Rewind our week 13 latest coronavirus lockdown updates from Lincoln and Lincolnshire.
1,829 coronavirus cases in Greater Lincolnshire (up from 1,828)
1,141 in Lincolnshire (no change)
524 in North Lincolnshire (up from 523)
165 in North East Lincolnshire (no change)
326 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)
71 in Lincolnshire County Council-managed care homes (no change)
304,331 cases, 42,632 deaths in total
DATA SOURCE — FIGURES CORRECT AT THE TIME OF the latest update
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15th June 2020 10:55am
Six days without new COVID-19 deaths as most shops reopen
There have been no additional reported COVID-19 deaths at Lincolnshire’s Hospitals for six days as many shops look to open this week.
As the UK’s lockdown enters its 13th week, the government’s official figures over the weekend saw just four new cases added to the county’s tally, bringing the total to 1,820.
Deaths reported at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust has remained at 136 – with the total in Lincolnshire’s hospitals staying at 140.
Lincolnshire’s director of public health Derek Ward said he suspected cases would continue but “only in a very small number”.
“We know that the virus is still circulating, especially bearing in mind that the cases that we’ve seen on these numbers are the ones generally that come in because of hospital admissions.”
“So we’ll see cases probably throughout the summer, but hopefully only in a very small number.”
Many more shops across Lincolnshire and the UK have been allowed to open up this morning as government chiefs feel the coronavirus situation has reached a safer stage.
People pile into Lincoln for lockdown shopping frenzy
People across the UK have been urged to spend to restart the economy — and people in Lincoln did just that.
Hundreds queued from as early 5am at stores across the city on Monday, most notably Primark on the High Street and at Sports Direct in the St Marks Shopping Centre.
Monday, June 15 was the first day that relaxed lockdown guidelines allowed non-essential shops to reopen, including clothes retailers.
A protest was held to support staff and oppose plans. Photo: Mel Powles
A protest supporting Grantham Hospital staff and opposing planned changes which will see it become a “COVID-19 free” site has seen hundreds attend.
Campaigners said they were “completely overwhelmed” by the level of support for the “socially distanced” gathering outside the United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust facility on Monday.
Bosses at the trust have approved plans to tackle coronavirus including downgrading the accident and emergency department to an Urgent Treatment Centre.
Photo: Mel Powles
The proposals will see A&E patients and non-elective patients turned away from Grantham Hospital to other sites.
Elective surgery and day cases such as chemotherapy patients will instead be taken from Pilgrim and Lincoln hospitals and transferred to Grantham.
Staff and councillors joined in the protest which campaigners said saw “a good few hundred” attend.
Only four Lincolnshire Greggs reopening on Thursday
Greggs is continuing its phased comeback from the coronavirus lockdown by reopening 800 shops on Thursday, but only four are in Lincolnshire.
Following a successful trial in a selection of shops in the North East, the bakery announced a list of shops reopening for takeaway only on June 18. This will initially include around 150 franchise stores.
Unfortunately, the list for June 18 only includes four branches in Lincolnshire.
The Humber Bridge toll booths will reopen later this month following recent government guidance, but cash payments will not be accepted.
The bridge spans the Humber between Barton Upon Humber on the south bank and Hessle on the north bank, connecting the East Riding of Yorkshire with North Lincolnshire.
Traffic has been steadily increasing over recent weeks so the Humber Bridge Board has decided to reopen the toll booth lanes on Monday, June 29.
Over 70 COVID-19 deaths in Lincolnshire care homes
Over 70 COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded in Lincolnshire care homes since April 10, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.
Three deaths were recorded in Lincolnshire care homes last week, giving a total of 71 for the period between April 10 and June 12.
A total of 21 COVID-19 related deaths were recorded in North Lincolnshire during the same period, with five in North East Lincolnshire.
This means there have been a total of 97 deaths recorded in care homes across Greater Lincolnshire.
