‘Super-lab’ on way to meet target of 100k tests each day
GIANT SCIENTIFIC HUB HAS BEEN SET UP AT ‘UNPRECEDENTED PACE
A CORONAVIRUS super-lab is to be set up in Alderley Park from next week as part of the government’s effort to scale-up testing across the country.
The hub, which will operate day and night, has been created at ‘unprecedented pace’ according to those involved and will collect samples from across the country in a bid to allow frontline staff back to work.
Scientists and other experts from across the region are volunteering to get the lab working as fast as possible, as ministers aim for 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month.
The Cheshire lab, which is one of three agreed last week by the government - alongside one in Milton Keynes and another in Glasgow - is being set up by Bruntwood’s Medicines Discovery Catapult, a national drugs research and development facility that is also helping to coordinate the national testing response more broadly.
Prof Chris Molloy, Chief Executive Officer at MDC, said the scientific sector across the north west - including in higher education and the private sector - was coming together to scale-up testing.
He said: “At a time of national challenge, harnessing the great strengths of the UK’s businesses, universities, the NHS and research institutes requires expert teams working to a common purpose.
“The immense effort by so many partners to establish these national hub laboratories will provide vital information on the level of COVID-19 infection across the UK. It also demonstrates innovative medical science being delivered at scale.
“At Medicines Discovery Catapult, we are well placed to lead the establishment of the hub laboratory at Alderley park bringing together the scientific, clinical and industrial know-how from many organisations - engaging a skilled local workforce to support increased capacity COVID19 testing,” he said.
Ministers have come under increased fire for the national testing response, with reports of tension within government and the NHS over the strategy.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the region’s extensive scientific expertise and capacity ‘stood ready’ to help in any way it could - and the health secretary announced a five-point plan for ramping up testing to 100,000 a day by the end of the month, including through a national partnership between the government, universities and the private sector.
A new drive-through testing centre for NHS workers is now operational at a car park near Manchester Airport, from where samples will be sent to laboratories like the Alderley Park centre.
Corrie actor Alan Halsall and his girlfriend Tisha Merry still managed to celebrate their first anniversary in style during the coronavirus lockdown.
Alan, 37, and Tisha, 26, dressed up as though they were going out for dinner just to sit at their own dining table - but it didn’t bother the glam couple one bit.
With a glass of bubbles in hand, the loved-up pair smiled for a photo to mark the occasion.
“All dressed up with nowhere to go,” wrote Alan on Instagram.
“Not really how I imagined spending our first anniversary, but it was lots of fun getting dressed up to sit at our own dining table.
“It didn’t matter one bit. Great company makes a great night @missdrewmerry93.”
“It was perfect,” Tisha told her beau.
“Nailing self-isolation,” CBBC presenter Hacker the Dog told them.
“Gorgeous couple stay safe,” said another follower.
In another romantic post Alan, who plays Tyrone Dobbs in Corrie, told Tisha, who played Steph Britton in the soap, that he’s ‘loved every second’ of their time together.
“One year. 12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days. 8760 hours. 525,600 minutes. 31,536,000 seconds... and I’ve loved every second,” he wrote.
“What a difference a year makes and what a difference you make to my life!!
“Happy anniversary @missdrewmerry93 I love you.”
The doting dad recently shared a photo of himself and Tisha with his six-year-old daughter Sienna.
“Got everything I need to self quarantine,” he said.
Tisha also spoke of how Alan had changed her life.
“How life can change in a year,” she wrote.
“Happy Anniversay @alanhalsall.
“Thank you for being everything I could ever dream of! “Here’s to many more years! I love you xx”
Tisha recently gave followers a look inside their Worsley home on her YouTube channel.
Alan and Tisha confirmed their relationship in May last year at co-star Sam Aston’s wedding and they moved in together later in the year.
In February Alan’s ex Lucy-Jo Hudson, who played Katy Harris in Corrie, welcomed a baby boy with her partner Lewis Devine.
The couple started dating following her separation from Alan in 2018, who she met while working on the Street in 2002.