Thousands of Northern Ireland patients wait over 12 hours for emergency care

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Thousands of Northern Ireland patients wait over 12 hours for emergency care

The number of patients who waited more than 12 hours for emergency care has almost doubled over the past year, it has been revealed.

ew figures released by the Department of Health show 45,401 patients waited to be seen at emergency care departments for at least 12 hours in 2019/20, compared with 25,326 in 2018/19.

The figures – which were recorded up until the end of March this year before coronavirus hit its peak in Northern Ireland – show that in one emergency department, more than 9,000 patients waited for longer than nine hours.

At Craigavon Area hospital, the figure jumped from 4,609 to 9,356 in just one year.

In the past year, the total number of patients going to emergency departments for treatment has fallen by almost 11,000 from the previous year.

In 2018/19, 850,522 patients attended emergency departments. A drop from 839,706 in 2019/20.

Meanwhile, no patient waited more than 12 hours at eye casualty, Mid Ulster, Ards, Bangor, South Tyrone and Omagh emergency departments in 2019/2020, the figures reported.

It comes as it was revealed just over six in 10 patients (65.1%) patients on average across all departments can be expected to be seen within four hours after presenting with anything from minor injuries to those needing emergency surgical care.

The ministerial target in the Department of Health is for 95% of patients attending any type of emergency department to be treated and discharged, or admitted within four hours of their arrival.

No patient should wait longer than 12 hours, the targets state.

The department also aimed for at least 80% of patients to have started treatment, following triage, within two hours by March 2020.

At Type 1 emergency departments, which are led by consultants and provide emergency medicine and surgical services over 24 hours, performance against the four-hour waiting time dropped to 59.2% seen within that time frame, compared to 64.7% in 2018/19

These departments make up over four in five of attendances at emergency departments overall, and account for 626,233 of the total 839,706 who visited an emergency department in 2019/20.

At Type 2 departments, which are consultant led but do not provide both emergency medicine and emergency surgical services and/or have time-limited opening hours, performance dropped from 83.8% to 80.2%.

And in Type 3 emergency departments, minor injury units which may be nurse or doctor led, adherence to the four hour target declined marginally, from 99.6% to 99.8%.

Following on from waiting times, 76.7% of patients who went to emergency departments started their treatment within two hours of being triaged.

The Department of Health has been asked for a response on the figures.

Belfast Telegraph

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Maharashtra’s Covid-19 task force member tests positive for virus

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Maharashtra’s Covid-19 task force member tests positive for virus



A senior member of the Maharashtra

government’s COVID-19 task force has tested positive for coronavirus, a health official said on Thursday.


He had been admitted to hospital last week.



The task force of nine senior doctors was formed on April 13 in view of increasing number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the state, especially in Mumbai.


It was asked to monitor the treatment protocol for COVID-19 patients and ICU procedures and help streamline the health services in the state in the face of the pandemic.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)



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Florida Police Heard In Video Laughing About Shooting Rubber Bullets

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Florida Police Heard In Video Laughing About Shooting Rubber Bullets

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Florida police officers can be heard laughing and celebrating after shooting protesters with rubber bullets during a May protest against police brutality, according to newly released body camera footage.

In response to a story by the Miami Herald, Fort Lauderdale police posted a video on its official YouTube channel Wednesday taken from the body camera of Detective Zachary Baro, who was leading the department’s SWAT team unit on May 31. (Warning: Video contains graphic content.) It was less than a week after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, which sparked protests through the U.S.

At one point in the video, Baro can be heard saying, “Beat it” and using a profanity, after officers shot less lethal projectiles.

LaToya Ratlieff was shot in the face during what had been a largely peaceful protest, suffering a fractured skull and requiring 20 stitches. She couldn’t eat for a week and still has trouble seeing out of one eye that is filled with blood.

She has asked to sit down with the police department to discuss ways to change the system and make sure there’s accountability going forward.

“I’m heartbroken. We deserve better,” she said in response to the video late Wednesday night.

A Fort Lauderdale police officer was charged for an incident during that same protest after video showed he pushed a kneeling woman to the ground. Witnesses said the peaceful gathering turned after that as angry protesters responded by throwing bottles. The officer’s colleagues quickly pushed him away from the woman and down the street.

