg chair made headlines a few weeks ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , leaving 19,000 shoppers waiting up until around 1.30am to try and get their hands on one .
But the Liverpool ECHO reports that shoppers who missed out on the SpecialBuy the first time had another chance to bag one of the chairs over the weekend - and the queues were even longer .
The Hanging Egg Chair went back online yesterday in a new design that is big enough for two people , priced at £199.99 .
Pre-orders opened at midnight , with the virtual queue extending to 74,580 with the wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' .
There was also one report of the furniture set being re-listed on eBay for more than £1,000 .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Emilia Bona, Rachel Pugh)

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This week the Met Office has forecasted the hottest day of the year - with temperatures expected to reach an impressive 30C in some parts of the UK.
With such warm weather expected, shoppers have been rushing to deck their gardens out to make sure they can make the most of the sunshine.
Aldi shoppers were no exception this weekend, as 75,000 people queued up with the hopes of bagging one of the supermarket's most popular summer SpecialBuys - the hanging egg chair.
Aldi's hanging egg chair made headlines a few weeks ago, when it first hit the website, leaving 19,000 shoppers waiting up until around 1.30am to try and get their hands on one.
But the Liverpool ECHO reports that shoppers who missed out on the SpecialBuy the first time had another chance to bag one of the chairs over the weekend - and the queues were even longer.
The Hanging Egg Chair went back online yesterday in a new design that is big enough for two people, priced at £199.99.
Pre-orders opened at midnight, with the virtual queue extending to 74,580 with the wait time frozen on 'more than an hour'.
There was also one report of the furniture set being re-listed on eBay for more than £1,000.