The COVID mutation that has taken over most new cases in Lincolnshire is not only more infectious, but may also be more deadly, it has been revealed.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there is “some evidence” the new variant of COVID-19 which is more transmissible could have a “higher degree of mortality”.
However, he said all current evidence continued to show that vaccines remain effective.
Health bosses in Lincolnshire on Friday estimated 80-90% of new coronavirus cases were the new variant.
Boris Johnson told reporters that there were currently no plans to change lockdown rules saying “this is the right package of measures” and that it was down to people obeying the current lockdown and enforcement.
Mr Johnson was speaking during a press briefing on Friday where health bosses said 1 in 55 people now had coronavirus in England.
There are now more than 38,000 people in hospital nationally – 78% higher than the peak of the first wave.
Mr Johnson said: “We’ve been informed today that in addition to spreading more quickly, it also now appears that there is some evidence that the new variant, first identified in London and the south-east, may be associated with a higher degree of mortality.
“It’s largely the impact of this new variant that means the NHS is under such intense pressure.”
In response to questions over death spikes caused by the new variant he said: “Death numbers will continue to be high for a little while to come.”
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser, said there was already confidence the new virus spread more easily, but that it was unclear why that was.
He said there was no difference in terms of age range being affected.
Sir Vallance added the outcome for those in hospital with the new variant was the same, however, there was evidence “there’s increased risk for those who have the new variant, compared to the old virus”.
Early evidence suggests the difference shows 13-14 deaths per 1,000 infected as opposed to 10 in 1,000 for the original virus.
However, he added: “That evidence is not yet strong, it’s a series of different bits of information that come together to support that, and I want to put it into context as to what it might mean.
“But I’m stressing that these data are currently uncertain and we don’t have a very good estimate of the precise nature, or indeed, whether it is overall increase.”
He confirmed there was increasing evidence the new variant would be susceptible to the vaccines and studies of the Pfizer Biontech vaccine showed “very good neutralisation”.
“There’s increasing confidence, coupled with I think what is a very important clinical observation, which is that individuals who’ve been infected previously, and have generated antibodies, appear to be equally protected against original virus and new variant,” he added.
England’s Chief medical office Chris Whitty said there had been a “turning the corner” for the number of people catching the virus, adding it was coming down from an “exceptionally” high level.
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Drivers in Skegness will face four weeks of alternating one-way road closures from next week as part of major improvements to Roman Bank.
Work began in September last year to replace the worn out carriageway and footpaths, improve drainage and refurbish a pedestrian crossing.
A 20 metre section of Roman Bank between Algitha Road and the A52 gyratory will be reconstructed starting on Monday, March 8. This is in addition to continuing to rebuild Roman Bank up to its junction with North Shore Road.
As part of the works, alternating one-way closures will be in place for four weeks, starting with the northbound A52 then changing to the southbound, subject to weather conditions.
The diversion route for these will be via Lincoln Road/A158 Burgh Road, and vice versa.
It is hoped that Roman Bank will be fully reopen again by around Easter, subject to weather conditions.
Karen Cassar, Assistant Director of Highways, said: “This additional set of work will see a more southern section of Roman Bank, near the A52 gyratory, fully reconstructed.
“Meanwhile, works to rebuild Roman Bank between Burgh Road and its junction with North Shore Road will continue on throughout March as planned.”
Police have yet to charge anyone over a month after the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy in Lincoln, which remains under investigation.
The 11-year-old boy was found unwell at the scene after police were called to a house on Geneva Street on St Giles in Lincoln at 10pm on Friday, January 22.
He was taken to hospital for treatment, but was pronounced dead a short time later.
A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and a 32-year-old woman on suspicion of manslaughter.
At the time, police said the death was unexplained and it was being treated as murder.
Police said on Wednesday that they were continuing their investigation and were not able to release the name of the victim at this stage.
Anyone with information that may help with the investigation should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 or via email at [email protected] quoting incident 472 of January 22.
North Kesteven District Council has unanimously approved a £4.95 annual council tax increase for 2021/22 – just under 10p a week.
This means residents in a Band D property will pay £174.60 annually for the district council’s precept share, up from £169.65 the previous year.
This 2.92% increase in council tax was given the go ahead in Tuesday evening’s Full Council.
Cllr Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council said in the meeting: “The council’s financial plan underpins all that we do as a council and projects a positive yet cautious future.”
He added that the “relatively small” council tax increase “will ensure the council continues to deliver its services and invest in a future that will provide a clean environment, and invest in the economy.”
Cllr Marianne Overton, Leader of North Kesteven Independents, said: “I am delighted to say that all of our requests are included and we are happy to support the budget.”
North Kesteven are expecting to receive approximately £1.5 million in grant support for 2020/21, which will still leave an expected deficit for the council’s general fund for the year of approximately £678,900 (as of December 31, 2020). This is to be financed from the Income Volatility Reserve.
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