Manchester’s public health chief is urging people to get their COVID boosters and flu jabs this autumn so they can avoid the potential ‘twindemic’ of catching both at the same time.
Over the past two years, the UK has seen some of the lowest flu case figures on record, which medical professionals say is probably due to the self-isolating and social distancing measures that were introduced amid the COVID-19 pandemic – but now, there’s evidence cases are returning and numbers are creeping up.
This is why, alongside the predicted rise in COVID numbers, Manchester City Council is inviting eligible residents to come forward and get their jabs as we approach winter.
The Council is wants those eligible to get vaccinated so that they not only avoid getting ill themselves as the temperatures start to plummet, but also so that they don’t pass either of the viruses on to anyone else, or find themselves in need of hospital treatment.
“As the weather turns colder, respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu start circulating more,” the Council explains on its website.
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“Many people who are more susceptible to flu are also at greater risk of COVID, and vice versa. And you’re much more likely to get severely ill or die if you catch them at the same time. Even if you experience relatively mild symptoms, flu or COVID can still make you feel really poorly, and will most likely mean you’ll miss education or work.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to get peace of mind, stop the spread, and keep yourself and those around you healthy this winter.”
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Manchester’s Director of Public Health David Regan has also said “high levels of COVID” are expected across the city-region yet again this winter.
“We all have to do everything possible to stop people becoming seriously ill and it’s even more important that we protect those most at risk,” Mr Regan said in his call to get residents to take up vaccination offers.
“Many people will think they don’t need another vaccine because they have already had COVID or the vaccine didn’t stop them from getting the virus, but immunity wears off, and even if the vaccine doesn’t stop you from getting the virus, it should stop you from getting it as badly and reduce the risk of Long COVID.”
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He also added that if new variants arrive in time to cause widespread infection, then boosters for older adults and those with health conditions will also be critical in reducing pressure on hospital services throughout Greater Manchester too.
A full list of who is eligible for the Autumn COVID booster and free flu jabs can be found on the Manchester City Council website here.
Featured Image – Flickr
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‘Groundbreaking’ new police team launches on Bee Network to make it one of the safest in the world
Emily Sergeant
A ‘groundbreaking’ new policing model aimed at making the Bee Network one of the safest public transport networks in the world has launched.
Described as being ‘pioneering’, the first-of-its-kind approach – named the Transport Policing and Crime Command (TPACC) – will bring Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) even closer together to tackle crime, antisocial behaviour, and safety issues across the region’s transport network.
So, how will it work then? Well, according to TfGM, the command will ‘effectively establish’ the Bee Network as GMP’s eleventh policing district.
It will bring together up to 300 personnel, including new police officers, who are all involved in keeping the network safe and providing greater reassurance to passengers travelling across the region.
Efforts to keep passengers safe on buses, trams, active travel routes, and roads across Greater Manchester will be ‘strengthened’ through the new team – improving co-ordination in response to incidents, and helping to reassure communities.
A ‘groundbreaking’ new police team has launched on the Bee Network to make it one of the safest in the world / Credit: TfGM
The new team will also incorporate the existing Roads Policing Unit within GMP that includes specialist functions such as the Central Ticket Office, the Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, the motorbike unit, the Commercial Vehicle Unit, the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, and more.
Overall, the key focus of TPACC is to:
Increase public confidence on safety across the transport network
Reduce violence, antisocial behaviour and criminality across the transport network
Increase the number of users of the Bee Network across Greater Manchester
The launch of TPACC is said to represents ‘the next phase’ of Greater Manchester’s commitment to creating a ‘safer, more secure, and more welcoming’ transport network for everyone who lives, works, and travels across the region.
“I want a world-class Bee Network where everyone feels safe,” commented Greater Manchester Mayor, Bev Craig.
“Our new dedicated transport policing command will bring together more than 300 police and safety officers, with high-profile patrols across our roads and the Bee Network. It means a stronger presence in our communities and faster action when people need help.
“TPACC will also crack down on dangerous driving to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, which have devastating consequences for families and communities.”
Featured Image – TfGM
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Two arrested after assaulting and burgling 90-year-old woman in Stockport suburb
Emily Sergeant
Two people have been arrested following reports of an assault and burglary at a 90-year-old woman’s home in a Stockport suburb.
While en-route to the incident in Heald Green – which was reported to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) at around 2:30am on 29 October – officers located the victim’s vehicle being driven by an unknown man.
The stolen vehicle made off from police before it lost control, went up a grass verge, and collided with a stationary vehicle.
Police confirmed that a white British man, aged 41, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a burglary and serious assault, while a white British woman, aged 47, was also later arrested on suspicion of burglary and serious assault – with both remaining in custody for questioning.
The victim, a 90-year-old woman, was taken to hospital for treatment and is being supported by specialist officers, although luckily, her injuries are not life-threatening.
Enquiries are now ongoing, and officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the shocking incident.
“This was undoubtedly a traumatic experience for the victim, and we have specialist officers supporting her through this investigation,” explained Detective Inspector Craig Turner, from Stockport CID.
“This was a violent burglary and thanks to the brave victim reporting it, our officers made two swift arrests with the suspects taken into police custody to be interviewed.
“We believe this was a targeted attack and there is no wider risk to the community. Extra patrols of officers have been deployed to the area to offer reassurance to members of the community. Please let them know if you have any concerns.
“We are committed to tackling dangerous offenders and keeping our communities safe from harm.”
Emily Sergeant -
5th October 2022 
