Rewind our week 12 coronavirus lockdown updates from Lincoln and Lincolnshire.
1,820 coronavirus cases in Greater Lincolnshire (up from 1,816)
1,135 in Lincolnshire (up from 1,133)
521 in North Lincolnshire (no change)
164 in North East Lincolnshire (up from 162)
322 COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire (no change)
136 at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (no change)
3 at Lincolnshire Community Health Service hospitals (no change)
1 at Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust (no change)
115 in Northern Lincolnshire (NLAG) (no change)
66 in Lincolnshire County Council-managed care homes (no change)
295,889 cases, 41,698 deaths in total
DATA SOURCE — FIGURES CORRECT AT THE TIME OF the latest update
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8th June 2020 3:56pm
Two new COVID-19 deaths across Greater Lincolnshire
There have been two further COVID-19 related deaths reported across Greater Lincolnshire authorities today.
The latest government statistics have revealed one extra death at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust, bringing the total to 136.
Meanwhile, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals has also seen another reported death, bringing its total to 115.
The deaths follow a quiet weekend and, in Lincolnshire, are the first COVID-19 deaths reported since Tuesday, June 2.
The latest figures bring the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire to 322.
Nationally, a further 59 people who tested positive for the Coronavirus have died, bringing the total number in hospitals in England to 27,490.
However, no deaths in London hospitals have been reported today despite a “small number of deaths” occurring which are expected to be announced later in the week.
8th June 2020 3:56pm
Grantham A&E downgraded “temporarily” as COVID-19 free UTC
Hospital bosses have revealed plans to turn Grantham A&E into a 24/7 urgent treatment centre (UTC) as part of a major overhaul to tackle COVID-19.
Plans to turn United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust’s plans to create a “green” site – which will be completely COVID-19 free have been published for approval at the trust’s “extraordinary” board meeting on Thursday.
Bosses say the plans will be temporary, starting from June 22, but carrying on until “at least March 31, 2021”.
The changes will mean A&E patients and non-elective patients will be turned away from Grantham Hospital to other sites including neighbouring trusts.
However, elective surgery and day cases such as chemotherapy patients will be taken from Pilgrim and Lincoln hospitals and transferred to Grantham.
“We believe these temporary changes are the right approach to manage the pandemic in a way that best protects our patients and staff whilst delivering key services,” said the documents before the board meeting next week.
New Taskforce launched to tackle coronavirus across social care
A new social care Taskforce has been created to oversee the protection of people in local health services, the health secretary Matt Hancock has announced.
During the government’s daily briefing on Monday, Mr Hancock also announced that all remaining adult care homes in England will be able to order testing kits, not just those caring for the over-65s.
The task force combines national and local government and care home in order to support the implementation of testing and the delivery of Personal Protection Equipment.
It will include additional training and resources.
More than one million tests have been sent out to care homes, hitting the government’s target.
The latest move will see nearly 6,000 more homes get testing kits.
Mr. Hancock said he knew “personally, how anxious” the coronavirus pandemic was for anyone with relatives living in social care.
Other key moments include:
The lowest number of cases since March. The UK has reported 1,205 new cases today.
R is “below one in all regions” according to SAGE, said Mr Hancock
Hospital admissions are falling – there are now 6,403 people in hospital with coronavirus
8th June 2020 6:42pm
Lincoln lockdown superhero scarecrow festival honours frontline workers
‘Lockdown Superhero’ scarecrows stood and sat proudly in gardens in uphill Lincoln as part of a festival paying tribute to frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Over 30 varied and humorous scarecrows decorated front gardens in Haffenden Road, Bruce Road, Manor Road and Nettleham Road on Saturday, June 6, with even more appearing on Sunday.
One-way system planned for Lincoln Cathedral reopening
Plans for new one-way systems are being drawn up as Lincoln Cathedral prepares for life after lockdown.
The government has already announced that places of worship will be permitted to open for individual prayer in line with social distancing guidelines from June 15.
Lincoln Cathedral is yet to announce the date it plans to reopen.
Second Black Lives Matter protest planned for Lincoln
A second Black Lives Matter protest has been planned in Lincoln with protestors being encouraged to wear red and black to support the movement.
The peaceful protest will take place at 5pm on Saturday, June 20 with a march from the University of Lincoln library to Lincoln Cathedral.
Over 140 people had confirmed their attendance by the time of publication, with a further 293 declaring their interest in the event.
Black Lives Matter Lincoln wants to solidify its stance, but has left a gap of a few weeks to “cater for any COVID worries caused by our first protest”, where some 500 people gathered outside Lincoln Cathedral.
