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
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.
Anglian Water has “a lot to answer for” after a long-running sinkhole debacle, Holbeach’s MP has claimed.
Nearly £500,000 has been spent over the last three years by various authorities attempting to repair the hole on Boston Road South.
People whose lives had been disrupted demanded answers from the water company and council at a town meeting on Wednesday evening.
The delayed sewer works have now been completed, and the road repairs are currently expected to be completed by Friday, August 26.
Most of the anger was directed against Anglian Water for not keeping people informed of what was happening.
Sir John Hayes, MP for South Holland and the Deepings, said: “There has been a breakdown between Lincolnshire County Council. Local people have been put out. Anglian Water have a lot to answer for,” he said.
“It is not acceptable that the people I represent have had to have this since 2019. This cost is our money.
Problems have persisted on Boston Road South for years | Photo: The Lincolnite
“It is not acceptable people not knowing what is happening next. There is also the noise which is affecting people’s lives.
“Only Lincolnshire County Council are taking responsibility and not Anglian Water. People will know who to hold accountable.”
He also called for people to be compensated for their trouble as a gesture of goodwill.
Anglian Water said they were very sorry for not communicating better, and claimed that they had been working closely with the council to fix the problems.
A spokesperson said they would look into compensation.
One resident told the meeting that they hadn’t been informed about recent roadworks, and hadn’t been able to get off their drive for work on Monday.
Lincolnshire County Council apologised for not dropping letters off to all houses affected.
Questions also revealed that tankers full of sewage and storm water were being taken away from the sinkhole daily.
Anglian Water has spent approximately £350,000 trying to rectify the problem, and another £115,000 has come from Lincolnshire County Council.
The road repairs were pushed back from July 4 after Anglian Water said that more time was needed to repair the sewer.
A former pub in Boston will be merged with a neighbouring building to create larger residential home.
Plans have been granted for a new use for the Red Cow Hotel on Wide Bargate.
The pub has had a turbulent history recently, briefly closing and reopening in 2014, before shutting again shortly after.
Planning documents say it’s fallen into a poor sate of repair. However, applicant SHWilkinson Architects Ltd is now working to bring it back into good condition.
Boston Borough Council has granted permission to build a two-storey extension to link it with the Georgians, an 18th century townhouse used as a care home for the elderly.
The extension will be set back from the road so it doesn’t detract from the historic architecture.
Artists impressions show what the larger, combined care home would look like.
The extended care home on Wide Bargate, Boston Photo: SHWilkinson
The recently-approved application states: “The link will allow both buildings to operate under a combined management and staffing rather than two independent staffing units, were they kept separate.”
It adds that the plans are an “opportunity to bring the derelict and deteriorating building back into use and to address localised issues with vermin appearance.”
The buildings’ external features will be restored and replaced where needed.
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