Manchester's response to Covid pandemic to be under the spotlight in new exhibition

Manchester's response to the Covid-19 pandemic is set to be highlighted in a new exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum.

Injecting Hope: The race for a Covid-19 vaccine will examine the explore theworldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed, as well as experiences of local communities in the Greater Manchester area.

Visitors will be able to see objects such as Andy Burnham’s dark navy worker’s jacket worn during a major Covid press conference as he called for more financial aid for the North, and a NHS Nightingale Hospital North West bed from the never used emergency hospital.

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The exhibition will also feature portraits of healthcare workers in Ancoats who helped to vaccinate the homeless, and a special "virustatic shield" or reusable face mask that was developed right here in Manchester.

Andrea Lathrop, Associate Curator of Exhibitions at the Science and Industry Museum, said: “We hope this incredible exhibition not only provides eye-opening insights into how science was employed to find solutions to the COVID-19 challenge, but plenty of empowering momentsfor visitors to explore engaging content and to reflect on their own unique experiences of the pandemic.

"The new Manchester-focused content that has been introduced offers a poignant opportunity for joint reflection, as well as moments to celebrate the ingenuity, resilience and selflessness of the people in this special city.

“Injecting Hope is a people-centred exhibition that shines a light on those behind the headlines who innovated vaccine science, sat in bed on their laptops, volunteered in vaccine centres and exposed themselves to the virus day after day to keep us safe. Collaboration was, and remains, vital in combating this truly global issue, and we’re delighted to have collaborated with so many incredible individuals to tell this story.”

The exhibition will run from Friday, July 19, to Sunday, November 17 and is free for all.