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A new strain of Covid that is sweeping the country has quickly established itself in Lincolnshire.

A study has estimated that the new BA.5 sub-variant accounted for more than half of all new cases in the most recent figures.

It has caused a spike in coronavirus, with cases up 40% in the county in a single week.

The Wellcome Sanger Institute’s Coronavirus genome survey believes that the variant accounted for between 50% and 100% in different Lincolnshire districts in the last week in June.

All new cases in South Holland are believed to be BA.5.

West Lindsey is the second highest, with around two-thirds of cases, and the City of Lincoln and East Lindsey are both estimated to have 50%.

Data isn’t available for North Kesteven for the latest week – however, it was 100% in the week before that.

South Kesteven and Boston also have gaps in the data.

In northern Lincolnshire, BA.4 is reportedly still the dominant strain.

Lincolnshire had 1,565 cases in the most recent week with data – an extra 450 on the week before.

The county’s overall case rate has risen to 204 per 100,000 residents, which is below the peaks seen in the winter but still higher than recent months.

A chart showing infection rates and new cases of coronavirus up to June 28, including the most recent increase in cases.

Both BA.4 and BA.5 have been designated variants of concern by the UK Health Security Agency.

They are the latest version of the Omicron variant which become widespread last winter.

Experts have said that they don’t seem to be more dangerous than previous strains, but could potentially spread easier.

Booster jabs are still available for those who haven’t had them, as well as first and second vaccines.

People have been urged to take up the opportunity if they haven’t already.

Rebecca Neno, Director of Covid and Influenza Vaccination Programmes at NHS Lincolnshire CCG said: “We know that getting vaccinated is the best way to gain maximum protection from Covid and that the vaccination programme has helped prevent thousands of people from being seriously ill and hospitalised with Covid,” explains.

“We also know that protection from the vaccination will wane over time, which is why it is vital to get all of the Covid vaccinations you are eligible for.  So, for example, if you are 75 or older, or aged 12 or over and immunosuppressed, you should be coming forwards to have your spring booster if you’ve not already had it.”

To find a vaccination centre in your area, visit https://lincolnshire.icb.nhs.uk/grab-a-jab/.

We are investigating an affray following reports that a large group of youths were involved in violent disorder at the playing fields in Metheringham this weekend.

The incident included two boys with what appeared to be blades as well as punches and kicks being thrown between several people, and took place at around 3.30pm on Saturday 2 July in the public space.

We are treating this as a priority and have made three arrests so far, with more expected as our investigation progresses.

We believe this was an isolated and planned incident involving people who knew each other, but we know that it will be concerning for people living in the village.

Inspector Rachel Blackwell, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This was a very serious incident and we understand that there will be people who feel frightened by what they may have heard, witnessed, or seen on social media.

“Local residents may notice an increased policing presence in the coming days as we work hard to identify and deal with those involved that haven’t yet been, and more importantly to reassure the community that we are taking robust action.

“Our communities have the right to visit a play park in the middle of the day without the fear that they would witness such violent and frightening behaviour. There were young children and families at the park at the time of the incident, and we would like to reassure them, and anyone else who feels worried about this incident, that we are giving this our full attention.”

We have arrested a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of public order offences. The 16-year-old boy has been released on bail, and the 15-year-old has been released under investigation which our enquiries continue. We have also arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of violent disorder. He has been released on bail.

We know that there were lots of people there who saw and possibly filmed the incident, and we would appeal to them to come forward and share that footage or information they may have. This will help police to collate the full picture.

There are a number of ways to get in touch:

• By calling 101 quoting incident 287 of 2 July.
• By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 287 of 2 July in the subject line.
• If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.