During another section of the video, an officer approaches Baro behind the police line and asks if his body camera is off. After Baro replies incorrectly that his camera is in stand-by mode and not recording, the two officers begin laughing and joking about the people they had shot with rubber bullets.

Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Rick Maglione said in a statement that the department was conducting an exhaustive review of nearly 8,000 minutes of body camera footage, with a report to be completed within the next month.

“The entire video clearly demonstrates our officers were under attack by a group of people who chose to use violence instead of peace to antagonize the situation,” Maglione said. “Although the language is extreme, and offensive to some, our officers were dealing with the chaos of a developing situation.”



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Tiny, simple moon rovers will bring cubesat science to the lunar surface

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Tiny, simple moon rovers will bring cubesat science to the lunar surface

Cubesats have revolutionized orbital science, and a roving counterpart may soon do the same for surface science, beginning on the moon.

Next year, as part of NASA’s lunar delivery orchestrated by the Pennsylvania-based company Astrobotic, the agency will launch a small rover to begin that revolution. That rover is called Iris and is the first of a new, small and simple design called CubeRovers to hearken back to cubesats. These orbital predecessors are small, semi-standardized spacecraft that are cheap to build and launch.

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Quantum ‘kick’ on big object measured for 1st time ever

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Quantum ‘kick’ on big object measured for 1st time ever

Quantum effects are pushing us around all the time, and we now have observational evidence of this somewhat disconcerting fact.

Researchers with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) Scientific Collaboration have measured the tiny kick imparted to their exquisitely sensitive equipment by quantum fluctuations, a new study reports.

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WA doctors to test children in bid to uncover why they might not contract virus

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WA doctors to test children in bid to uncover why they might not contract virus
The Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation has funded two projects to test youngsters who have not shown any symptoms.

Acting head of the Department of Infectious Diseases Doctor Asha Bowen says the search is on to find out why many don’t contract the deadly disease.

The Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation has funded two projects to test youngsters who have not shown any symptoms. (9News)

Over the next six months, 50 random blood samples will be taken from children every month and kids having ear, nose or throat surgery will be swabbed.

It’s in addition to WA’s DETECT program where almost 18,500 people have been tested and DETECT schools has swabbed up to 4500 children. All are in the clear.

“We’re going to use samples on the COVID test to find out if there was any evidence that the children may have had the disease in the past without us knowing,” Dr Bowen explains.

The program will also look at why more adults are contracting the deadly virus compared to children.

200702 Coronavirus Perth Western Australia WA DETECT program testing children no symptoms health news COVID-19
Over the next six months, 50 random blood samples will be taken from children every month and kids having ear, nose or throat surgery will be swabbed. (9News)

Last year, 40 per cent of WA influenza cases were children, compared to COVID-19 infections where four per cent were kids.

“It will also prepare us for answering questions around the vaccine, when it does become available, what proportion might need to be vaccinated,” Dr Bowen says.

In WA, 14 children have been infected with some showing no symptoms, sparking concerns of the threat of community spread.

200702 Coronavirus Perth Western Australia WA DETECT program testing children no symptoms health news COVID-19
It’s in addition to WA’s DETECT program where almost 18,500 people have been tested and DETECT schools has swabbed up to 4500 children. (9News)

“What we’re seeing in Victoria at the moment is a rise in case numbers and it’s possible that something like that can happen in WA.”

There’s hope outcomes of the research will help with the treatment of future viruses and pandemics.

200702 Coronavirus Perth Western Australia WA DETECT program testing children no symptoms health news COVID-19
In WA, 14 children have been infected with some showing no symptoms, sparking concerns of the threat of community spread. (9News)

“This is a really important study which the world will be looking to, to really get some insight into how it impacts on children,” Health Minister Roger Cook says.

Researchers hope to have find out some results beginning of next year.

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Coronavirus updates: US daily cases top 50,000 for first time; Trump hopes pandemic will ‘disappear’; NFL cuts back preseason schedule

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Coronavirus updates: US daily cases top 50,000 for first time; Trump hopes pandemic will ‘disappear’; NFL cuts back preseason schedule

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Of the confirmed two million coronavirus cases, more than 113,000 Americans have died since the virus emerged here a few months ago.

