Manchester hairdressers becomes first UK salon to install coronavirus-killing tech
Award-winning Reuben Wood Salon, which has stood on High Street for 16 years, has added the filtration system to offer greater protection for customers - meaning they can now come in for a cut with complete confidence.
A Northern Quarter salon has become the first in the entire country to install a revolutionary Far UV filter air disinfection system that kills COVID-19.
Award-winning Reuben Wood Salon, which has stood on High Street for 16 years, has added the filtration system to offer greater protection for its customers – meaning they can now come in for a cut with complete confidence.
The Hepacart Germ Buster 5000, which has been labelled a “game-changer in infection control”, uses state-of-the-art Far-UV light technology from America; the kind typically found in U.S hospital operating theatres.
Reuben’s entrepreneur brother Jordan brought the filter system to the domestic market – and his sibling has since become the first to harness the tech for his busy salon.
Salon partner Karl Collins said: “When the government confirmed that salons could re-open, Reuben and I thoroughly read the official guidelines and all the up-to-date information from the British Hair Federation.
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“Although we were confident about reopening our business, we were also looking for other ideas to keep our ten stylists and our clients as protected as possible.
“Reuben knew his brother was working on Far-UV technology but we weren’t sure if it was the kind of equipment you could have in a hair salon. We had wrongly assumed it would be a huge piece of laboratory style equipment that would be installed in the ceiling of a hospital but that just isn’t the case. This kit isn’t invasive, not as expensive as you might think, and can be fitted anywhere.
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After realising the benefits of the kit, Karl called the addition “a no-brainer”.
“The response from our clients and staff has been amazing, it seems to reassure them that we have taken their wellbeing into consideration,” he said.
“Reuben and I just wanted to do all we could to keep everybody who comes into our space, safe.
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“With all the team using full PPE, and clients wearing face masks, the Germbuster gives everyone who comes into the salon extra peace of mind.”
Far-UV light has been proven to destroy coronaviruses, SARS, MRSA, influenza, tuberculosis, measles, bacteria and pathogens.
Whilst typical UVC light has previously been used as a means of disinfecting hospital wards and operating theatres for decade, these lamps operate at a harmful wavelength that can cause damage to the skin – meaning they can only be used in empty areas.
Far-UVC lamps, however, emit shorter wavelengths – safely absorbed by proteins in the skin.
One of Reuben’s regular clients Debra Williams – a nurse who works in operating theatres at Manchester Royal Infirmary – said the tech made her feel comfortable and safe when she went for her much-anticipated post-lockdown cut and colour.
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She said: “I have never seen or heard of this kind of technology before. I didn’t know what the silver box was in the salon, but when the science behind it was explained to me, I was so impressed.
“Knowing that Reuben and Karl have gone that bit further and invested in this groundbreaking technology for their salon makes me feel very comfortable that this effort has been made to make me and their staff a lot safer from infections.
“After leaving the salon I went home and researched Far-UV cleaning light technology. I know it’s very new, and would make such a difference if it was in every hospital, as it would help so much in the fight against coronavirus and other killer infections.”
Jordan, explains: “There is no other company in the UK doing Far-UV light disinfection yet and Reuben’s salon is certainly the first salon in the UK, and possibly Europe, to use Far UV infection control technology.
“I was blown away when I discovered the Hepacart technology in America, knowing how many health associated infections there are each year in the NHS, costing an estimated 1.2 billion and countless lives.
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“It didn’t surprise me when I compared the methods used currently in the NHS, to the Hepacart technology available in America. Over the last six months Hepacart has been deployed in some of the major NHS hospitals the UK taking the standard of infection control for estate managers to another level.
“I knew this equipment would be perfect for them as the Germbuster makes the air cleaner for everyone in the room, so there’s significantly less risk of infection.”
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Manchester City are reimbursing fans who travelled to watch their defeat against Bodo/Glimt
Danny Jones
A bunch of Manchester City players are preparing to refund fans who travelled to watch the shock defeat against Bodo/Glimt earlier this week.
