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.

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Drive-in cinema experience coming to Skegness

Get ready to see some classic films when a drive-in cinema arrives in Skegness next month.

The MoonLight Drive-in Cinema Skegness will be located on the former Kwiksave site on Old Wainfleet Road.

Two showings are already planned with Grease on July 3 and Back to the Future on July 4.

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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.

Two schools in Lincoln have confirmed positive COVID-19 tests, with one school closing and another sending a ‘social bubble’ home to self-isolate.

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.

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.

The Thorpe on the Hill branch on the A46 was the only store in Lincoln to announce its return, as the fast food chain aim to open 40 restaurants a week.

Six of the store’s eleven staff are back at work in-house, while the chain prepare for a delivery service to launch next week.

Read the full story here

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.

Read the full story here

Bishop Grosseteste University plans face-to-face teaching from September

Face-to-face teaching is being planned by Bishop Grosseteste University, with hopes to deliver it from September.

The uphill university said it will ensure students can meet tutors in person for the next academic year, despite the ongoing threat of COVID-19.

BGU are anticipating on-campus learning to restart in September for the 2020/21 year, with social distancing and enhanced hygiene measures in place.

Read the full story here

Grimsby factory to make 10m face masks a month

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.

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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.

Read the full story here

Factories blamed for spike in Lincolnshire COVID-19 cases

A spike in confirmed COVID-19 cases on Tuesday has been blamed on three factory outbreaks in Lincolnshire.

Deputy director of public health Tony McGinty said he was not certain on why case numbers rose by 21 — to a total of 1,142 since tests began.

But besides a rise of seven cases on June 2, there had only been three new cases in the county since.

There were fears a spike in cases may come following a Black Lives Matter protest held in Lincoln on June 4. where more than 500 people took part.

A second protest is set to take place on June 20. as well as in Cleethorpes on June 13.

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.”

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Lincoln Doughnotts to reopen for takeaway only

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust plans to see A&E and  non-elective patients turned away from the site to other hospitals.

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 authority  appreciated the reasons, it was “concerned about the removal of overnight beds… even on a temporary basis.”

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Sections of Skegness Pier to reopen from Monday

Doughnuts and hot and cold snacks will be available when sections of Skegness Pier reopen on Monday.

Skegness Pier said that, in line with the government’s latest advice, and following strict hygiene procedures, some outlets will open on June 15.

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Council to cut Lincoln parking fees to entice shoppers

People will pay less to park in Lincoln council facilities once shops reopen on June 15 — if they pay via an app.

With the retail sector returning on Monday, City of Lincoln Council are welcoming people back by offering discounted car parking spaces.

Shoppers and commuters will be able to park at all city council operated car parks for a rate of £1 per hour, for up to four hours a day.

Read the full story here

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”

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.

Read more here

HMV to reopen three Lincolnshire stores next week

The HMV shop in Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter, along with outlets in Boston and Grimsby, will reopen on Monday, June 15.

HMV said there will be reduced store hours. The Lincoln shop will be open 10am-4pm Monday to Friday and on Sundays, and 10am-5pm on Saturdays.

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Three consecutive days with no COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire hospitals have gone another three 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 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.

Stokes ready to reopen Lincoln High Street cafe

Get ready for a local coffee fix when Stokes reopens its Lincoln High Street cafe for takeway food and drink next week.

Stokes High Bridge Cafe will be open between 8am to 3pm Tuesday to Saturday from June 16.

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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.

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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.”

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Lincoln Cathedral to reopen for private prayer

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.