Lincolnshire Universal Credit claims spike 18% in a month to over 57,000 people
The number of Universal Credit claims continues to rise in Lincolnshire during the COVID-19 pandemic, with last month’s figures showing a more than 18% increase on the previous month.
The latest job centre figures have been released by the Department for Work and Pensions and show how between April 9 and May 14 a further 9,018 people signed on across the county bringing the total to 57,825.
Last month’s figures had shown a rise of 14,351 since March 12 (prior to lockdown) meaning the total increase since before the coronavirus pandemic is now 23,387 – just over 40% of total claimants.
Universal Credit covers six major benefits and the figures cover those both in and out of work, including self-employed and those who have been furloughed under the government’s schemes.
Prison worker who nearly died twice during COVID-19 battle discharged
A prison service worker from Boston, who nearly died twice during his battle with coronavirus, has been discharged from hospital and praised his wife’s colleagues for saving his life.
Gary Graves, 54, was admitted to hospital with coronavirus on March 28 three days after his dad’s funeral. He had experienced odd days with a sore throat, headache and a cough, but initially thought this was down to the stress of losing his dad and planning the funeral.
Gary’s wife Astrid is a health care supporter worker at Pilgrim Hospital and knew something wasn’t right. She called doctors before they went to A&E and this was the last time she saw her husband for nine weeks.
Gary was put into a medically-induced coma. He came round several times, but had to be sedated again to allow his body time to recover.
Ninth consecutive day without COVID-19 deaths in Lincolnshire
There have been no hospital deaths related to COVID-19 in Greater Lincolnshire for nine consecutive days.
Updated government statistics released on Wednesday show Lincolnshire’s hospital deaths have remained at 140.
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals Trust has once again seen no additional deaths – remaining on a total of 115.
The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire is 326.
Nationally, a further 77 people, who tested positive for the coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,138.
17th June 2020 4:53pm
Local leaders want more “bite” to tackle coronavirus outbreaks
Lincolnshire’s political leaders are calling for more “bite” to tackle local outbreaks of coronavirus as the pandemic moves into the recovery phase.
A new Local Authority Engagement Board, which will see council, health and police bosses plan for the future, held its first meeting on Wednesday.
However, concerns have already been raised about the complexity of the current system with cases, and potentially outbreaks, currently going to national bodies first and being cascaded down to local authorities.
The new board can advise people and businesses to self-isolate or close on a voluntary basis.
Lincolnshire County Council Leader Martin Hill. Photo: LCC
However, it does not have many powers of enforcement except long-winded methods such as court orders or recommending potential actions to the secretary of state.
17th June 2020 4:55pm
Second day without new COVID-19 cases in Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire had a second day with no new COVID-19 positive tests being reported across Greater Lincolnshire on Wednesday.
This comes after the news that the authorities of Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire also reported no new coronavirus related death figures for the ninth consecutive day.
Although there have been occasions that Lincolnshire has not had any new coronavirus cases reported, the last time the county’s figure stayed flat for multiple days was June 5-7.
According to official figures, after just one confirmed case on Monday and four over the weekend, there have now been 1,136 cases in Lincolnshire.
521 coronavirus cases have been reported in North Lincolnshire, and 164 in North East Lincolnshire.
It means that in hospitals, Greater Lincolnshire has suffered 322 COVID-19 deaths.
National figures released on Wednesday revealed there had been a cumulative total of 299,251 cases and 42,153 deaths nationwide.
17th June 2020 5:08pm
Fantasy Island to reopen rides and attractions next month
Fantasy Island will open its rides and attractions next month, but there will be a limited capacity allowed inside so booking is advised.
The market at the family attraction on Sea Lane in Ingoldmells, Skegness reopened for visitors from June 3 and the popular rides and attractions will be back open from Saturday, July 4.
People wanting to experience the rides and indoors attractions are advised to pre-book ride wristbands online prior to visiting.
Football fans have been told to watch games from home rather than congregate outside football stadiums by the government’s culture secretary.
