Greater Manchester Universities Use Tech to Fight Coronavirus

Major colleges and universities in Greater Manchester join fight against coronavirus.

05:09 09 April 2020

Greater Manchester's colleges and universities are donating vital personal protection equipment (PPE) to the NHS. Some of the items that are being handed over include googles, forensic suits, disposable gloves, masks and ventilators. 

 

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) academics are also currently developing protective face shields using 3D technology. Working with digital technology hub PrintCity, the academics have also developed a hands-free device to open doors cable ties. 

 

An MMU spokesperson said: "The aim of the device is to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses from touching a handle. 

 

"It is hoped this can be used everywhere from nurseries and care homes to hospitals.

 

"In hospitals, this would help to cut down on waste of things like protective gloves." 

 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the University of Manchester said: "The University of Manchester is assisting the NHS by mobilising its staff, laboratory space and equipment as part of a collective effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in a fast-moving and rapidly changing situation." 

 

The university's forensic science department has since donated 10 boxes of crime scene suits, overshoes and disposable gloves. Meanwhile, the University of Salford has donated the 'Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction' equipment, which can detect as little as one virus particle in swabs taken from inside the mouth or nose.