The top of the cathedral wearing the NHS colours with pride. Photo: Steve Smailes
Rewind the week 14 of coronavirus lockdown updates from Lincoln and Lincolnshire.
1,839 coronavirus cases in Greater Lincolnshire (up from 1,838)
1,149 in Lincolnshire (up from 1,148)
524 in North Lincolnshire (no change)
166 in North East Lincolnshire (no change)
331 COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire (up from 330)
140 at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (up from 139)
3 at Lincolnshire Community Health Service hospitals (no change)
1 at Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust (no change)
116 in Northern Lincolnshire (NLAG) (no change)
71 in Lincolnshire County Council-managed care homes (no change)
311,151 cases, 43,550 deaths in total
DATA SOURCE — FIGURES CORRECT AT THE TIME OF the latest update
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Live blog finished. Updates are displayed chronologically.
22nd June 2020 11:25am
No COVID-19 deaths in June so far in Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire’s health bosses say there have been no new COVID-19 related deaths in Lincolnshire’s hospitals at all in June.
The figures released by the NHS last changed the number of deaths from 139-140 on June 8, nearly two weeks ago.
However, health bosses say the last time the figure increased on their system was on May 29 – another 10 days prior.
If there are no deaths reported later on Monday, that means the county will have gone 24 days without COVID-19 related deaths being reported.
Derek Ward, Director of public health at Lincolnshire County Council: “We’ve seen virtually no new deaths and a complete flattening out with the number of deaths in the county over the last couple of weeks, which is which is great and obviously it’s what we want to see.”
The number of cases has, however, continued to rise slowly with one extra case over the weekend seeing the total in Lincolnshire increase to 1,141.
24 days without COVID-19 hospital deaths in Lincolnshire
There have been no further deaths in Greater Lincolnshire hospitals again with just 20 fatalities reported nationally.
Monday’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.
This morning, the Lincolnshire’s director for public health Derek Ward confirmed there had not been a single new hospital death in the county in June, with the last one recorded on May 29 — 24 days ago.
A further 20 people, who tested positive for the coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in the UK to 42,632.
22nd June 2020 5:00pm
Just 31 new Lincolnshire COVID-19 cases in June, no hospital deaths
There have been just 31 new cases of COVID-19 reported so far in Lincolnshire in June according to the latest government statistics — and as previously reported, no hospital deaths.
On June 1, there were 1,111 cumulative cases across the county, but in Monday afternoon’s latest update from the Department of Health and Social Care there were a total of 1,142 – just one new one from this morning.
The highest number came on June 2 when seven new cases were recorded in the county, while June 9, 10 and 11 all saw six cases a day.
On Monday, Lincolnshire also reached 24 days without new deaths according to the latest government figures and local health bosses – with no additional deaths reported in June so far.
On Monday, Lincolnshire also reached 24 days without new deaths according to the latest government figures – with no additional deaths reported in June so far.
The number of cases in North and North East Lincolnshire also remained unchanged today at 524 and 165 respectively.
22nd June 2020 5:02pm
Study: “Cordoning off” Lincoln would have let quarter of people move freely
Low-risk areas including Lincoln could have been “cordoned off” to boost the economy instead of locking down the entire county during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new study.
Researchers at De Montfort University in Leicester have said around a quarter of constituencies nationally could be deemed as “lower risk” and could have benefited from “alternative measures” to lockdown.
One of those is Lincoln, which has so far seen 125 COVID-19 cases and around 50 deaths according to the government’s own dashboard.
Dr Fabio Caraffini said: “By cordoning off lower-risk constituencies, we could have allowed more than 25% of the population to move more freely within their respective regions, which would also have driven almost a quarter of Britain’s economic output.”
The scientists used data including vulnerability, population density, commuter mobility, school mobility, people per house, and economic output.
Read more here.
23rd June 2020 12:28pm
Only four Lincoln prison inmates had coronavirus
Just four prisoners at HMP Lincoln tested positive for coronavirus and no deaths have been recorded at the crowded facility with capacity for 729 inmates.
The latest data on the UK Parliament website shows the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Friday, June 12. This is the number of positive cases since mid-March and not the number of live cases. It also includes individuals that have recovered.
Get ready to have a pint and a haircut (in whichever order you can) after Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the next stages of easing the coronavirus lockdown, so pubs and hairdressers can reopen from July 4, and social distancing is dropping to one metre.
All hospitality services indoors will be limited to table service and guidance will encourage minimal staff and customer contact.
