Reflections: Looking back, looking forward

There have been 486 new coronavirus cases and 18 COVID-related deaths in Greater Lincolnshire on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the UK has hit the grim milestone of over 60,000 deaths since the pandemic started, the first European country to do so.

The government’s COVID-19 dashboard recorded 351 new cases in Lincolnshire, 71 in North East Lincolnshire and 64 in North Lincolnshire. Just this month (three days), there have been 1,098 cases alone.

On Thursday, 14 deaths were registered in Lincolnshire, two in North East Lincolnshire and two in North Lincolnshire. These figures include deaths both in and out of hospitals, as well as residents in hospitals outside the county.

NHS England reported eight new local hospital deaths on Thursday, including six at United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust, one at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust and one at Lincolnshire Community Health Service hospitals.

On Thursday, national cases increased by 14,879 to 1,674,134 while deaths rose by 414 to 60,113.

In local news, there has been a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in Greater Lincolnshire, with Boston and Lincoln in the top 10 infection rates in the UK. However, the city’s student infections dropped significantly.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust is set to be one of the first 50 hospitals where coronavirus vaccinations will be given to patients next week.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed in a Downing Street press conference that Pfizer’s approved vaccine is ready for distribution within a matter of days.

The MP for Grantham and Stamford said Lincolnshire should be divided into two lockdown tiers, with the south of the county going into tier 2, while central and northern areas remain in tier 3.

The UK got an approved vaccine first because it is “a better country”, the Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson said today.

However, Dr Anthony Fauci, America’s top immunologist, has criticised Britain’s approval of Pfizer vaccine, saying: “the UK did not do it as carefully.”

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the deputy chief medical officer, has urged the UK public to get a coronavirus vaccine when they become widely available if they want normal life to return.

He said “low uptake” of vaccines designed to protect the public will “almost certainly make restrictions last longer”. However, the first vaccinations “could cut 99% of deaths”.

Infection rate up to Dec 3. | Data: GOV UK / Table: The Lincolnite

Lincolnshire’s cases up to December 3 (recent five days incomplete).

A business owner wants to turn a former Sleaford chapel into a restaurant and bar.

Ms F. Alrashaid has applied to North Kesteven District Council to change the use of The Old Chapel off Kincross Road in Greylees.

The application includes a new customer car park.

In documents submitted to NKDC’s planning department, Robert Doughty Consultancy said the hope was to provide “casual all-day dining cafe and bar serving brunch, lunch and dinner from 9am-9pm” – although the trading hours would go up to 11pm from Thursday-Saturday.

“The interior will reflect the uniqueness of the chapel and provide a warm and comfortable atmosphere, with hospitality and familiarity at the core,” they said.

“The business will be COVID secure, with socially distanced seating, full table service and maintain compliance with the changing guidance.”

A takeaway service will also be operated.

The proposed floor plan for the ground floor. | Image: Robert Doughty Consultancy

The owner said the new business will create around 20 new jobs, including eight full-time employees and “further part-time staff”.

The mid-late Victorian building was previously used as the Rauceby Hospital Chapel and in 2018 was given permission to be used as a day nursery, however, the prospective buyer pulled out.

It is also part of a Grade II registered park and garden and conservation area surrounding Rauceby Hospital itself.

There has been a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in Greater Lincolnshire, with Boston and Lincoln in the top 10 infection rates in the UK.

Boston is second in the country with 547.2 per 100,000 of the population, a large spike since Wednesday’s rate of 501.6.

Lincoln came in ninth in the country with an increased infection rate from 371.6 yesterday, to 385.7 today.

East Lindsey, North Kesteven, South Kesteven and South Holland infection rates also rose from Wednesday.

However, South Kesteven and South Holland still remain below the England average of 155.4.

South Kesteven are in 150th place out of the 380 local authorities with 149.6 up slightly from 148.1.

South Holland’s infection rate has risen overnight from 121 to 144.2, a sharper increase than that of South Kesteven.

This comes as the MP for Grantham and Stamford said Lincolnshire should be divided into two lockdown tiers, with the south of the county going into tier 2, while central and northern areas remain in tier 3.

For the first time in over a week, Greater Lincolnshire’s general infection rate has risen to 267. Yesterday, it was 259.

Data shows that England’s average infection rate is on a steady decline – unfortunately not the case in Greater Lincolnshire.

Infection rate up to Dec 3. | Data: GOV UK / Table: The Lincolnite