Lincoln venues to live stream lockdown comedy night
Get ready for some lockdown laughs as Soccer AM’s Lloyd Griffith and former Britain’s Got Talent contestant Daliso Chaponda join the line-up for a live stream comedy night organised by Lincoln venues and organisations.
The Live Comedy Night will be streamed live online here from 7.15pm on Wednesday, June 10.
Plans dropped to get all primary students back to school
Primary schools in England may not be able to welcome back all year groups before the end of term, the government says.
The initial plan was for schools to adopt a phased return, starting with reception and years 1 & 6 on June 1, before aiming for all primary pupils to be at school for four weeks before summer.
Year 10 and 12 students were then going to be allowed to see teachers as of June 15 as they prepared for an exam year.
Education secretary Gavin Williamson delivered a statement to the House of Commons about schools on Tuesday, June 9.
In his statement, Mr Williamson said that schools will now be given “flexibility” to bring pupils back when they deem it safe to do so.
The government will also be aiming to bring back all pupils in September, saying: “We are not able to welcome all primary for a full month before the summer.”
The announcement comes after health secretary Matt Hancock said secondary schools may not fully reopen until September “at the earliest” in his coronavirus briefing on Monday, June 8.
On Thursday, June 4, less than 12% of the primary school population were actually back in class, according to data from the department of education.
No COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire on Tuesday
There have been no coronavirus related deaths reported across Greater Lincolnshire hospitals on Tuesday.
The latest government statistics published on Tuesday, June 9 revealed no extra deaths at either United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust or the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust.
This means the total number of deaths at ULHT remains at 136, with 115 at NLaG.
The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire is 322.
Nationally, a further 129 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 27,619.
Patients were aged between 26 and 100 years old. Three patients, aged between 78 and 93, had no known underlying health conditions.
9th June 2020 4:46pm
Socially distanced Burger King reopens in Lincoln
The first Burger King store in Lincoln reopened its doors on Tuesday, with strict social distancing rules in place.
League One football season finished, Lincoln City place 16th
Lincoln City’s fate in League One has finally been decided, as football clubs voted to end the season due to coronavirus.
The current positions in the table will stand as final on a points per game basis, meaning that Lincoln City finish the campaign in 16th place.
The club have been dealt a financial blow by the COVID-19 pandemic, with projected revenue losses of around £1m coming as a result of the season prematurely ending.
A factory in Grimsby will produce 10 million face masks a month to support frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
This comes after investment from Austrian-based Hygiene Austria, which was set up in April 2020 as a joint venture between Lenzing and Palmers Textil. Lenzing already employs 210 people at the Grimsby site.
Machines have been installed and are undergoing commissioning with production of masks planned for this week.
Cheers! Lincoln bar launches cocktail delivery service
A Lincoln bar is launching bottled cocktails for delivery this week as it continues to adapt during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Strait and Narrow has been delivering a variety drinks to its customers since lockdown began in March. It started with beer as people were missing the bar’s wide range before it moved onto gin, whisky and wine.
After being continually asked about their cocktails, the bar was approached by Hi Spirits (makers of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Tito’s Vodka and Broker’s Gin) and Identity Brands (makes of Plantation Rum) to help get their products out to the public.
However, when asked what could have caused Tuesday’s increase, Mr McGinty said: “It is a bit of a jump, we haven’t been able to explain that yet although my working theory is we have had outbreak in three food factories that have come up over the last week or so where we’ve been doing additional testing.”
The wait for sweet delicious lockdown treats is nearly over as a popular Lincoln doughnut shop prepares to reopen for takeaway later this month.
Doughnotts will be reopening its Lincoln, Nottingham and Leicester stores with strict social distancing rules and for takeout only from June 24. The Lincoln store is located in the Cornhill Quarter and all seating will be closed.
People can pop into the shop to place their orders. Orders can also be placed via Deliveroo from the same date.
Over 200 Lincolnshire cancer patients still waiting to start treatment
Around 200 people in Lincolnshire who need cancer treatment still don’t know when they will be able to be seen by doctors because hospitals are in lockdown due to coronavirus.
There are also more than 12,000 people who have been waiting for more than 18 weeks to be seen by specialist doctors after referrals from GPs as planned elective and urgent diagnosis appointments have reduced during lockdown.
Three Lincolnshire care homes still tackling COVID-19 outbreaks
Just three care homes in Lincolnshire are currently tackling outbreaks of COVID-19, compared to 22 at the peak of the pandemic.
Deputy director of public health at Lincolnshire County Council Tony McGinty, however, said he expected to continue to see outbreaks for the foreseeable future, just at a lower level.