Lincolnshire unlikely to see second COVID-19 wave, say health bosses
Lincolnshire is “less likely” to see a widespread second wave of coronavirus according to the county’s health bosses.
The presidents of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons, Nursing, Physicians, and GPs all signed a letter in the British Medical Journal on Wednesday asking central government to undertake an urgent review to determine whether the UK is properly prepared for the “real risk” of a second wave of coronavirus.
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that from July 4, pubs, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers could all reopen along with other sweeping changes around social distancing rules.
However, Lincolnshire County Council’s consultant in public health Andy Fox said: “What I’d expect to see in Lincolnshire is more localised outbreaks associated with particular areas, such as businesses, or schools. Things that are traditional and typical for local flare ups of any infectious disease really.
“This is stuff that public health professionals are very used to dealing with and we’re already putting in place measures to address and control these when they happen.
“Having said that I wouldn’t rule out at all the risk of another surge in cases across the population.
“If that does happen, obviously we will be looking to change things in order to address that.”
Grantham hospital downgrade “will be reviewed quarterly,” says health secretary
ULHT’s decision to downgrade Grantham Hospital’s accident and emergency ward as part of its coronavirus containment plans “will be reviewed quarterly,” the health secretary has said.
Responding to a call from Grantham MP Gareth Davies to ensure the changes were “temporary”, Matt Hancock told the House of Commons: “I discussed this issue directly with NHS officials, Grantham will be open 24/7 as an urgent treatment centre and as part of plans to ensure COVID and non-COVID services are kept as separate as possible.
“We will ensure this position will be reviewed quarterly.”
Barbers and salons get ready to chop lockdown mops
Getting your lockdown mop chopped is among the top priorities for many people, so barbers and salons in Lincoln were largely delighted by the news they can reopen again next month.
The government has issued guidelines on close contact services, including hair salons and barbers, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced can reopen on July 4 in the next phase of the plan to ease lockdown. However, these businesses must not provide services which remain prohibited including nail, beauty and tanning services.
There have been no reported hospital deaths related to COVID-19 in Greater Lincolnshire on Wednesday.
Tuesday saw a 24-day streak without coronavirus-related deaths brought to an end with two local fatalitied.
But updated government statistics released on Wednesday show Lincolnshire’s hospital deaths sticking at 141.
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals Trust also again saw no additional deaths – remaining on a total of 116.
Prior to the two deaths reported yesterday, there had been no increase since May 29.
The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire is 328.
Nationally, a further 51 people who tested positive for the coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,435.
24th June 2020 4:58pm
Just one new coronavirus case confirmed in Lincolnshire
There has been just one new case of coronavirus confirmed in Lincolnshire today.
According to government figures for Wednesday the total for the county now stands at 1,146.
However, North Lincolnshire’s numbers have also been revised down by one to 523.
It means the total for the Greater Lincolnshire Area – also including North East Lincolnshire which remained at 165 – stays the same at 1,833.
Local gyms in Lincoln have been reacting to the news that they will not be allowed to reopen next month unlike most of the hospitality and beauty sectors.
Although pubs and hairdressers were given the go ahead to reopen on July 4, indoor gyms and sports venues/facilities were among those to be told they cannot return to business just yet. However, outdoor gyms will be allowed.
The Lincolnite spoke to four local independent gym owners, who spoke out with a mixture of frustration and looking positively at how they may be able to adapt.
Lincolnshire tips to accept more waste types from July
Household waste and recycling tips in Lincolnshire will accept more waste types and allow cars with small trailers from July 6.
Lincolnshire County Council has had over 50,000 bookings since reopening. All eleven of its sites will now open five days a week from Friday to Tuesday.
Second day without coronavirus deaths in Lincolnshire
There have again been no further reported hospital deaths related to COVID-19 in Greater Lincolnshire on Thursday.
Tuesday saw a 24-day streak without any additional reported coronavirus-related deaths brought to an end with two local fatalities.
But updated government statistics released on Thursday show Lincolnshire’s hospital deaths still at 141 for a second day.
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals Trust also again saw no additional deaths – remaining on a total of 116.
Prior to the two deaths reported on Monday, there had been no increase since May 29.
The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire is 328.
There was only one new confirmed case on Wednesday.
26th June 2020 2:42pm
Two coronavirus deaths reported in Lincolnshire hospitals
There have been two coronavirus-related deaths reported in Lincolnshire hospitals on Friday, bringing this week’s total to three.
Updated government statistics show 139 deaths at United Lincolnshire’s Hospitals Trust – up from 137.
