Taller people at higher risk of catching coronavirus, research shows
The survey, outlined in greater detail by the University of Manchester, showed that taller individuals were at higher risk, meaning it was "very likely" that coronavirus remains in the air to form aerosols.
New research has shown that people over 6ft may be twice as likely to test positive for COVID-19 – suggesting that the virus can spread via aerosol transmission and not just droplets.
The survey, outlined in greater detail on the University of Manchester website website, revealed that taller individuals were at higher risk of catching coronavirus – meaning it was “very likely” that coronavirus remains in the air to form aerosols.
According to the data scientists from the UK, US and Norway, these results are “something that would not have been observed if downward droplet transmission was the only transmission mechanism.”
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Aerosols gather in poorly ventilated areas and are carried by air currents, whereas droplets (which are larger) travel short distances and fall quickly from the air.
Professor Evan Kontopantelis, from The University of Manchester, said: “The results of this survey in terms of associations between height and diagnosis suggest downward droplet transmission is not the only transmission mechanism and aerosol transmission is possible.
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“This has been suggested by other studies but our method of confirmation is novel.”
The survey also suggested the use of masks may play an even more important role in prevention of transmission than some previously thought.
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Professor Kontopantelis added: “Though social distancing is still important because transmission by droplets is still likely to occur, it does suggest that mask wearing may be just as if not more effective in prevention.
“But also, air purification in interior spaces should be further explored.”
The paper is yet to be peer reviewed. But researchers believe its full results should be made available to the wider community.
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Pockets of coronavirus outbreaks continue to occur across the UK.
Oldham recently had new measures introduced to combat the prospect of a local lockdown, whilst a bar in Stockport was forced to shut down earlier this week after three members of staff tested positive for the virus.
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Police appeal to find next of kin after man found outside Palace Theatre
Daisy Jackson
Police are trying to track down the family of a man who died after being found unresponsive outside the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
The man, who has now been named as Jonathan Bernard Carroll, was seen outside the city centre theatre at around 6.30am on Tuesday 12 November.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and Mr Carroll was taken to hospital.
Tragically, the 47-year-old passed away a short time later.
A large cordon was in place on Whitworth Street and Oxford Road while police and security attended the incident.
Greater Manchester Police are now appealing to find his next of kin.
It’s believed that he resided in the Salford area of Greater Manchester.
Anyone with any information should contact the Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 1376.
Greater Manchester public urged to help get people ‘off the streets and on their feet’ before Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Locals are being urged to help get hundreds of people “off the streets and back on their feet” this festive season.
As the temperatures told colder by the day, and Christmas creeps closer and closer, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is bringing back ‘1000 Beds for Christmas’, and the massively-important initiative is aiming to provide 1,000 nights of accommodation to people at risk of homelessness before the big day arrives.
Forming part of the ongoing ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme, this festive fundraising mission is designed to provide food, shelter, warmth, and dedicated vital wrap-around support for those who need it most.
The charity says it wants to build on the “incredible success of 2023”, which raised more than £55,000 and provided 1,800 nights of accommodation.
Stockport-based property finance specialists, Together – which has supported the campaign for the last two years – has, once again, generously pledged to match every public donation for the first £20,000 raised.
Unfamiliar with the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme? Since 2017, when rough sleeping peaked, the initiative has helped ensure a significantly-higher rate of reduction in the numbers of people facing a night on streets in Greater Manchester than seen nationally.
The landmark scheme has given people the chance to rebuild their lives, while also giving them access to key services and opportunities that allows them to stay off the streets for good.
Despite the scheme’s recent success, organisations across Greater Manchester are under “a huge amount of pressure” to meet the demand for their services this winter, and given the current economic outlook, household budgets will continue to be squeezed – leaving people on the sharp end of inequality and poverty.
The Manc -
29th July 2020 