The county council monitors around 270 homes across the county.
Mr McGinty said he could not be optimistic that the number would reduce to zero, adding: “I suspect we’ll continue to see the odd case or outbreak in care homes for a little while.
“Bearing in mind that COVID isn’t going away, it’s likely to take up a bit of a position like some of the other infectious diseases that we see in care homes from time to time.
Lincolnshire leaders’ fears over Grantham Hospital changes
Lincolnshire council leaders remain “concerned” and “unconvinced” by hospital bosses’ plans to turn parts of Grantham Hospital into a “COVID-free site – including a downgrade of the A&E department.
Instead, elective surgery and day cases such as chemotherapy patients would be taken from Pilgrim and Lincoln hospitals and transferred to Grantham.
The only non COVID-free zones would be an urgent treatment centre in place of the A&E and an ambulatory care department.
Bosses say the plans will be temporary, starting from June 22, but carrying on until “at least March 31, 2021”.
Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill said while the authorityappreciated the reasons, it was “concerned about the removal of overnight beds… even on a temporary basis.”
Social bubbles of two adults allowed to meet indoors in bid to tackle loneliness
Single adult households, including single parents with children under 18, are now allowed to form “social bubbles” in order to tackle loneliness.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the change during the government’s daily briefing.
He said he understood “how difficult the past few months have been”.
“There are too many people, particularly those who live by themselves who are lonely and struggling,” he said.
Under the new rules, the social bubble will enable those taking part allowed to meet indoors, but is only allowed to apply to two single adult households, and cannot be switched or changed between multiple groups.
If one of the people in those “bubbles” gets coronavirus, both must self-isolate and get tested as usual.
“This is not designed to qualify people to start meeting other people inside. That still remains against the law,” added Mr Johnson
Other key moments included:
Outdoor attractions, including zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas, will be able to open from Monday
Places of worship can also re-open for “individual prayer” from this weekend
The government continues to meet it’s five tests, however, Mr Johnson added: “we remain vigilant”
11th June 2020 10:04am
Social bubbles are a good move but not a “free-for-all”, say health bosses
Lincolnshire health bosses said plans for new “social bubbles” to tackle loneliness during the coronavirus pandemic are a good move, but “not a free-for-all”.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the move which will allow two single adult households, including those with children under the age of 19, to act as one.
Deputy director of public health at Lincolnshire County Council Tony McGinty said: “This targeted approach to trying to help those people who are really isolated so living on their own or living on their own with with young children is a good move around trying to keep us safe, be proportionate, but also start trying to find some relief to people who are struggling.”
Under the new rules, the social bubble will enable those taking part to meet indoors, but is only allowed to apply to two single adult households, and cannot be switched or changed between multiple groups.
Village school closes again over coronavirus fears
A Lincolnshire village school has closed for a second time over coronavirus fears after a staff’s family member was admitted to hospital to be re-tested.
That person had tested negative for COVID-19 on Sunday, but after the latest development St Helena’s Church of England Primary School in Willoughby, Alford had to close again.
Lincolnshire health boss calls for more local COVID-19 data from central government
Health bosses in Lincolnshire are calling for more data to be released to them by Central Government in order to help in the response to coronavirus.
Derek Ward, Director of Public Health at Lincolnshire County Council, said that although weekly figures for the Lincolnshire Showground testing are released by Public Health England, some national data isn’t being filtered down to local level, including details of where contact tracing is taking place.
“We are pushing really hard to get all of the data that is held nationally on people in Lincolnshire to come through to us,” he said.
“There’s a really strong argument to say that, absolutely, while central government needs to have a view right away across the country, people in London aren’t going to know and be able to manage the situation here as well as people in Lincolnshire.”
Lincoln Cathedral will open for individual private prayer and reflection from Tuesday, but communal acts of public worship are still not permitted.
Plans for a new one-way system were drawn up for the cathedral after the government announced that places of worship will be permitted to open for individual prayer in line with social distancing guidelines from June 15.
The cathedral has now confirmed that it will be able to welcome people through its doors again on Tuesday.
Health boss urges for two metre social distance rule to stay
The two metre distance rule in place to tackle coronavirus should be kept for “as long as we can” the county’s health boss has said.
MPs in central government are calling for the social distancing rule to be dropped in order to help the economy.
They are calling for it to be reduced to one metre, which would be in line with World Health Organisation rules and guidance from The Lancet Medical Journal.
However, Mr Ward said the Lancet’s assessment also said that protection was increased with distance “which you would help from a policy and public health perspective”.
“From my perspective, I would like to keep two metres for as long as we can. Because my job is to keep people safe.