It means the number of Lincolnshire’s hospital deaths have now reached 143.
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals Trust also again saw no additional deaths – remaining on a total of 116.
The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Greater Lincolnshire is 330.
Nationally, a further 67 people, who tested positive for the Coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,557.
26th June 2020 2:43pm
Lincolnshire councils will close beaches if necessar
Health bosses have confirmed they would react in a similar way – including looking at beach closures – if Lincolnshire’s coast saw an influx of visitors like Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council declared a major incident on Thursday after more than 500,000 people flocked to the Dorset coast on the hottest day of the year.
It saw widespread anti-social behaviour, gridlocked roads and a massive amount of litter left on the beach.
Health secretary Matt Hancock has since warned that the government could close beaches if people continued to ignore social distancing.
Lincolnshire’s deputy director of public health Tony McGinty said this morning that the number of visitors to the East Coast had not been as bad due to the space available, but that there was a risk that if other beaches closed down it could get worse.
Age UK Lindsey lays off half of staff to rescue charity
Lincolnshire charity Age UK Lindsey is making over half of its 126 staff redundant and closing two key services in order to survive the financial crisis caused by COVID-19.
The independent charity based in Horncastle was established over 30 years ago and serves an area with a population of over 400,000 people. It provides services for older people in the areas of East and West Lindsey and North Lincolnshire.
Since lockdown restrictions were implemented in March, Age UK Lindsey’s 10 shops and paid for services have lost over £250,000 of income. The charity has received only minor financial aid from Age UK nationally and has no ongoing local government support.
Age UK Lindsey has since said it has had to make some “difficult and extremely regrettable” decisions or risk going under altogether. 78 paid staff have been made redundant, the majority of whom worked part-time on varying hours. Those remaining have taken pay cuts on reduced hours.
The number is the same as the party went into the election with, however, down by four on the 2017 election results due to some party members leaving or switching sides.
The results, however, saw the loss of Executive Councillor for Culture and Emergency Services Nick Worth and Executive Councillor for Community Safety and People Management Barry Young, both of who stepped down to retire and were replaced in their wards by Conservative councillors Tracey Carter and Robert Gibson respectively.
Eddy Poll, Executive Councillor for Commercial and Environmental Management, who was voted out and replaced on the authority by South Holland Independent Robert Gibson, is not on the LCC cabinet either.
Now council leader Martin Hill has announced his new executive team for the next four years. The new team will include nine councillors rather than the previous eight, and as part of it some roles have also been moved around between councillors.
It will see existing members Councillor Hill and Councillors Patricia Bradwelll, Richard Davies, Colin Davie and Sue Woolley joined by Councillors Richard Butroid, Wendy Bowkett, Lindsey Cawrey and Danny McNally.
Conservative leader of Lincolnshire County Council Martin Hill after his party won enough seats to retain control.
All four were re-elected to their ward seats in Thursday’s election.
Councillor Hill said: “I’m pleased to announce the make-up of the new executive and the councillors who will be leading the services we provide for the people of Lincolnshire.
“I’m very pleased the hard work of candidates and Conservative councillors of the past four years has been recognised and rewarded and I look forward to the next four years.
“I’m confident the council will serve the public of this county as best it can.”
He said the authority had a “very strong manifesto” and repeated previous promises of building and developing roads, schools and broadband as well as tackling potholes and fly-tipping and campaigning for more funding.
Councillors Barry Young and Nick Worth stepped down for the 2021 elections, while Councillor Eddy Poll lost his seat at the vote.
The new council also includes three district council leaders, with Councillor Kelham Cooke (South Kesteven) and Richard Wright (North Kesteven) joining Councillor Paul Skinner (Boston) in the chamber.
The full list of executive group members is:
Martin Hill: Leader and executive member for Resources, Communications and Commissioning
Patricia Bradwell: Deputy leader and executive member for Children’s Services, Community Safety and Procurement
Richard Davies: Executive Member for Highways, Transport and IT
Colin Davie: Executive Member for Economic Development, Environment and Planning
Sue Woolley: Executive Member for NHS Liaison, Community Engagement, Registration and Coroners
Richard Butroid: Executive Member for People Management, Legal and Corporate Property
Wendy Bowkett: Executive Member for Adult Care and Public Health
Lindsey Cawrey: Executive Member for Fire & Rescue and Cultural Services
Danny McNally: Executive Member for Waste and Trading Standards
A special 100th birthday portrait of the last living Dambuster, Lincolnshire-born George “Johnny” Johnson, has been unveiled and put up for public auction.