USA TODAY

The U.S. death toll from the pandemic may be tens of thousands higher than reported and the total number of U.S. cases surpassed 50,000 for the first time Wednesday.

The Johns Hopkins data dashboard reported 50,655 new cases, pushing the U.S. total to more than 2.6 million since the pandemic began six months ago. The daily death count was 645. But a study out this week determined there were 87,000 more deaths than expected in the U.S. from March 1 to April 25, based on the average from the previous five years. Only 65% of those deaths were directly attributed to COVID-19, suggesting the rest were linked to the pandemic but not ruled as the main cause, researchers say.

President Donald Trump, discussing the pandemic during a Fox Business interview, said he thinks “at some point, that’s going to sort of just disappear, I hope.”

Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence met with Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey amid the state’s surge in cases, deaths and hospitalizations. “We’re going to make sure Arizona has whatever it takes. … We’re going to make sure every Arizonan impacted by the coronavirus has the health care that we would want any member of our family to have,” Pence said.

Here are some major developments from Wednesday:

  • New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has delayed indoor dining indefinitely.
  • Sheriff deputies will begin to issue citations to people who are not wearing masks in West Hollywood, California. The fine will be $300 total.
  • Following the Senate’s lead, the House voted Wednesday to pass the Paycheck Protection Program extension deadline allowing small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic to apply by August 8.

📈Today’s stats: Globally, there have been more than 10.6 million cases and 516,000 deaths. In the U.S., cases have surpassed 2.6 million with over 128,000 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University data dashboard.

📰 What we’re reading: While the CDC says face shields should not be worn to replace a cloth mask, more and more people are turning to them for additional protection. Here’s where you can buy them. 

Our live blog will be updated throughout the day. For first-in-the-morning updates, sign up for The Daily Briefing.

Drug dexamethasone hard to find after study finds COVID-19 benefits

A steroid that was in shortage before the pandemic has gotten more scarce since researchers reported it can improve the survival rate of COVID-19 patients. A study from the University of Oxford published June 16 shows dexamethasone reduced the risk of death by up to one-third among coronavirus patients on ventilators. Sixteen dosages of the inexpensive steroid had been on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s shortage list since 2019. Half of the shortages had been blamed on demand. Since the promising dexamethasone study was published, manufacturers have sent updates to the FDA list, blaming 15 of the 16 shortages on increased demand.  

“Dexamethasone is the first drug to be shown to improve survival in COVID-19. This is an extremely welcome result,” Peter Horby, one of the chief investigators for the trial, said in a statement. “The survival benefit is clear and large in those patients who are sick enough to require oxygen treatment.”

– Dian Zhang

Six members of Dallas MLS soccer team test positive

A coronavirus outbreak among member of Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas players does not bode well for other leagues attempting to begin competing again. Since arriving in Orlando for the MLS is Back tournament, six players have tested positive for COVID-19, the team said. The team said all players, coaches and staff members had tested negative before leaving Dallas on Saturday. But as part of the screening process at the Walt Disney World resort – where the tournament is set to begin on July 8 – two players tested positive on Saturday, followed by more this week. 

As a result, all members of the club delegation “will remain quarantined in their hotel rooms pending the results of further COVID-19 testing,” the team said. All 26 Major League Soccer teams are staying at the Disney’s Swan and Dolphin resort as the league prepares to resume its regular season.

– Steve Gardner

West Hollywood, California, to begin fining people who don’t wear masks

Deputies in West Hollywood, California, announced Wednesday night that they will start to fine people who are not wearing face masks in public this month.

“Our last option was to conduct enforcement by issuing an Administration Citation, but the risk to Community health is too great,” officials wrote in a statement on Twitter.

The fine is $250, with an additional $50 fee. The West Hollywood station will be the only one in the county sheriff’s department to issue citations, KTLA reported. This comes after California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered bars to close, and restaurants, wineries, movie theaters and other businesses to shut down indoor operations on Wednesday for the next three weeks.

More than 40 California principals quarantined after in-person meeting

More than 40 principals in Northern California have been asked to quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19 after attending an in-person meeting called by the Santa Clara County Unified School District.