“I am absolutely convinced that two metres significantly reduces the risk. And basically it means that you’re not going to be in close contact.”
“If you get closer you’re increasing your risk, and then it becomes about how long were you that close to somebody.”
Boston leader accuses councillor of “putting NHS at risk”
The leader of Boston Borough Council has accused fellow members of “putting our NHS at risk” following a recent meeting of the authority.
The meeting, which was broadcast live and published on YouTube, saw technical issues which prevented Councillor Viven Edge from voting on an initial attempt to delay a decision on a new alliance with East Lindsey District Council.
Shortly after Councillor Alison Austin revealed Councillor Edge had attended her house. Both Councillors were in facemasks, but removed them to speak.
Councillor Paul Skinner confirmed there had been a “number of complaints” regarding the code of conduct, which he said were being investigated by a solicitor.
Councillor Skinner said following the meeting: “I cannot condone this sort of behaviour either by councillors or members of the public.
Fourth consecutive day without COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire hospitals have now gone four consecutive days without any further COVID-19 related deaths being reported.
The latest government statistics show that the number of deaths at Lincolnshire’s hospitals has remained at a total of 140.
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals Trust has also again seen no further reported deaths – sticking at a total of 115.
The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire is 322.
Nationally, a further 70 people who tested positive for the Coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 27,860.
Independent and family-owned Lincoln Dental & Implant Studio offers accessible regular dental services, as well as specialist treatment and same day emergency appointments.
The practice opposite Alive Church on Newland in Lincoln was opened by husband and wife team Manu Cherian and Smitha Mathew in November 2021. The couple have been practising dentists in Lincolnshire for the past 13 years and are fully aware of the needs of the local population.
The couple also own the Kordel House Dental Practice in Horncastle. After purchasing the Horncastle practice four years ago and transforming it from a place that was going to be shut down into a thriving centre, they were determined to bring a surgery with the same ethos to Lincoln.
Experienced dentist Dr Manu Cherian performing treatment on a patient. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Manu and Smitha told The Lincolnite they know dental access is a big issue and they wanted to open somewhere that was accessible for regular dental services, but with the addition of advanced cosmetic and surgical procedures.
As well as owning the business, the husband and wife duo also work in the practice and carry out a lot of the treatments themselves.
Smith Mathew (pictured) and her husband Manu Cherian want to give their patients a continuity of excellent care. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Lincoln Dental & Implant Studio offers regular dental services, specialist treatment, and same day emergency appointments. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A check-up on the NHS costs £23.80 and at Lincoln Dental & Implant Studio the cost is less than £2 higher at a price of £25.
In addition to check-ups and regular treatments, such as extractions and fillings, the practice also offers specialist services such as a orthodontics, implants, hygienist, treatments under sedation, and composite bondings for a same day smile makeover.
Service with a smile from Dr Manu Cherian. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Invisalign teeth straightening treatment is available at Lincoln Dental & Implant Studio. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Manu and Smitha would also like to add more specialist services in the future to do even more in house and reduce the need for referrals.
They said: “When they come to us and see the same faces, patients will get used to the continuity of care which we have in both our Horncastle and Lincoln practices. We have been really busy and it is going well, and we are still taking on new patients.”
Dr Manu Cherian and Dr Smith Mathew provide a continuity of care for their patients at Lincoln Dental & Implant Studio. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Inside one of the surgeries at Lincoln Dental & Implant Studio. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Lincoln Dental & Implant Studio is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm (closed 1pm to 2pm). It is also open for implant appointments on Saturdays by request.
Anyone wishing to register with the practice should call 01522 304314 or email [email protected]. Appointments can also be booked online here.
A series of applause, over £6,000 on a fundraiser and a specially made tribute shirt by Lincoln City are just some of the ways the local community has remembered 12-year-old Ted Vines a week on from his death in a crash.
Ted tragically lost his life after a car crash on the B1190 at Bardney on Sunday, January 16, while on his way to a football match at Branston.
In an emotional tribute, Ted’s family called him a “special part of the community” who was “happy, fun and brilliant” with so many people who loved him.
Ted Vines.
His local team, Alford Town Under-12s, have set up a crowdfunder (donate here) to raise money for events to celebrate Ted’s life later in the year, and it has reached an incredible £6,000 already.
The huge support for the fundraiser was met with “heartfelt gratitude” by the football club, who said in a statement: “Alford Town Football Club would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all those who have sent messages of condolence through the club to the Vines family at this incredibly difficult time and for all the amazing donations that have been made to Ted’s memorial fund via the online Just Giving page.
“In addition the club greatly appreciates the immensely supportive response of the whole football community across Lincolnshire to this tragedy. Our thoughts remain with Paul, Sarah, Will, Charlie and Stella Vines.”