Premier League football will restart tonight with matches between Aston Villa and Sheffield United and Man City and Arsenal.
However, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Look after your fellow fans and communities by watching from home. To keep the home advantage, support from home.”
He said the return of the sport was a “significant milestone” but was just one step towards normality.
Other key moments include:
Grassroots and community sport could begin by July at the earliest
The number of daily deaths continues to go down, today seeing a further 183 people reported as having died.
Work is ongoing to explore how live performances can be made safe during the pandemic
18th June 2020 10:42am
Lincolnshire coast school closed as pupil has a fever
A primary school on the Lincolnshire coast has temporarily closed due to a child having a fever.
Sutton on Sea Community Primary School on Station Road, Mablethorpe posted a copy of a letter to parents, carers and children dated June 16 on its Facebook page.
The school said child did not attend school on Tuesday due to having a high temperature on Monday evening.
Black Lives Matters protesters reminded to stick to COVID-19 rules
Protesters attending a Black Lives Matter event in Lincoln this weekend have been reminded but Lincolnshire health bosses that COVID-19 rules are still in effect to keep people safe.
The gathering on Saturday, the second to take place this month, is expected to be of around 800 people.
Protestors will begin at University of Lincoln library at 5pm, marching uphill to the Cathedral again.
Organisers of the event picked the second date to cater for worries about the spread of COVID-19, waiting two weeks between the events.
Lincolnshire County Council’s deputy director of public health said there had been “no obvious upswing” of cases since the last event on June 4. Official figures for Lincolnshire say there have been no new confirmed cases in 10 days for the county.
11 days in a row with no Lincolnshire COVID-19 deaths
Official figures show there have now been 11 consecutive days without any additional COVID-19 deaths reported in Lincolnshire’s hospitals.
Friday’s government statistics show that the county’s hospital deaths remained at 140.
There were also no deaths in Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals Trust, leaving that figure at 115.
The total number of coronavirus related deaths in Greater Lincolnshire stands at 326.
Prior to the numbers being released, assistant director of public health at Lincolnshire County Council, Tony McGinty said the length of time without deaths or cases had been “incredibly positive”.
He said he hoped people could “pick up the baton” and make it to two whole weeks this weekend.
Nationally, a further 46 people who tested positive for the coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,221.
19th June 2020 4:34pm
Lincolnshire councils face £67m losses due to coronavirus
Councils have estimated a more than £67.42 million loss from their own budgets for 2020/21 to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes as councils face hits to their incomes as well as additional costs to tackle COVID-19.
And some councils predict this figure could rise further as the pandemic, the lockdown and other restrictions continue.
Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill said: “Local councils are playing a major role in supporting our communities and our most vulnerable residents during this crisis.
“This has inevitably meant we have faced greater costs than expected this year.”
Around 50 key workers from across the UK, including in Lincolnshire, sang in a special song to give hope to people during the coronavirus crisis.
Edward Young, 22, lives in Glinton on the border near Market Deeping and Stamford. He wanted to spread positivity to people having a tough time during the coronavirus pandemic, so he wrote ‘Hold On (For Another Day)’.
The song, released under the name ‘Hope Nation’ this month, is to thank the key workers and raise money for the NHS, with over £800 so far being raised.
Works to repair and resurface Pelham Bridge in Lincoln are set to last over two months this summer.
Exact dates will be announced in due course, but work is expected to take place between June and August 2021, lasting nine weeks.
The bridge, opened by the Queen herself in 1958, will have the expansion joints replaced, as well as being resurfaced and a new course of water-proofing installed.
A new barrier will be installed between the footpath and the road on the bridge to keep pedestrians safe.
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The work has been a long time coming, originally planned to take place in January with a single lane closure in each direction.
As plans for this project were being finalised, the council discovered that the bridge could not run effectively and safely alongside works taking place.
The reason for the project’s rescheduling is to reduce disruption for divers, as well as to complete the work as quick as possible.