An asymptomatic attendee tested positive for the virus days after the meeting, reported TV station KNTV. The district’s superintendent Stella Kemp confirmed the exposure at an online meeting last week, the station reported. “Given the complexities of our reopening, some of our staff meetings are taking place in person. Of course those meetings are being conducted under the strict guidelines provided to us by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department,” Kemp said.

No other attendee has tested positive, Kemp said.

New York City delays reopening of indoor dining amid COVID-19 surge

Indoor dining in New York City has been delayed indefinitely as coronavirus cases spike across the nation, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced. The mayor said at a news conference that he was worried that the state could see another surge of cases. New York City is in its second phase of reopening and will enter its third phase on July 6, which included indoor dining. The mayor said outdoor dining, which began two weeks ago, can continue.

“Outdoors is where we need to be to the maximum extent possible this summer as we fight back this disease,” he said. “Honestly, even a week ago, honestly, I was hopeful we could. But the news we have gotten from around the country gets worse and worse all the time.”

Trump says he’d wear mask in small crowd but questions mandatory use

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he’s not sure that face masks should be mandatory but that he’d wear one in a “tight” crowd. “I’m all for masks,” Trump said in an interview with Fox Business Network. “I think masks are good.” Trump, who has resisted wearing a mask in public, questioned whether they should be mandatory because “you have many places in the country where people stay very long distance.” But he said he’d wear one if he found himself in a crowd where social distancing wasn’t possible. “If I were in a tight situation with people, I would absolutely,” he said.

Trump said he seldom finds himself in such situations and noted that people are tested for coronavirus before they get close to him. But he said he has worn a mask in cases where he has been with a small group of people. “I sort of liked the way it looked,” he said. “It was a dark black mask, and I thought it looked OK. It looked like the Lone Ranger.”

– Michael Collins

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House passes PPP extension bill giving small businesses more time to apply

Small businesses struggling to weather the coronavirus crisis will have several more weeks to take advantage of a popular federal loan program that’s already distributed $500 billion to keep Main Streets alive. The House on Wednesday followed the Senate’s lead Tuesday and voted to extend the Paycheck Protection Program through Aug. 8. Created earlier this year as part of the CARES Act to help the nation respond to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, PPP expired Tuesday.

The program has about $130 billion left to spend although lawmakers and the Trump administration are in talks to tweak the PPP to reach hard-hit businesses such as restaurants and hotels that have had trouble making use of the financial help.

Passage of the extension came on the same day that House lawmakers were taking the Small Business Administration to task for another program designed to rescue mom-and-pop firms following the social distance guidelines instituted after the coronavirus landed on U.S. shores.

– Ledyard King

NFL cuts 2 weeks of preseason amid coronavirus protocol preparations

The NFL has taken its next step in altering its calendar to prepare for a return to action amid the coronavirus pandemic. The league on Wednesday decided to cancel two weeks of preseason games, a person with knowledge of the move told USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Jones. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose the decision.

The first and fourth weeks of the exhibition slate will be eliminated. Schedules will be reconfigured so that each team has one home game and one away contest.

– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

What we’re reading

Coronavirus death toll in US might be much higher, according to new study

The death count from the coronavirus pandemic, now over 127,000 in the U.S., has long been regarded as an underestimate. A new study says the actual death toll could be much higher.

The study, conducted by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth and Yale universities and published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, said there were 87,000 more deaths than expected in the U.S. from March 1 to April 25, based on the average from the previous five years. But only 65% of those deaths were directly attributed to COVID-19, suggesting the rest were linked to the pandemic but not ruled as the main cause. Dr. Steven Woolf, the study’s lead author, said reasons for the undercount may include lack of reporting and other health complications that might have been listed as the cause of death.

“But a third possibility, the one we’re quite concerned about, is indirect mortality — deaths caused by the response to the pandemic,” Woolf said. “People who never had the virus may have died from other causes because of the spillover effects of the pandemic, such as delayed medical care, economic hardship or emotional distress.”

More on the coronavirus from USA TODAY

Coronavirus Watch: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter here. And come together and share the latest information about coronavirus, coping with lifestyle changes and more by joining our Facebook group.