There was also a minute’s applause held at the Under-12s game before kick-off on Sunday, January 23, while Boston United Community donated a shirt with Ted’s surname on the back.
Boston United Community donated a football shirt to Alford Town Under-12s in memory of Ted Vines. | Photo: Alford Town FC
Lincoln City paid their respects before Saturday’s game with Plymouth Argyle in League One by giving Ted his own shirt and placing it in the dugout.
As well as this, a petition was set up by residents in Bardney, calling for improvements to the road and an introduction of a 40mph speed limit on the section of the B1190 known as the Bardney Causeway.
This petition (see it in full here), launched on Wednesday, January 19, just three days after Ted died, has just below 1,500 signatures at the time of reporting, and calls for change to “prevent anything like this happening ever again”.
The petition calls for improvements to the Bardney Causeway, which has numerous pothole issues. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A former town councillor has launched a renewed appeal to re-establish Louth and Grantham Hospitals as full A&E centres after she and her family experienced issues first-hand.
Pauline Palmer – who served on Mablethorpe and Sutton Town Council and whose husband Stephen Palmer sat at district and county level – has received more than 830 signatures on her change.org petition since setting it up at the beginning of January.
Mrs Palmer and a close family member have both experienced being transferred away from Louth Urgent Care Centre due to staff being unable to deal with their medical problems.
On November 26, Mrs Palmer suffered a bang on the head and several days later on December 3 went to Louth UCC after phoning 111.
Following several tests she was then passed on to Grimsby following concerns of a bleed on the brain. She spent more than five hours in A&E before being sent home with high blood pressure put down to anxiety.
Several weeks later on January 8, Mrs Palmer said she was “in immense pain” and her husband drove her to Pilgrim A&E where she was found to have a cyst in her neck and post-concussion syndrome.
An eight-hour stay in hospital later she was sent home with strong painkillers and diazapam for the spasm.
Louth Hospital. | Photo: ULHT
The day prior, on January 7, a close family member went to Louth UCC with an infection in their mouth causing intense swelling which had not been aided by a prescription from a doctor.
She was told initially to go to Lincoln Hospital but subsequently had to be sent on to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham for an urgent operation.
Mrs Palmer said the issues “highlight the pressure that Pilgrim and Grimsby are under, especially at present”.
“If they [Louth] were a fully-equipped A&E they would have been able to have done more for her, and me,” said Mrs Palmer.
“If Louth and Grantham reopened as A&E hospitals there would be four in Lincolnshire, it would be less far for people close to those [areas] to travel but also it would take the pressure off of Boston and Lincoln.”
She added, however: “I cannot thank Pilgrim staff for their care on that day and I am back to full health now.”
Both Mrs Palmer and the family member had to rely on their partners to drive them to the hospitals.
“There’s no way you could do it with public transport, that’s just ridiculous.
“You have to have a car to be able to do it but I assume there’s a lot of people on the coast that don’t drive or have access to a car… they’d have to rely on the voluntary car service or something where they have to pay. It’s just not practical distance-wise.”
Mrs Palmer suggested diverting funding to extend Louth and Grantham A&Es, rather than Boston.
She said both hospitals had enough space to accommodate extra staff and that facilities would be cheaper in the long-term.
She felt improvements to Louth and Grantham would help attract staff.
The Grantham Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre entrance. | Photo: Kylie Warrington for The Lincolnite
Last week Lincolnshire County Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee said it had “serious concerns” about proposals for the future of local health services.
It agreed with the need for “significant and permanent” improvements to local services which ensured the “highest possible standards of patient care are provided giving the best possible outcomes for patients”.
However, it says three of the four proposals put forward by NHS Lincolnshire caused “serious concerns”.
Its concerns included the impact on people in the east of the county who would have to travel, possibly outside of the county, to access their nearest hospital.
Councillor Carl Macey, chairman of the heath scrutiny panel for Lincolnshire. Picture: Calvin Robinson.
In response to the petition, Clair Raybould, director of operations at NHS Lincolnshire CCG said: “As the petition is currently live it would not be appropriate for us to comment at this time.
“We will of course review and respond once any petition is submitted to NHS Lincolnshire CCG. We have recently completed a 12-week public consultation inviting people from across Lincolnshire to share their views on a range of NHS services, including urgent and emergency care services at Grantham and District Hospital.
“We are currently reviewing public feedback to ensure that it influences any decisions about the future of these NHS services.
“We do not comment on individual patient cases. We encourage anyone who has concerns about a service to contact the service provider’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service for the appropriate support.”
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