Manchester’s two main universities have confirmed that all in-person teaching will now move online as coronavirus (COVID-19) cases soar at the institutions.
It’s believed that the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University are set to inform staff and students of the move this afternoon after a decision by the city’s public health department, alongside Public Health England.
The institutions are to move teaching entirely online from tomorrow (Wednesday) until at least 30th October.
The council has said that courses at the two universities will be taught virtually, with the exception of “accredited and professional programmes, for on-campus laboratory, clinical and practice-based teaching”.
The move represents an escalation in the approach to rising coronavirus (COVID-19) cases on campus and among students.
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It comes as public health officials look to contain a host of outbreaks.
Manchester Metropolitan University
It is understood that the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) at the universities is still overwhelmingly related to accommodation facilities and not campus, but the move is being taken in an effort to limit those who may have the virus from travelling around and spreading it further.
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It comes after Manchester Metropolitan University had been the first of the two institutions to see high profile outbreaks a couple of weeks ago, which lead to students in the Birley and Cambridge halls of residence being told to self-isolate.
Hundreds more staff and student cases have been confirmed since then.
In a footprint used as part of the government’s community-level mapping of the virus, Fallowfield Central – a popular area of student residence – was showing the highest case numbers of any neighbourhood in the country yesterday.
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It racked up 558 new cases in the week up to 1st October.
David Regan – Director of Public Health at Manchester City Council – said: “This is the right thing to do and supports our approach using data and a local approach to contain outbreaks so that we reduce the possibility of further infection.
“More online teaching will protect staff, students and the wider community, which is what we want and need.
“As people will no doubt know from the news our current Covid figures are high – and in particular the rate of infection in the last seven days for our 17-21 year-old category is almost six times higher than in the rest of the community.
“Today’s announcement, plus following all our local restrictions means that we have a consistent approach.”
In response to an increase in the COVID-19 infection rate in Manchester and in line with our commitment to protect the health and well-being of our students, staff and the wider community, we be will increasing the level of online learning, from tomorrow. https://t.co/Y15nhVkiMh
— The University of Manchester (@OfficialUoM) October 6, 2020
The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and wider communities remains our top priority.
We've taken this decision after meetings with reps from the local public health authorities and @ManCityCouncil to help minimise the risk of the spread of the virus in the city.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
6th October 2020 
