Surge testing is set to be rolled out to other areas of Manchester this week after cases of a new COVID-19 variant were discovered in more local postcodes.
Officials have confirmed that enhanced testing – which which involves encouraging members of the community to take a test even if they do not have symptoms – will take place in order to learn more about the strain, which has been found in Harpurhey and Moston.
Manchester City Council members will visit homes in the M9 and M40 areas and ask people over the age of 16 to get tested.
Anyone living or working within these postcodes is being encouraged to go for a test.
A new mobile testing site is also being set up in Moston.
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Surge testing was launched last week in parts of South Manchester – including the areas of Moss Side, Hulme and Whalley Range.
The process is designed help to identify asymptomatic cases in the region and prevent further spread by encouraging people to self-isolate.
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Surge testing for Coronavirus is being expanded to parts of Harpurhey and Moston, after a case was found of a new mutation of the Kent strain of the virus. A new mobile testing site will open in Moston, and door-to door kits will be delivered. pic.twitter.com/JAmuG8xdV5
Manchester City Council emphasises that there is currently no evidence to suggest the strain seen in Moston and Harpurhey was any more severe than others.
“The coronavirus is constantly changing and mutating, which means there will often be new strains detected,” spokespeople said.
“We know all viruses change over time so there is no reason to be concerned that this strain is more severe than others – or that vaccinations won’t work – but it’s important that Public Health England can track how any new variants are spreading.”
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“The results will take a few days to come back but you don’t need to isolate while you wait for them. You only need to isolate if you have symptoms or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.”
“If a person tests positive, has any symptoms, or are contact traced following contact with someone who tests positive, they should self-isolate for 10 days immediately. “
More information on surge testing and the full list of postcodes involved can be found on the Manchester City Council website here.
News
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Featured Image – Stephen Andrews (via Unsplash)
News
Seven people arrested in Salford over plans to conduct coordinated mass shoplifting campaign
Emily Sergeant
Seven people have been arrested in Salford over plans to be part of a coordinated mass shoplifting campaign of ‘high end’ retailers and supermarkets across the country.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), it is believed the group had been training for ‘non‑violent direct action’ in Salford as part of a coordinated mass shoplifting campaign, where they were intending to steal goods from high‑value stores and major supermarkets across the country, and then redistribute them to places such as food banks.
Working in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Service, officers arrested one male and six females in Salford yesterday afternoon (Sunday 19 April) on suspicion of conspiracy to steal.
They all remain in police custody for questioning.
It has been reported in multiple sources, such as the BBC and the MEN, that the individuals arrested are believed to be part of the Take Back Power Action Group.
Take Back Power Action Group describes itself on its website as a ‘nonviolent civil resistance group’ that is aiming to ‘put the 99% in charge’ through citizen’s assemblies.
“We are ordinary people from all walks of life who believe that in order to fix Britain, taxing the rich is an essential first step, and we want ordinary people to decide how,” a statement on the group’s website declares.
Speaking following the arrests over the weekend, Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said: “This joint operation with the Metropolitan Police has resulted in the arrests of seven individuals who we believe were planning to take part in coordinated national activity targeting high‑value retail stores.
“We are taking robust action to disrupt this type of organised criminality, and it will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester.
The Manc -
17th February 2021 