Where are states on reopening? Some are taking preemptive measures to postpone further phases of their reopening, while others have rolled back their phases to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. See the list.

Contributing: The Associated Press

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Pupils in England likely to face reduced GCSE courses and delayed exams

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Pupils in England likely to face reduced GCSE courses and delayed exams

Pupils in England who are due to sit their GCSEs next summer will be taught a reduced curriculum in a small number of subjects and will have their exams delayed by a few weeks, under new proposals drawn up by the exams regulator, Ofqual.

The changes have been drawn up to try to mitigate the impact of learning time lost due to school closures during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has meant that students will not have enough time to cover the entire curriculum.

However, headteachers said the measures failed to address the scale of the learning loss and called for an urgent “plan B” in case of continuing major disruption due to the coronavirus made it impossible to hold a full exam series next year.

Ofqual has asked exam boards to draw up plans for GCSE exams to start after the summer half term next year – moving the exam series back from May to a starting date of 7 June 2021, running into July – in order to allow more teaching time. This could delay results.

Delaying A-levels is also under consideration but this may be more complicated because of the pressure to deliver results promptly so students can secure places in further and higher education.

“We are also seeking views on whether such a change would be appropriate for the AS/A-level exam timetable, and the impact of any delay in issuing results,” Ofqual said.

Epidemics of infectious diseases behave in different ways but the 1918 influenza pandemic that killed more than 50 million people is regarded as a key example of a pandemic that occurred in multiple waves, with the latter more severe than the first. It has been replicated – albeit more mildly – in subsequent flu pandemics.

How and why multiple-wave outbreaks occur, and how subsequent waves of infection can be prevented, has become a staple of epidemiological modelling studies and pandemic preparation, which have looked at everything from social behaviour and health policy to vaccination and the buildup of community immunity, also known as herd immunity.

Is there evidence of coronavirus coming back in a second wave?

This is being watched very carefully. Without a vaccine, and with no widespread immunity to the new disease, one alarm is being sounded by the experience of Singapore, which has seen a sudden resurgence in infections despite being lauded for its early handling of the outbreak.

Although Singapore instituted a strong contact tracing system for its general population, the disease re-emerged in cramped dormitory accommodation used by thousands of foreign workers with inadequate hygiene facilities and shared canteens.

Singapore’s experience, although very specific, has demonstrated the ability of the disease to come back strongly in places where people are in close proximity and its ability to exploit any weakness in public health regimes set up to counter it.

In June 2020, Beijing suffered from a new cluster of coronavirus cases which caused authorities to re-implement restrictions that China had previously been able to lift. In the UK, the city of Leicester was unable to come out of lockdown because of the development of a new spike of coronavirus cases.

What are experts worried about?

Conventional wisdom among scientists suggests second waves of resistant infections occur after the capacity for treatment and isolation becomes exhausted. In this case the concern is that the social and political consensus supporting lockdowns is being overtaken by public frustration and the urgent need to reopen economies.

The threat declines when susceptibility of the population to the disease falls below a certain threshold or when widespread vaccination becomes available.

In general terms the ratio of susceptible and immune individuals in a population at the end of one wave determines the potential magnitude of a subsequent wave. The worry is that with a vaccine still many months away, and the real rate of infection only being guessed at, populations worldwide remain highly vulnerable to both resurgence and subsequent waves.

Peter Beaumont

The regulator has also drawn up proposals to reduce the amount taught in some subjects including GCSE history and geography, with more optional questions in some exams, so teachers have the freedom to choose topics to concentrate on, rather than being required to teach the entire curriculum.

GCSE English, maths and science are seen as essential, however, and will be unchanged, and – under the current plans – there are no proposals to reduce what’s taught at A and AS-level in any subject.

Ofqual is consulting on a number of other adaptations to give teachers more time to cover content and help relieve pressure on students. These include plans to allow GCSE students to observe practical science work rather than undertake it themselves and the removal of the compulsory computer programming project.

Though pupils will generally face the same number of exams in each subject and exams are expected to be the same length, GCSE and A-level art and design students will be assessed on their portfolio alone and will not be required to complete a supervised task. In GCSE geography, fieldwork will not be assessed.

