A major theatre in Greater Manchester has been praised – and criticised – by members of the public for reintroducing its mandatory face mask policy.
The Lowry in Salford has made the decision to make face masks compulsory inside its theatre and gallery.
They say it’s ‘in light of the Omicron variant & rise of positive COVID-19 cases’.
There are now more than 300 confirmed Omicron cases in the UK.
The Government has recently reintroduced mandatory face masks in settings like retail and on public transport.
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The Lowry at Salford Quays. Credit: Unsplash
But it’s not yet a legal requirement to wear them in hospitality venues, including theatres, gig venues and cinemas.
The Government has advised: “You should continue to wear a face covering in other indoor places that are not listed above, which are crowded and enclosed and where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet” – which seems to fit the brief of a theatre.
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The Lowry’s face mask rule will come into action from tomorrow, Wednesday December 8.
After sharing the news on Twitter, many praised the arts venue.
In light of the Omicron variant & rise of positive COVID-19 cases, we have decided to re-introduce the mandatory wearing of face masks (except for those who are exempt) within the building from Wed 8 Dec. More info: https://t.co/u76UbLR4zD
One person replied: “Excellent decision. Thank you @The_Lowry”
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On Facebook, one person commented: “Quite agree. We were with you a couple of weeks ago and wore masks (only about 10 per cent of audience did). Would have felt more comfortable if everyone had.”
Another said: “Brilliant decision. Cannot believe so many didn’t wear mask when I visited the other week. I am far more likely to go back to the theatre. Thank you.”
Someone else said: “Well done. For those of us with vulnerable relatives at home this is very caring. Even if fit and healthy and vaccinated this is a horrendous virus as I know to my cost. Thank you.”
There were a few critics of the decision to reintroduce face masks though.
One person wrote: “Ridiculous and cowardly decision, dragging us back into the Covid nightmare, I thought the vaccine was our way back to normality?”
Another said: “I assume you will refund tickets on patrons who wish not to comply given this is not the message from the government’?”
The Lowry’s upcoming theatre shows include SIX The Musical, The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe, and John Bishop: Right Here Right Now.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Daisy Jackson -
7th December 2021 
