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Rapid COVID testing now available for anyone in Manchester who cannot work from home

Rapid COVID-19 testing is available anyone in Manchester who can’t work from home and whose employers or organisations don’t have an asymptomatic testing system in place.

The Manc The Manc - 3rd March 2021
Rapid testing is now more widely available for Manchester citizens / Image: Gov UK

Rapid COVID-19 testing is now available for anyone in Manchester who cannot work from home – regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.

Manchester City Council has confirmed that people who live or work in the city – and do not have access to testing in their workplace – can book a COVID-19 test at one of six local sites.

Testing involves lateral flow devices which take a swab of the nose and throat – providing results in as little as 30 minutes.

All tests need to be booked in advance at one of the following locations:

  • Moss Side Leisure Centre
  • Debdale Outdoor Centre
  • FC United of Manchester
  • Hall Lane Resource Centre
  • Heathfield Resource Centre
  • Rates Hall in Manchester Town Hall

Slots will be available on weekdays and Saturdays at various times.

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Anyone who records a positive test result must self-isolate immediately – with the data logged by NHS Test and Trace.

The local rapid testing scheme is open to smaller businesses, freelancers and sole traders across Manchester. Larger firms (with at least 50 employees) are being encouraged to sign up for the national Government scheme by March 31, which enables companies to perform their own testing.

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Councillor Bev Craig, Executive Member for Adult Health and Wellbeing at Manchester City Council, said: “We are committed to making our city as safe as possible and that includes every measure to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“We estimate that around 1 in 3 people can have the virus without knowing it, which makes it imperative that we are vigilant in helping to protect those who cannot work from home, and also the people they work with.”

Tests need to booked in advance by ringing 0161 947 0770 or 0800 092 4020. The booking number is open Monday-Friday.

More information is available on the Manchester City Council website.

News

A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Christmas toy train Wigan

Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.

The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.

Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.

In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.

xmas train wigan
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)

All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.

Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.

This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.

So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.

This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.

festive events wigan
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.
wigan toy train
The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.
Credit: Supplied

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This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.

The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.

Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?

You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Lee Boswell (supplied)

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Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford

Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.

The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.

Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.

In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.

They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.

In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.

“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.

“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”

Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP

GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.

Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.

“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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Featured image: GMP

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