In case you missed the surprising score, Man City were on the end of a very unexpected result against the Eliteserien side, losing 3-1 in what was the club’s first-ever win in the Champions League.
More than that, it was also the first time a Norwegian team had won in the competition in nearly two decades, making it a historic night for the nation, albeit one to forget for the Blues.
Following the European upset, as a gesture of goodwill towards supporters, select members of the squad from Pep Guardiola’s so-called leadership group have now pledged to cover the trip made by the dedicated away fans, from the match ticket itself to travel costs.
JUST IN: Manchester City's players are reimbursing fans who watched their Champions League defeat against Bodo/Glimt.
They are covering the cost of match tickets for game which Pep Guardiola's side lost 3-1 🚨
The message from City stars is as follows: “Our supporters mean everything to us. We know the sacrifice that our fans make when they travel across the world to support us home and away, and we will never take it for granted.
“We also recognise that it was a lot of travelling for the fans who supported us in the freezing cold throughout a difficult evening for us on the pitch. Covering the cost of these tickets for the fans who travelled to Bodo is the least we can do.”
Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Scandinavian native Erling Haaland, who had a less-than-ideal return to his home country on Tuesday night, are said to be the individuals covering the fees
As per multiple reports, the figure is said to be just under £10k – approximately £9,357 spread across a total of 374 matchgoers, to be specific.
While the club and the players, specifically, have been praised by plenty for what many have labelled as a ‘classy move’, some are suggesting that the statement actually signals the opposite regarding their opponents, who shone on the night.
Scoring twice in quick succession midway through the first half before bagging the third and ultimately decisive goal in the 58th minute, it could have been four or five.
Bodo/Glimt had moments ruled offside and hit the woodwork in both halves.
Despite City pulling one back and showing promise of getting back in the game through Rayan Cherki, that momentum was quickly crushed when the aforementioned and only recently returning, Rodri, was sent off after a second yellow around the hour mark.
Following the arguably equally unexpected blow in the Manchester derby last weekend, it’s been a tough few days for the players and fans alike, but they still stand a chance of beating Arsenal to the Premier League title this season.
You can see the highlights from the Bodo/Glimt vs Man City game here.
Police pursuing civil action after reports of women being filmed without consent on nights out in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Civil action is now being pursued after a police investigation into reports of women being filmed on nights out in Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed in a statement that it is ‘exploring’ civil action in connection with ‘several’ reports of women being filmed without their consent on nights out in Manchester city centre, particularly around the Deansgate and Peter Street areas, following an investigation which began after social media videos of this nature were brought to its attention.
The police‘s subsequent public appeal lead to multiple women coming forward to report the impact finding themselves in these videos, and the commentary by the public, had on them.
GMP says it had to conclude its criminal investigation ‘due to limitations within the current legislation’, which is why it working with Manchester City Council to look at other routes of taking action.
“We took the reports from women who came forward, as well as the public feeling towards this behaviour, really seriously,” explained Superintendent Nicola Williams, from GMP’s City of Manchester district.
“The arrest of an individual in November 2024 was the first in the country and was our commitment to acting on all the information we have received.
“Throughout our investigation, we explored all lines of enquiry thoroughly, including digital forensic examination of various devices. The investigation was also reviewed by an experienced, senior detective to ensure no stone was left unturned.
Police are pursuing civil action after reports of women being filmed without their consent on nights out in Manchester / Credit: GMP
“Predatory behaviour is completely unacceptable, and tackling this has been a priority for our night time economy policing operation.”
GMP says it encourages anyone who experiences anything that ‘makes them feel unsettled or unsafe’ on a night out to report it, as all information received helps build a picture of the issues, allocate our resources effectively, and take action under our the dedicated nighttime policing operation, Op Safer Streets.
The Manc -
31st July 2020 
