A 13-year-old Lincoln school pupil has been tested for coronavirus and has self-isolated after returning from a ski trip in Italy.
Chloe Maplethorpe, who is in Year 8 at the Priory City of Lincoln Academy, had a cough and a running nose following the half-term trip.
She isolated herself in her bedroom until the testing nurse came out to her at around 11am on Thursday, February 27.
Chloe’s mother and her partner were also asked to stay off work until the testing was done.
Her mother, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Lincolnite the test went well and they should have the results back by Monday.
The nurse also left some antibacterial wipes for the family to clean where Chloe had been.
Her mother said: “The nurse came and had to change into full protective clothing, including face mask and visor. Chloe was then brought down and she had four swabs taken, one from each nostril and two from the back of her throat.
“She was nervous having the swabs put down and was hesitant to begin with.
“The samples will be taken to Lincoln County Hospital, then sent to Scunthorpe for testing, and someone will call us with the results.
“It’s all been a bit of a whirlwind time and a little unreal thinking the virus has got into England. She is fed up of not being allowed out now and doing plenty of TikToks (videos).”
Her mother also claimed that one of Chloe’s friends had been tested and she believes most of the other students are being kept off school for the next few weeks for fears of the virus spreading.
The school told The Lincolnite it was unable to comment on individual cases, but said that guidance given indicated there was no need to close the school or send other learners or staff home.
The Lincoln mum added: “It is very worrying as I have another two children and if Chloe was positive we all have to be tested. My partner has Cystic Fibrosis so if he were to catch it it would be deadly to him. We have been told to self-isolate but minimise visitors into our home and keep hygiene high.”
Rob Reeve, Priory Federation of Academies Trust Director of Welfare, said: “As you will be aware, we cannot comment on any individual’s health or medical situation.
“However, as we have stated in all our parental communications this week, we have been following central and local government guidance since the return of our trip, and will continue to do so.
“Clearly, we are asking students, families and staff to remain vigilant and aware throughout what is undoubtedly a difficult period for everyone. Integral to that is the need for all involved to follow government advice in all circumstances.”
More than 70 Year 8 to 12 pupils from Priory Federation schools LSST, Witham and City in Lincoln, the Pembroke Academy in Cherry Willingham, and the Priory Ruskin Academy in Grantham, visited Aprica in Lombardy in northern Italy, where 11 towns were in lockdown.
Public Health England said as of February 27 a total of 7,690 people have been tested in the UK, of which 7,675 were confirmed negative and 15 positive.
The symptoms of coronavirus include a cough, high temperature and shortness of breath but these symptoms do not necessarily mean someone has coronavirus.
Anyone who has been to the following countries or has been in close contact with someone who has the virus should call 111 now:
Hubei province in China in the last 14 days
Iran, areas of northern Italy in lockdown or “special care zone” areas in South Korea since 19 February
Other parts of mainland China or South Korea, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath
Other parts of northern Italy (anywhere north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini), Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar since 19 February and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath
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Family-run business Stokes has expanded with a new fast takeaway dining destination next to its iconic Lincoln High Street cafe.
The 120-year-old coffee experts have been serving delicious food and drink to the people of Lincoln for generations now, and as part of its ever-growing plans to keep providing a much-needed service in the city – a new mission has begun.
Stokes To Go – a takeaway premises serving all the Stokes classics – has opened next door to the High Bridge cafe on Lincoln High Street.
A range of tasty food and drinks on sale. | Photo: Stokes Tea & Coffee
It is the only place for miles in the city that can offer the range of top quality menu options that Stokes has on display.
With a modern interior and seating area upstairs, people will be able to sit indoors and take in the scenery while eating their Cornish pasty or drinking their coffee.
Tasty treats for those with a sweet tooth. | Photo: Stokes Tea & Coffee
The store will be open seven days a week, from 8am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Locally sourced produce will again be at the heart of Stokes To Go, offering fresh baked pastries, breakfast ciabattas, cut sandwiches and Project D doughnuts. Vegetarian options will also be available.
Stokes To Go is hoping to offer a quick service at the same high standards of its cafes. | Photo: Stokes Tea & Coffee
Nick Peel, Managing Director at Stokes Tea & Coffee said: “We’re thrilled to launch the new Stokes To Go store. Customers have been asking us if we would take over the space next door to our High Bridge Café as it’s been empty for some time.
“It’s brilliant to see that the whole iconic building has now been brought back to life and everyone can enjoy it.
“We were conscious that there hasn’t been a lot of choice for customers who prefer locally sourced, top-quality options for their takeaway breakfasts and lunches.
“So, opening Stokes To Go means customers can not only enjoy a unique menu served fast, they don’t have to compromise on quality anymore even when they are short on time.”
A new mobile app has been created as a free digital version of The Little Book of Stamford with a guide to everything you need to know about the Lincolnshire town, including where to shop and places to eat and drink.
What’s on in the town, where to park and more are also included in The Little App of Stamford app. It is free to download from Apple’s App Store and an android version is planned for release on June 1.
The app was created by Stamford Digital in association with #ShopStamford, a hashtag set up five years ago to promote and support the town’s retailers and traders.
The app includes everything you need to know about Stamford, including where to shop, places to eat and drink, what’s on in town, and more.
Tim Baker, who lives in Bourne with his wife and two children, is the founder and managing director of website and app firm Stamford Digital which launched in September 2018.
Tim said: “I picked up The Little Book of Stamford and instantly loved what it stood for and the design. It is a great tool to help visitors and shoppers navigate Stamford, as well as helping local businesses to raise their profile.
“I thought by making the book available digitally through this mobile app, I could help compliment what it aims to achieve.”
The app is a free digital version of The Little Book of Stamford.
Sarah Sewell, who is the chairperson of #ShopStamford and owner of Energy Clothing, added: “The app is going to be a great add-on to the book and map we have already produced. It is yet another platform we can use to promote the wonderful independent businesses we have here in Stamford, so people can discover what we have to offer.”