During the works, northbound traffic will be diverted along the East West Link Road and Tentercroft Street to cross University Bridge, and use Newland and Wigford Way to rejoin Melville Street.
As for southbound traffic, the diversion route will be vice versa to northbound, and pedestrians will be directed to the High Street to cross at the level crossing.
Lincoln streets during lockdown. Photo: Joshua Bell
This will also temporarily disable the Tidal Flow system on Canwick Road, directly south of the bridge.
The middle lane will be closed here, both for safety and smoothness of traffic flow.
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “When it became clear that we couldn’t complete the necessary works with just one lane closure, we looked for a time when traffic would likely be lightest across Pelham Bridge.
“Thankfully, the newly opened Eastern Bypass is taking traffic away from this route already, and will provide an alternative option for many during the bridge closure.
“The bridge is also much less busy during school summer holidays.
“There’s no doubt that Pelham Bridge is one of the busiest routes in Lincoln, and we appreciate that this closure will have a significant impact on traffic, but the bridge hasn’t been re-waterproofed since it was built over 60 years ago.
“This work is essential to make sure that water and salt can’t get into the joints of the bridge and weaken the structure.”
The Red Arrows returned to training this month for the forthcoming season and have been practicing a potential new manoeuvre at their current home at RAF Scampton.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team released a video this week showing the manoeuvre, which involves Reds 6 and 7, Squadron Leaders Jon Bond and Gregor Ogston respectively.
The duo, known as the Synchro Pair, are developing the new — yet to be named — manoeuvre, which involves a precision, close-pass before rolling upside and then pitching upwards and looping.
The Synchro Pair perform many of the team’s most dynamic manoeuvres. This includes well-known elements in the second half of a Red Arrows display such as the Heart and Spear.
The Red Arrows returned from the Christmas/New Year pause to resume training on January 4.
Regular flying is essential for all of the Red Arrows’ pilots to maintain their highly-specialised competencies and qualifications.
See more of the training gallery below:
The Reds in full flow. | Photo: Corporal Adam Fletcher, MoD/Crown Copyright 2021
The Synchro Pair have been busy perfecting the move. | Photo: Corporal Adam Fletcher, MoD/Crown Copyright 2021
Captured in formation during the Red Arrows’ training. | Photo: Corporal Adam Fletcher, MoD/Crown Copyright 2021
Leaving their mark. | Photo: Corporal Adam Fletcher, MoD/Crown Copyright 2021
The training was a success. | Photo: Corporal Adam Fletcher, MoD/Crown Copyright 2021
The familiar sight never gets any less fascinating. | Photo: Corporal Adam Fletcher, MoD/Crown Copyright 2021
Robbie Gotts’ loan spell at Lincoln City has come to an end, as parent club Leeds have recalled the young midfielder and sent him to Salford.
Gotts, 21, made a total of 12 appearances in all competitions for the Imps, scoring one goal in the 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley in the Papa John’s Trophy.
He also won two man of the match awards while at the LNER Stadium, in a 1-0 league win away at Swindon Town, and a 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle.
The versatile central midfield player, who also played as a right back for the Imps, has now moved to League Two and joined Salford City until the end of the season.
Robbie Gotts. | Photo: Lincoln City FC
Lincoln City thanked Robbie for his contributions during his time at the LNER Stadium, saying: “We wish him well in his career.”
The loss of Gotts has freed up space in the Lincoln squad as Michael Appleton looks to strengthen his team ahead of a promotion run this season.
The Imps are currently sat four points clear of second placed Hull City at the top of the League One table, having played 21 of the scheduled 46 league games.
Fans will hope this is the only loan player to go back to his parent club from Lincoln in the January transfer window, as rumours surrounding star man Brennan Johnson’s future remain rife.
Chris Hughton, manager of Johnson’s parent club Nottingham Forest, told local media that he is better off at Lincoln due to his regular playing time, which will ease some Imps fans’ fears.
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