Dan Llywelyn Hall sat with Johnny in Bristol in 2018 before inviting him to an exhibition of all the Dambusters’ portraits he’d made for the 75th anniversary of the Dams Raid.
May 16, 2021 marks the 78th anniversary since the Dams Raid, which is widely regarded as one of the most audacious operations in military history. 133 men set off in 19 Lancasters to destroy Adolf Hitler’s power-generating dams, but sadly 53 did not return. The story went on to inspire the popular Dambusters film.
The ‘Last of the Dambusters’ portrait of Johnny will be on display at Roger Jones auction house in Cardiff and be in a public auction at 10.30am on May 14.
Proceeds will benefit the charity 617 Group, which Johnny Johnson is president of and he is due to turn 100 years old on November 25 this year.
Artist Dan Llywelyn Hall sitting with George “Johnny” Johnson in Bristol in 2018. | Photo: Richard Brewis
Llywelyn Hall was the youngest artist to portray the Queen in 2013 and in 2009 he painted a portrait of the Last Tommy – Harry Patch. He has also painted portraits of popular entertainers such as Amy Winehouse and Barbara Windsor, as well as the Duke of Cambridge.
He said: “There is something poignant in depicting the last of a generation. Johnny – has with great eloquence – been a spokesman for his comrades about this contentious moment in history- and with asserted moral justification.
“This portrait marks that moment of a man at a milestone, the last voice.
“None of Bomber Command doing Churchill’s dirty work were properly recognised with a medal and the question remains: As a result, the likes of Johnny have had to make the moral argument for themselves as this slight of public recognition eluded them.”
The full portrait of George “Johnny” Johnson. | Portrait: Dan Llywelyn Hall
Johnny Johnson, who was born in Hameringham near Horncastle in 1921, said he “enthusiastically recognises” himself in the artist’s work and said with an approving smile that it’s “typical” of Dan’s portraits.
He said: “I look forward to my century and I am honoured to still be able to represent the men who went on the Dams Raid.
“It would be excellent if a new petition could finally see Bomber Command finally recognised with a medal.”
Speaking in 2018 after being given a consolation ribbon, he said: “Mine is still in the box, and there it will stay until we get a medal.”
People aged 38 to 39 will be able to book their COVID-19 vaccines from Thursday, as the Prime Minister announced a public inquiry into the pandemic response and a new commission to honour lost loved ones.
Bookings for vaccinations will open on May 13, and 38 and 39-year-olds can sign up for their appointment on the NHS website.
The Prime Minister appeared before the House of Commons on Wednesday to confirm an independent inquiry would be launched in Spring 2022 to examine the government’s response to the pandemic over the past year-and-a-half.
Speaking to MPs, Mr Johnson told the chamber: “There is a solemn duty on the whole United Kingdom to come together and cherish the memories of those who have been lost.”
He said he had been “deeply moved” during his visit to the COVID Memorial Wall opposite Parliament and supported a more permanent feature in St Paul’s Cathedral.
However, he added: “I also know that communities across the whole country will want to find ways of commemorating what we have all been through.”
The new commission will support efforts to: “remember loved ones we have lost; honour the heroism of those who have saved lives and the courage of frontline workers who have kept our country going; celebrate the genius which created the vaccines; and commemorate the small acts of kindness, and the sacrifice of millions who stayed at home buying time for our scientists to come to our rescue.”
Mr Jonson said the “right moment” for the public inquiry was Spring 2022 and said lessons must be learned together.
Consultation will take place with the devolved nations so the inquiry can consider “all key aspects of the UK response”.
He added the inquiry “must not divert or distract the people on whom we depend at the peak of our struggle”, he said.
“The end of lockdown is not the end of the pandemic,” he said.
“The World Health Organisation has said that the pandemic has now reached its global peak and will last throughout this year.
“Our own scientific advisors judge that although more positive data is coming in and the outlook is improving, there could still be another resurgence in hospitalisations and deaths,” he added.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking to the House of Commons on May 12.
The prime minister said no public inquiry could take place fast enough to assist with the difficult judgements that will remain throughout the rest of the year.
He says: “This process will place the state’s actions under the microscope” and the time and efforts that people will have to go to to give evidence will put a “significant burden” on the NHS, the government, scientific advisors and many others.
He added the inquiry must be able to look at the events over the past year in “the cold light of day” and identify issues which will make a difference in the future.
The inquiry will be free “to scrutinise every document, to hear from all the key players,” he said. “That’s the right way to get the answers that the people of this country deserve.”
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