Activity: Participating in or organising event(s) › Organising a conference, workshop, exhibition, performance, inquiry, course etc › Research
Description
The risk of a lethal infectious disease like SARS or bird flu spreading globally has become a pressing concern in the West. In this session we discuss the threat posed by new infectious diseases and use a tool to simulate fictional outbreaks starting in Manchester and rapidly spreading globally. Drawing on sociological knowledge, alongside medical and other knowledges already dominant in current pandemic planning, the workshop discusses current strategies and mitigation plans. We explore what might happen on the ground in a future pandemic emergency, how our cities might cope, and look at the social consequences of some of the measures adopted during previous pandemics, such as quarantine. A number of historic maps of infectious disease in Manchester from the library archive are also on display during the event. Refreshments available and the chance to visit the historic library. The event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science