Ofqual’s chief regulator, Sally Collier, said: “We have considered a wide range of options before coming forward with a set of proposals for next year’s GCSE, AS and A-level exams, which will help reduce the pressure on students and teachers, while allowing them to progress with valid qualifications which higher educational institutions and employers can trust.”

Geoff Barton, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, responded: “These plans appear to amount to little more than tinkering at the edges of next year’s exams, despite the massive disruption to learning caused by the coronavirus emergency.

“We understand that it is difficult to scale back exams in a way that is fair to all pupils, but we fear the very minor changes in this consultation fail to recognise the enormous pressure on schools and their pupils to cover the large amount of content in these courses.”

A consultation on Ofqual’s proposals is now under way and the regulator will announce its final decision on next year’s exams in August.

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Five Jadon Sancho alternatives who would cost Man United less than £50m – Sport360 News

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Five Jadon Sancho alternatives who would cost Man United less than £50m – Sport360 News

Recent performances suggest that the pieces are finally coming together for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.

The Red Devils have gone 15 games unbeaten in all competitions, winning 11. The manner of those results are just as important with United scoring 38 times during that run while conceding just four goals and keeping 11 clean sheets.

Now just two points off fourth place and three away from third in the Premier League, things are certainly looking up for the Old Trafford outfit. There’s silverware on offer this season as well as they remain in the Europa League and are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

That said, there are still some missing pieces of the jig-saw that need to be acquired in order to challenge for titles in the coming seasons and the right wing position has been identified as chief among them this summer.

A move for the immensely talented Jadon Sancho has been in the works but reports this week claimed United would not table an offer over £50 million for the Borussia Dortmund star, citing the poor economical climate, while the Bundesliga outfit seem determined to stick to their £100m valuation.

Despite Mason Greenwood’s recent form in the position, United do need to strengthen their options on the right flank and may need to look elsewhere.

Here, we pick out five alternatives for Sancho who should be available for under £50m.

FEDERICO CHIESA | FIORENTINA | £43m

United have been admirers of Federico Chiesa for years and now may be the best time to strike. Now completing his fourth season at Fiorentina, the exciting winger has developed significantly and is ready to take the next step in his career.

The 22-year-old ticks all the boxes for United. He’s young, quick, skillful, produces an end product and, most important to what Solskjaer is trying to build, he’s extremely hardworking.

He has six goals and three assists in Serie A this campaign but his stock has dipped a little due to less influential performances. However, the Italian has clearly struggled with being played as the centre forward as opposed to his preferred role on the right flank. With two years to run on his contract, La Viola may be tempted to cash in now.

DAVID NERES | AJAX| £32m

David Neres

Another winger United have been strongly linked with, David Neres had plenty of suitors last summer following his key role in Ajax’s dream Champions League run that culminated in the semi-finals.

The Brazilian’s performances against top opposition during that tournament validated his reputation as one of Europe’s top prospects. He’s a dynamic winger with a good work ethic and is largely consistent.

A serious knee injury suffered in November means he hasn’t seen any playing time since, especially with the Eredivisie being abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As such, there are a few question marks around the 23-year-old, whose contract runs until 2023, and any move would be risky though that should also mean he would command a lower transfer fee.

FEDERICO BERNARDESCHI | JUVENTUS | £25m

Federico Bernardeschi

He began his career at Fiorentina, he’s one of Italy most promising prospects and he goes by the name Federico. But unlike Chiesa, Bernardeschi has substantially more experience under his belt.

The 26-year-old winger even has winning pedigree as he chases a third consecutive Serie A title with Juventus. Like Bruno Fernandes, he’s mature enough to come in and make an instant impact but at the point of his career where he’s just approaching his peak.

A creative, technically gifted player, Bernardeschi has a lot to offer going forward and is renowned for his work ethic as well. Given the wealth of attacking options at Juventus’ disposal though, his place in the starting XI is far from guaranteed with more than half of his league appearances over the last three seasons coming off the bench.

With two years left of his contract in Turin, United may be able to procure an established star for a very reasonable price.

FERRAN TORRES | VALENCIA | £41m

Ferran Torres

The youngest and perhaps most exciting option on this list, Ferran Torres is one of the most sought after talents in Europe. The 20-year-old has pace to burn and regularly uses it to get in behind defences.

