The fight against coronavirus (COVID-19) takes a historic leap forward today after the UK begins nationwide rollout of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine.
Two hospitals in Greater Manchester – Salford Royal Hospital and Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (Stepping Hill Hospital – are among seven hubs in the North West, and dozens throughout the country, to begin administering the vaccine this week.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has dubbed today’s historic rollout as “V-Day”.
People aged 80 and older, care home workers, and NHS workers who are at higher risk, are among those at the front of the queue to receive the jab after the UK last week became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use outside of clinical trial.
🇬🇧 The #COVID19 vaccination programme is starting in the UK today 🇬🇧
Health services in each nation are vaccinating with the #COVID19Vaccine.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) December 8, 2020
Pfizer and BioNTech reported final trial results showing its vaccine was 95% effective in preventing coronavirus (COVID-19) with no major safety concerns, and studies showed the jab to work in all age groups.
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The UK government is confirmed to have ordered 40 million doses of the vaccine – needing to be refrigerated at -70C (-94F) – which is enough to vaccinate 20 million people, as two doses are required, and there are 800,000 doses in the first batch, meaning 400,000 people will be vaccinated initially.
Margaret Keenan, 90, became the first person in the world to receive the jab as part of a vaccination programme this morning by nurse May Parsons at the Coventry University Hospital at 6.31am.
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She said being the first was “a privilege” and “the best early birthday present I could wish for” as it would mean she could spend time with her family and friends in the New Year “after being on my own for most of the year”.
She thanked Ms Parsons and the NHS staff for looking after her “tremendously”.
“My advice to anyone offered the vaccine is to take it – if I can have it at 90 then you can have it too”.
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Maggie, who turns 91 next week, said, 'I feel so privileged. It’s the best early birthday present I could wish for because I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year after being on my own for most of the year.' https://t.co/rTflLt8DWbpic.twitter.com/XuaAtU4JUR
Nurse May Parsons said it was a “huge honour” to be the first in the country to deliver the vaccine to a patient.
She added: “The last few months have been tough for all of us working in the NHS, but now it feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Speaking on the nationwide rollout, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for use in the UK marks a momentous step in our fight against COVID-19, but we still have some way to go and everyone needs to keep following the rules to keep the virus under control.”
Professor Stephen Powis – National Medical Director at the NHS – added on Sunday that the start of vaccinations “feels like the beginning of the end”, but warned the campaign will be a “marathon, not a sprint”.
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Council announces return of FREE firework displays in Manchester parks
Emily Sergeant
The skies over Manchester will light up once again, as free firework displays are set to return to several of the city’s parks.
You may remember that major fireworks events throughout the city had been paused following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to funding challenges, with Manchester City Council choosing to invest in a range of other community-focused events across throughout the autumn season instead, rather than one-off firework celebrations.
But now, once this November rolls around, all of that is set to change.
That’s because, on Saturday 7 November, free fireworks events will return to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
The Council has announced the return of free firework displays in Manchester parks / Credit: Unsplash
Each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
The Council says that the return of the free fireworks events reflects residents’ recent feedback about what they want to see in their community and how they want funding to be distributed.
“It’s a chance, at the start of the shorter days and beginning of the dark winter months, to come together and resume a much-loved annual tradition as well as enjoying an evening of safe entertainment and spectacular fireworks displays,” Manchester City Council said in a statement.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, added: “We are delighted to announce and welcome the return of our much-loved fireworks celebrations.
It’s the first time they’ve returned since the COVID-19 pandemic / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
“Our parks should be shared spaces that create opportunities for Manchester people to gather, which is why bringing back the fireworks displays was top of our agenda. And we also recognise the importance of community which is why we will also continue to invest in a wide range of activities in our parks throughout the year.
“The return of these events is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to create lasting memories and enjoy the long-standing tradition of fireworks in our parks in a safe way.”
Additional entertainment will be announced for each park in the coming weeks too, so keep your eyes peeled for more.
Featured Image – Alex Jones (via Unsplash)
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Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
The Manc -
8th December 2020 
