As England has now developed a new plan on easing lockdown restrictions, mask-wearing, especially in busy cities, is ever more important.
Due to the high demand for face masks, it has become tricky to find which mask is the best for protection. We have the top tips on what to look for when purchasing your face mask and a guide on staying safe in the city.
The Government also encourages people to keep social distance where possible and to wash their hands before and after travel.
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Lab-tested face masks
There’s an infinite number of face mask brands available, but not all of them offer the best protection. Make sure your face mask is lab tested with 95% BFE bacterial filtration efficiency, as this states whether the material is strong enough to combat bacteria from penetrating.
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Keep an eye out for masks with nanotechnology which is best for breathability, so you can remain protected and still breathe comfortably, as well as a mask that is 100% droplet resistant so that droplets from coughs and sneezes will not enter the material.
Last year, the UK government advised to use cloth masks instead of medical grade masks due to concerns of shortages for medical staff. Since then, many people have turned to using higher grade face masks such as N95, FFP2 and FFP3 as these offer a stronger protection for the wearer than cloth masks.
The World Health Organisation has recommended using a mask with triple layers. Masks that have a polypropylene sms filter in the middle layer, are considered the best system for bacteria filtration.
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Recently, the CDC has recommended double-masking to reduce Covid-19 exposure, as research suggests aerosol droplet protection can increase by 90% through wearing a well-fitted surgical mask covered by a cloth mask. The research found that protective masks which fit well around the face prevent leakage of air around the masks edges, adding another protective layer.
Material and comfort
As mentioned regarding multi-layers, the inner layer should be cotton fabric, preferably hypoallergenic and/or antibacterial, as this will not only protect your skin but help avoid mask acne.
When leaving your home, you may be wearing your face mask for a short or long period of time, therefore it’s best that your mask be comfortable! Masks with adjustable straps are best in terms of comfortability by choosing the level of tightness that’s perfect for you, and putting your face mask on/off more hygienically than touching the mask itself.
Masks that have a nose bridge not only cover your face but will contour to its shape, giving you tailored protection.
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Face mask littering
Numerous cities across the UK are reporting the impact discarded disposable face masks are having on their cities and wildlife.
Due to this impact, many people are switching to reusable face mask options like SmartCover, which is reusable and washable up to 67 times, without compromising on your safety.
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Police appeal for witnesses after motorcyclist dies in fatal M60 crash near Salford
Emily Sergeant
Police are appealing to the public for witnesses and footage after a crash on the M60 claimed the life of a motorcyclist.
The appeal comes after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to reports of a road traffic collision between three cars and a motorbike between junctions 15 and 16 on the M60 on the clockwise carriageway, near Salford, at around 6.15pm this past Sunday (12 October 2025).
When officers arrived on the scene, they found that the rider of the motorbike, a man in his 60s, had sadly died after suffering fatal injuries.
The incident led to a partial closure of the M60, with the motorway needing to be shut for several hours after the collision.
Two of the three drivers involved in the fatal incident have now been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Traffic is being held on the #M60 clockwise between J15 (#M61) and J16 (#Kearsley) due to a serious collision involving a car and motorbike.@gmpolice@NWAmbulance on scene.
— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) October 12, 2025
With the arrests made and the police investigation ongoing and proceeding at pace, GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.
They are also keen to speak to anyone who may dashcam footage from the area in the moments leading up to the crash.
Anyone with any information or footage from the incident is urged to contact GMP on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 2294 of 12/10/2025, or they can head online to use to ‘report’ tool or LiveChat function on GMP’s website – www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Roboflow Universe
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Manchester Remembers Foundation announces its return for a special anniversary charity match
Danny Jones
The Manchester Remembers Foundation has announced the return of its charity football game in 2027, which will coincide with a special anniversary close to all Mancunians.
For those unaware, the MCR Remembers charity matches were set up in memory of the Manchester Arena victims, helping raise funds for the families of the 22 who sadly died in the attack.
While the fifth iteration of what started out as an annual vision, set for this past summer, was sadly cancelled back in May and the Foundation itself seemingly shut down, the co-founders have decided they’re not ready for it all to end just yet.
Somewhat quietly confirming the return of the fundraising footy match on social media, the next fixture will be returning next year, which marks a full decade since the tragedy.
Folks, having time to reflect we’ve decided that we just couldn’t go out like we did. No matter how difficult things get we have to keep going.
We are planning a spectacular return for the 10th anniversary in 2027. Plans and talks to begin shortly pic.twitter.com/ZRTmAJalov
— The McrRemembers Foundation™️⚽️🐝 (@McrRemembers) October 2, 2025
Writing a slightly lengthier statement on Instagram, MCR Remembers creators Aaron Lee and Paul Corrigan said: “No matter how difficult things get and how little support we get from people in positions to help, we have to keep going.
“We take inspiration from the brave and courageous people who were so closely involved with the arena attack. We will continue to remember those affected and celebrate their legacy.
“We are planning a spectacular return for the 10th anniversary in 2027. Plans and talks to begin shortly We will reassess after that event. As always, thank you to those that stuck by us. We see you, and we appreciate every single one of you. Stay tuned. Aaron / Paul.”
Lee – a local and a former police officer on 22 May 2017 – set up the organisation with his friend and fellow fundraiser (10 marathons in 10 months) with the aim of not only honouring those lost but also to help raise vital funds for their families and native bereavement charities.
They’re two incredibly inspiring individuals who have done a lot to help those in and around Greater Manchester, as well as keep that date in our heads and hearts.
Although information is still scarce in these early stages, The MCR Remembers Foundation has assured that details regarding exactly when and where the game is set to take place will be shared over the coming week and months.
It goes without saying that we here at The Manc are glad to see the moving charity match being confirmed for a comeback, even if it’s only for a one-off, and can’t wait to see which ex-pros and celebrity players get involved.
Then again, who knows? A successful return could signal the start of a fully-fledged revival, and we sincerely hope it does.
Watch this space and see you next year for the anniversary edition of Manchester Remembers 2027.