His quick and direct play in the transition blends perfectly with the threat United seek to pose on the counter. He’s also an excellent dribbler and is capable of good delivery from crosses. Unlike modern wingers who thrive in the half spaces, Torres is comfortable hugging the touchline and stretches the defence excellently, creating more space for players in the middle.

In his second full season in La Liga, the Spaniard has impressed with four goals and four assists from the right wing. Despite his immense potential, the youngster may be available at a bargain with his contract at the Mestalla expiring at the end of next season.

WILLIAN | CHELSEA | FREE

Willian

If United are determined to sign Sancho but stubborn with what they’re willing to offer, then they may have to wait another year to sign the England international. For the time being, Willian could prove to be the perfect stop-gap signing.

Valued at 20m, the Brazilian is available on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign. Even at the age of 31, he remains a pacey and elusive winger.

Despite his impending departure, Frank Lampard values Willian’s ability and has maintained him as a regular starter this season and has been rewarded with eight goals and five assists in the league.

For United, this signing would be extremely low-risk given the Chelsea winger’s experience in English football and the fact that he’s still contributing. Willian’s arrival would ease the burden on Greenwood and Daniel James while the club prepare another swoop for Sancho in the following summer.

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Americans buying more guns than ever amid coronavirus and protests

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Americans buying more guns than ever amid coronavirus and protests

That represents a 145 per cent increase on the same month last year. Since March, a total of 8.3 million guns have been bought, meaning 2020 could be the highest year ever for sales.

Signs point out quantity limits on certain types of ammunition after Dukes Sport Shop reopened in New Castle, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) (AP)

The huge spike comes amid an increase in gun violence across the country as cities reopen during the pandemic and mass anti-police brutality protests have led to law enforcement reforms and budget cuts.

In Philadelphia over the past weekend, seven people were shot in a span of three hours, according to CNN affiliate KYW-TV. One person was killed and two others critically wounded.

Shooting incidents in Philadelphia are up 57 per cent from last year, the station reported, citing police records. Homicides, at 201 as of Monday, were up 24 per cent.

An attendee passes by a large banner advertising a handgun during the National Rifle Association convention. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, File) (AP)

In Milwaukee, homicides have jumped 95 per cent to 82 deaths so far this year, according to police.

In the first week of June alone, the Los Angeles Police Department reported that homicides increased 250 per cent compared to the previous week.

Meanwhile, New York City has seen a 44 per cent spike in shootings to 511, from 355 during the same period in 2019, according to the NYPD. There have been 176 murders, which is 23 per cent higher than last year.

More than two million guns were sold across the United States in June, 2020. (AP)

Mayor Bill de Blasio said the NYPD was dispatching hundreds more officers in cars and on foot onto the streets to deal with gun violence.

“We’re not going back to the bad old days when there was so much violence in the city, nor are we going back to the bad old days where policing was done the wrong way and, in too many cases, police and community could never connect and find that mutual respect,” de Blasio told reporters last week.

Police blame the surge in gun violence on a combination of the early release of people from jail during the pandemic, the effects of a new state’s bail reform law, and other factors.

Since March, a total of 8.3 million guns have been bought, meaning 2020 could be the highest year ever for sales. (AP)

“More people not in jail,” NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan told CNN.

“Rikers Island (jail) in New York is empty. Between COVID-19, between bail reform, the protests caused animosity towards the police, which took us out of neighbourhoods that needed us the most.”

Christopher Herrmann, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a former NYPD analyst who focused on gun violence, said the week-to-week increases in New York shootings and homicides were unprecedented.

The huge spike comes amid an increase in gun violence across the country as cities reopen during the pandemic and mass anti-police brutality protests have led to law enforcement reforms and budget cuts. (AP)

He said the numbers were due to people starting to emerge after months of coronavirus stay-at-home orders plus the warmer weather, when gun violence in larger cities tends to jump up to 30 per cent.

Experts also noted the intense scrutiny of law enforcement and tensions with communities of colour since George Floyd’s death.

The killing led to nationwide – and sometimes violent – protests, a wave of police reforms that included chokehold bans and a scaling back of law enforcement budgets in various cities.

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