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The first case of the Omicron variation of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Lincolnshire.

Health bosses in the county say they are aware of two cases at the same workplace in Boston, however one of the two is not a Lincolnshire resident.

The close contacts of the cases have been identified.

People living in the county have been warned more cases are expected to be identified in the coming weeks, and that rules on facemarks and social distancing should be followed.

Professor Derek Ward, Director of public health in Lincolnshire, told BBC Radio Lincolnshire on the morning of Tuesday, December 7: “We have had one confirmed case of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in Lincolnshire, from the Boston area.

“We know there are two cases from the same workplace in the town, but one of those cases isn’t a Lincolnshire resident, and has actually recently returned from Southern Africa.

“As compared to what the Secretary of State said last night, we can connect this person and this case with foreign travel.

“I’m not worried about the fact it’s here in the county. It was always going to come into the county. No matter what happens across the planet with COVID -19, we are going to experience it.

“The key thing for this case is the UK health security agency are leading the investigation. They are working very closely with me and my team, and we have identified all the close contacts who are self isolating along with government guidelines and testing. We are doing everything we can.

“As the Secretary of State said last night, I think it’s absolutely clear that this particular variant is now out across the country.

“I only know of one case in Lincolnshire in particular, but I would not be surprised whatsoever if we find there are more cases today, tomorrow and through the rest of the week.

“It’s really important that we stick by the rules and remember what we’re supposed to do.”

A Stamford inventor has launched a new product described as an “innovative 21st century alternative to unsightly chains and cords for sunglasses and spectacles,” which is now available to buy on Amazon.

Former police firearms officer John Blaylock has been wearing glasses for around four years, but they kept slipping off and he didn’t want to wear a chain or cord.

The 56-year-old damaged a pair of expensive sunglasses whilst on holiday, as well as a few pairs of reading glasses, and was determined to come up with a practical solution and more stylish alternative to the “awkward and unsightly chains and cords favoured by older generations”.

John launched his business – Gripping Innovations Limited – last year to develop and release his new product Gripsee and for creating future inventions. After months of research into the way people interact with eyewear, he made Gripsee.

Gripsee is new, patent-pending, magnetic device for keeping sunglasses and spectacles safe and secure. It is lightweight with an interchangeable cradle system and reversible 4-way design.

The Gripsee is not only good for keeping glasses in place, but also for storing them. | Photo: John Blaylock

It has initially been launched with four classic colour options, and features powerful high-grade neodymium magnets protected with a micro thin layer of coloured lamination and a generous cushion of lightweight, flexible and luxurious ‘soft touch’ material.

Gripsee is available now to buy on Amazon, priced at £8.50, and John is already in discussions with wholesalers and a major retailer, as he hopes to have it on local high streets in time for Christmas. John is applied for a design patent around 18 months ago, which he is hoping to have granted by next year.

The patent pending reactive cradle system is precision engineered to minimise movement and maximise retention to ensure glasses are always safe and secure. There will also be more colour combinations released next year, as well as other new products in the future.

The former Uppingham Community College pupil has been inventing things since he was a child. At around 11-year-olds he made a human mouse trap out of cardboard, and has always been interested in making things, as well as being fascinated by magnets.

Gripsee is new, patent-pending, magnetic device for keeping sunglasses and spectacles safe and secure. | Photo: John Blaylock

John told The Lincolnite: “When I came up with the idea and did the research, there are some solar products out there, but they have issues such as magnets shattering or detaching, so I wanted to create something better.

“I think mine is far superior. It is not only good for keeping glasses in place, but for storing them too. It is more secure than cords and chains and looks nicer, and the magnets are stronger.

“The thing about Gripsee is that it sits on the chest area, so your glasses are always in sight and you won’t lose them.”

He added that although he had to import the magnets from China, the cradles, packaging and other materials were all sourced within a 60 mile radius of Stamford.

John was born in Buckingham and later attended Uppingham Community College in Rutland before joining the army.

He owned a pet food business before becoming a police officer on the beat at Cumbria Constabulary. He later became a police firearms officer before ending his career with the force in CID.

John, who has also lived in Glasgow, Essex and Yorkshire, also previously ran his own auto locksmith company and designed and manufactured parts for programming keys for 12 years.

Boston’s third-ever Santa Fun Run will take place in the Lincolnshire town next weekend, on the same day as the special Festive Market.

The town’s Market Place will host a festive market on Sunday December 12, featuring a selection of craft and gift stalls and food vendors, as well as entertainers including an ice carving demonstration.

The Market Place will also be the finishing line for the Santa Fun Run, which hopes to build on the successful events in 2018 and 2019. The fun run will begin in Central Park, following a route that takes in the town’s most iconic sites and historic streets.

Santa suits and festive dress are optional but encouraged. It doesn’t matter if participants choose to run, hope or skip, as it’s all about taking part.

You must book your place ahead of the event online here, with entry priced at £15 (including delivery of Santa suit).

Organisers Boston Community Runners Group are supporting Wyberton Wombles of Boston Common this year. They are looking to raise funds to ensure the group have the equipment they need to keep the town tidy.

Councillor Tracey Abbott, Portfolio for Town Centre at Boston Borough Council, said: “It’s been wonderful to see residents and visitors coming back to the town centre to enjoy the festive period after a difficult 2020, and it’s great to see the Christmas cheer continuing with the Festive Market and Fun Run.

“I’m sure the market will be a massive success and I wish everyone taking part in the run the very best of luck.”

Councillor Paul Goodale, Chairman of Boston Town Area Committee, added: “We’ve already had some fantastic Christmas celebrations in the town, and we’re delighted to be helping them continue with our support of the Festive Market. I’m looking forward to it and I know it’ll be a big Success for everyone involved.”