Lincolnshire’s rate of infection is now in line with the national average, sparking warnings from the county’s health bosses.
The latest seven day average, from November 5-11, put both the England rate and the county at 253 per 100,000 people.
On Thursday evening, the Greater Lincolnshire region saw a record 873 coronavirus cases confirmed in a single day, with a record 33,470 across the UK as well.
However, North Lincolnshire’s infection rate of 350 and North East Lincolnshire at 632 continue to be far above the national average.
Lincolnshire’s director of public health, professor Derek Ward said the infection rate was concerning particularly in East Lindsey (360) and Boston (just over 300), though Lincoln was also back up to 320.
Professor Ward said there was no specific reason for the rise. “It is a mixture of different things, we’ve had some some outbreaks in care homes, we’ve had some school-based outbreaks and we’ve also got community based transmission across East Lindsey,” he said.
Lincolnshire’s cases up to November 12.
The figures could also include “last hoorah” type movements before the latest lockdown, finally showing in figures including people celebrating Halloween, going out for one last drink, or having one last meeting with friends and family.
However, he said: “We’ve got a few different working hypotheses, but basically it’s an overall increase across across our population.”
Professor Ward said one particularly concerning factor however was that the rate of cases in over 60s was quite high.
He urged people to comply with the latest lockdown guidance, particularly around non-essential travel.
“In East Lindsey a lot of people will be travelling up into North East Lincs, and one of the messages I’d like to get out is to remember we’re in a lockdown and that the government guidance is work from home if you possibly can.
“Looking at the numbers going up, I would reiterate to everybody that if there’s any way that they can do that for the rest of the lockdown, please, please, please consider doing that.
“Certainly, I would not be suggesting anybody from East Lindsey goes up into North East Lincs shopping or for other purposes, they don’t have to because that’s against the government guidelines anyway.”
Cases in the East Lindsey District Council area up to November 12.
It is hoped the impact of the second lockdown might begin to appear from middle of next week, however, Professor Ward warned that if Lincolnshire stayed at or above the national average, it was less likely that the county would come out into a lower tier of restrictions once the national lockdown ends.
A statement from East Lindsey District Council leader Craig Leyland also called on people to follow the guidance.
“If we all come together, we can help limit the spread of COVID-19, help look after one another and help to ensure we exit this lockdown period as smoothly as possible,” he said.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.