It’s not uncommon at this point to say it feels like a lifetime ago since the UK was first placed into lockdown amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic back on 23rd March.
Now, 17 weeks later, the ‘new normal’ is settling in and life as we once knew it has somewhat begun its return.
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) July 14, 2020
But, do public attitudes reflect a confidence to resume this normality though? Are the people of Greater Manchester and beyond ready to be out in public places? Or is there still a sense of uncertainty?
Do you feel safe?
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Here at The Manc, we always want to know where you stand.
After observing the wide-ranging discussion across our social platforms over these past few weeks, it was quite clear to us that our audience across had somewhat strong views on this topic and we wanted to give them a platform to explore this debate further, so we decided to put this to our over 500,000+ followers on Facebook in a poll to ask – ‘With the UK lockdown continuing to ease and many businesses reopening doors once again, do you feel safe going to public places?‘
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We posed the simple yes/no question and invited follow-up response in the comment section.
This is how you reacted:
? With the UK lockdown continuing to ease and many businesses reopening doors once again, do you feel safe going to public places? ? Let us know why you voted yes or no in the comment section
At the time of writing, we have received a total of 8.4K votes, but that number is certain to increase before the poll closes.
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With the poll not due to end for another 16 hours, voting is appearing a rather close call at present, but the early standings are signalling a majority leaning toward a confidence in being in public places, as opposed to feeling unsafe for whatever reason identified.
As mentioned, we wanted to generate a healthy conversation, so we opened up the comment section of the poll and invited all manner of response.
Here’s what you said:
We received an overwhelmingly active response from our audience to this question, with opinions expressed on both sides, and therefore haven’t been able to include every single comment in this article. Instead, we chose to feature a range of responses which seemed to resonate best with others and amass the most interactions overall.
Are you keen to have your say?
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The poll is still live and running, so if you would like to have a read of the rest of the responses already submitted and give your input on the matter, then you can head on over and vote on our Facebook page here.
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The COVID-19 pandemic may have taken its toll on industries of all shapes and sizes over these past few months, but supporting local/independent business has never been more important than it is right now.
The Manc is #BuzzingToBeBack – find out more about independents in Manchester here.
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For more information and guidance amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, do refer to official sources via gov.uk/coronavirus.
#StaySafeSaveLives
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‘Hairy men’ needed to play soldiers in returning major fantasy TV series
Thomas Melia
A huge TV series has issued an urgent casting call for, very specifically, ‘hairy men’ to play soldiers.
The exact show hasn’t been named in the casting call, but it’s definitely a major returning fantasy, and is reportedly House of the Dragon, the hit Game of Thrones spin-off.
This big on demand show is set to start filming in just two months’ time, meaning anyone considering shouldn’t wait to apply.
There are a list of key characteristics candidates should have if hoping for this role, including a great work ethic and a professional attitude, something all Mancs like to think we have.
The job description states that no prior acting experience is required, one of the only other things you need to be good at is waking up early (well that’s me out).
Most importantly, headhunters are looking for individuals to take on that have one big factor in common… lots of hair.
On the official website where you can submit your headshots and photos, you will find a mood board filled with ranging hairstyles that fit the desired look the show is going for.
Just one example of a long-haired man who fits the criteria for the returning series.Another similar hair style choice to the guide from the casting call.Credit via Unsplash
Most of the pictures on the site range from long curly locks to big bushy beards – it’s a shame Santa will be back in the North Pole by now.
All candidates must have grown-out hair, ‘overgrown scruff to longer beards’, this means no short, back and sides, or any ‘modern fades’ as stated by the casting team.
If the rumours are true and this turns out to be a shoot for House Of The Dragon, it would be great to see even more Northern talent feature in this show.
It wasn’t too long ago that fans and Mancs alike realised that actor Olivia Cooke, who plays Lady Alicent Hightower, was a local lass herself, born not too far away in Oldham.
One final and important note is that anyone who is likely to apply must make sure they’re 18+ and have a right to work in the UK.
Filming will take place across North Wales and the South East from March onwards, with rate of pay roughly £140-£300+ per day (depending on hours worked).
To apply for a chance to feature in the returning major fantasy series, you can do so by visiting the site HERE.
Greater Manchester set to be battered by ‘impactful’ heavy rain and wind this week
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester is set to be battered by some heavy rain and wind this week, according to the Met Office.
While things have seemed surprisingly more settled for the time of year over the last week or so, with clearer skies and chilly winter mornings being fairly commonplace, all that will change very soon, as the Met Office has forecasted that the UK is set to be battered by some ‘impactful’ heavy rain and strong winds as the week goes on.
Low pressure systems will bring a more ‘unsettled’ spell of weather, with a severe weather warning for wind issued for certain parts of the UK.
Today is expected to be filled with grey skies and light rain here in Greater Manchester, with cloud covering much of the rest of the country, and other outbreaks of rain elsewhere, whereas on Wednesday, the focus of rain will shift to southern England instead.
The weather looks set to turn more unsettled during the forthcoming week 🌧️ 🌬️
Thursday is where it’s set to take the biggest downturn though, as a front bringing heavy rain moves eastwards through the day, and it’s us here in North West England that are expected to see the highest accumulations too, with 20-30mm could falling over the hills, and some hill snow even possible over the Scottish mountains too.
A deep area of low pressure will also have ‘deepened rapidly’ by Thursday, bringing ‘strengthening winds’ to western parts of the UK along with it overnight, followed by more heavy rainfall.
Greater Manchester is set to be battered by ‘impactful’ heavy rain and wind this week / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“A very deep area of low pressure will bring a very unsettled, potentially disruptive, spell of weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday,” explained Chris Almond, who is the Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist.
“Winds will begin to strengthen on Thursday night, with the peak gusts forecast through Friday in Northern Ireland and western Scotland. The wind will also be accompanied by heavy rain bringing some unpleasant conditions to end the week.
“We have issued a Yellow weather warning for wind, and with several days before the impactful weather, the forecast details are likely to be fine-tuned during the week, so stay tuned to your local forecast and keep up to date with Met Office warnings.”
The Manc -
21st July 2020 
