Reports this morning have suggested that students currently self-isolating at Manchester Metropolitan University will be allowed to return home.
Professor Malcom Press – Vice-Chancellor at Manchester Metropolitan University – apparently spoke with BBC Radio Manchester today, confirming that “students self-isolating are allowed home and parents can pick them up”.
It comes following widespread conversation, coverage and criticism after around 1,700 students were sent an email by the university last Friday telling them they must self-isolate in their accommodation for 14 days.
This was in a bid to help contain an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) at the University.
It’s believed that 127 positive cases were confirmed in connection with both the Birley campus and Cambridge halls of residence.
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Some students residing within the aforementioned accommodation however were reportedly caught by surprise at the announcement and apparently only found out about the need to self-isolate when they encountered security guards at the gates who told them they were not permitted to leave.
This then raised questions among members of the public and legal commentators online as to what authority MMU or Manchester City Council has to impose such measures.
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Geograph / Gerald England
Manchester Metropolitan University officials have previously stated that following the short-notice instruction to self-isolate for 14 days, they are “unable to prevent our students from leaving the halls”.
They did however urge students to “do the right thing”.
In the statement published on the Manchester Metropolitan University website on Sunday, Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcom Press said: “I recognise the impact that this situation is having on our students, particularly given the extremely short period of time we had to inform them of the decision.
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“Many of them are away from home for the first time and still finding their feet. Their welfare is our top priority and that is why we have been working hard with organisations around the city since Friday evening to put in place support to help during this 14-day period.
“We are urgently preparing a care package which we hope will ensure students will have the essentials they require in halls, plus financial support to assist them through this challenging period.
“We expect students to follow the guidance for self-isolation set out by the Government and Public Health England and our staff are on hand 24 hours a day to provide support, guidance and deal with concerns.
“We are unable to prevent our students from leaving the halls, but our students are bright young adults and we trust that they will do the right thing.”
Manchester Metropolitan University
David Regan – Manchester’s Director of Public Health – has also previously confirmed to the MEN that the ‘lockdown’ at the Birley and Cambridge halls is currently optional.
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He said: “We have currently not used any legal measures to enforce the additional requests,”
“We hope our students can understand the rationale for these actions and will support us in helping to contain infection and reduce further spread either amongst the students themselves or into the wider community. The rising weekly incidence rate and increase in the number of COVID hospital admissions at the Manchester Royal Infirmary reinforces why this is so important.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham also said that he is “keeping a close eye” on developments at MMU and has reportedly spoken to police to check “everything is in order”.
Superintendent Chris Hill of Greater Manchester Police’s Manchester city centre divison added that they “will continue to work with MMU and local authorities to engage with students and offer advice surrounding the re-opening of universities and staying safe in the current climate” and they understand that “this situation provides a number of challenges for all involved”.
It was also announced yesterday that Manchester Metropolitan University has moved all first and foundation year learning – including all lectures, seminars and classes / workshops – to online and virtual instruction only.
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In the meantime, any students self-isolating will be permitted to return home to continue isolation with their families.
The Manc has contacted Manchester Metropolitan University for comment.
News
Four rare African ducklings have been hatched at Chester Zoo for the very first time
Danny Jones
More conversation celebration down the road at Chester Zoo, as the award-winning wildlife park has welcomed four African ducklings who belong to a rare breed.
As is so often the case with the work they do all year-round, their arrival could help signal the species’ survival in the long run, whose status was sadly upgraded from vulnerable to endangered on the official IUCN Red List.
The particular type of fowl we’re referring to is the Maccao duck, a stiff-tailed bird that typically belongs to the fresh and brackish inland waters of Eastern and Southern Africa.
Medium-sized, chunky, with big bills and subtle striping around their heads, they’re gorgeous creatures as is, but especially so as ducklings…
If you didn’t say ‘awww’ out loud, then you’re just lying.
As the Zoo itself put it, they are “rare, fluffy and VERY cute.” Celebrating what is “a breeding breakthrough for one of Africa’s rarest ducks […] so these little guys are kind of a big deal.”
These little delightful little duckies are known for diving down to the bottom of lakes and riverbeds to forage for aquatic invertebrates and plants; in fact, given the choice, they tend to prefer going underwater over flying pretty much full-stop.
As a resident species that doesn’t migrate like many other birds, they are native to nations like Namibia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. They’re identifiable by their dark black heads, blue bills (among the males, at least) and presence within the wetlands.
However, their estimated numbers continue to drop, and unfortunately, just 14 of their kind currently remain in Kenya and only 100 in Tanzania, with fewer than 5,000 believed to be left across the entire African continent.
Not only is this the first time the species has ever been successfully bred by bird experts at Chester Zoo, but conservationists hope ducklings will put a spotlight on the threatened species.
Their scientific name is ‘Oxyura maccoa’.Just like human babies, they prone to stuff all over their face.As far as ducklings go, these adorable little African variants are pretty special. (Credit: Supplied)
The zoo’s Head of Birds, Andrew Owen, said of their birth: “As one of just seven zoos in Europe – and 12 zoos globally – that care for Maccoa ducks, these ducklings are very special as they’re the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo – making it a really historic moment for our team,
“This success gives a real boost to the future of the species, and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos. These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count.
“To see them now out on the water inside our new Heart of Africa habitat, which is dedicated to helping Africa’s most threatened species thrive, makes this milestone even more special.”
Nothing short of brilliant news, we’re sure you’ll agree; better still, in addition to the crucially charitable and conversation-based tourist attraction being named one of England’s most popular destinations once again, but these are the only rare birds welcome by the zookeepers this month.
Vogue’s immersive ‘Inventing the Runway’ show is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
A Vogue immersive show titled ‘Inventing the Runway’ is coming to Manchester, and it’s even co-created by Anna Wintour herself.
Ever fancied learning more about the fashion world? Well, now’s your chance to hear everything you need to know from global fashion leaders and lifestyle magazine Vogue.
The Anna Wintour-approved immersive experience comes alongside the announcement of Factory International‘s Winter lineup, which features another new event all about voyaging to the moon.
This Vogue-fronted experience will incorporate interviews, visual media and more to help attendees visualise fashion shows of the past, present and future.
As well as understanding how fashion shows became the pinnacle of a designer’s vision, this runway-themed display also includes looking back at iconic moments of fashion and pop culture.
‘Inventing the Runway’ by Vogue is focusing on outfits worn by models and A-listers alike, with narration from the one and only Cate Blanchett.
You can expect to see curated pieces by significant creative minds in fashion history like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and lots more.
Throughout the Vogue experience, as well as coming visually face to face with fashion, you will also hear a soundscape that perfectly reflects this innovative industry with a fusion of classical and pop music.
This fashion exhibition uses the same Lightroom technology behind the impressive David Hockney experience that opened back in December.
Vogue is using this show to honour anyone who has made an impact in the fashion world.The Met Gala has become a staple in everyone’s calendar year in and year out.First Northern Quarter’s Chanel show, now this… Très chic. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons/GoodFon)
Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue said: “At Vogue, we’ve been lucky enough over the decades to see many incredible runway shows, which have often told the story of fashion as much as the clothes themselves.”
“This Lightroom experience is a wonderful opportunity for a lot more people to experience first-hand the thrill of watching the history of fashion unfold right in front of them.”
You can experience Vogue’s ‘Inventing the Runway’ immersive show from 18 December to 10 January when it visits Aviva Studios this winter.
Find out more information and grab your tickets HERE.
The Manc -
29th September 2020 
