COVID-19 cases fell by 10% last week in Greater Lincolnshire

The mass COVID-19 vaccination centre at Lincolnshire Showground hit a huge milestone recently, having reached an incredible 50,000 vaccinations so far.

The showground has been used as a COVID-19 testing site since April 2020, and also a vaccination centre since January 2021.

It is one of two mass vaccination centres in Lincolnshire, along with the Princess Royal Sports Arena in Boston, helping the county to have the third highest vaccine rate in England.

The vaccine rollout has gone from strength to strength across the county, and as a result the Lincolnshire Showground staff recently celebrated their 50,000th vaccination.

There were plenty waiting for their jabs at Lincolnshire Showground. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Almost 70% of Lincolnshire’s adult population have now received at least their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, and health bosses predict we will hit the 70% mark by the middle of May.

The latest NHS data shows that a total of 596,153 jabs have taken place in the county, with the numbers rising every week.

Rebecca Neno is the deputy chief nurse for NHS Lincolnshire CCG, and lead of the vaccination rollout in the county. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Rebecca Neno is the person in charge of the vaccination rollout in Lincolnshire, as well as being deputy chief nurse at NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group, and she sang the praises of the “amazing” staff who have made this rollout possible.

“Lincolnshire’s response to the pandemic has made people feel safe, and that’s down to everyone”, she said.

“The programme has come together across Lincolnshire to protect our people, it is phenomenal.”

Rebecca also told The Lincolnite that her team have been well prepared to deal with the challenges that come with the vaccination rollout.

“We have a dedicated equality and inclusion team that are aligned with the programme to dispel myths and misinformation, as well as engage with different parts of our population.

“The vaccine will not kill you, but COVID might — the key word here is safety.”

Terry Vine is the clinical and operational lead at NHS Lincolnshire CCG. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Terry Vine, clinical and operational lead at NHS Lincolnshire CCG, said it was a “hugely emotional moment” as the 50,000th patient was vaccinated at Lincolnshire Showground on Friday, April 30.

“We made the person aware that they were the 50,000th one by getting them flowers and chocolates. They were crying, I was crying, all my staff were crying, it was so emotional.

“The showground has been excellent at managing the pandemic, both with the testing and vaccination centres, and we are working very closely with them to ensure that events can still go ahead while vaccinations take place.”

Staff were on hand to answer any questions people had. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

There is capacity to do 1,000 vaccinations a day at Lincolnshire Showground, but Terry told The Lincolnite the amount often depends on when the latest cohorts are released.

“As we introduce new cohorts for different age groups, the demand for appointments increases, and then naturally slows down the further through cohorts we are.”

At the moment, those over the age of 40 are eligible for vaccines across Lincolnshire, and they can arrange an appointment to book through the NHS booking service once they are notified by message.

A banned motorist who drove at 110mph in a bid to flee from police has been jailed at Lincoln Crown Court.

Shaun White, who had been disqualified from driving in June, attracted the attention of officers as he drove through Skegness earlier this year.

Lucia Harrington, prosecuting, said White parked at the side of the road on South Parade and an officer approached him asking for his details.

The name White gave was checked and belonged to someone without a licence.

As a result the officer tried to take the car key off White but the key snapped and White was able to start the engine and drive away.

White then drove around a police car placed across the road to try and stop him. White, who had a female passenger, then headed out of the town and a police helicopter was brought in to track him down.

He was next seen at Partney Island and then headed along the A16 towards Boston. At one point he overtook causing another vehicle to take evasive action and then increased his speed up to 110mph.

White turned onto the B1184 and drove towards Langrick before police used a tactical manoeuvre to stop him.

White, 25, of Kirkfield Road, Withernsea, admitted charges of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and having no insurance as a result of the incident on January 29 this year.

He was jailed for 10 months. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and five months and ordered to pass an extended retest before he can legally drive again.

Leanne Summers, in mitigation, told the court: “At the time he was in a low place in his life. A relationship had recently ended and he had lost his job to COVID. He had lost his way.”

Miss Summers said White was remanded in custody following his arrest and has used the time to reflect on his behaviour.

Lincolnshire Police wildlife investigators are appealing for witnesses to an incident in which a sock has been placed over a swan’s head in Lincoln.

The swan was in the Catchwater Drain in the Coulson Road area of Lincoln when it was rescued on May 2. It had the black sock pulled tightly over its head.

PC Llewellyn, investigating officer, said: “Any type of animal cruelty will not be tolerated and we will carry out a full investigation into this incident. We work with wildlife organisations who report these incidents to us so we can investigate.

“We believe the item has been placed on swan’s head intentionally due to how snug the fit was and how far down the neck of the swan the tube was.

“We do not believe that this was accidental. Had the swan rescue not intervened, the swan would have either starved or potentially suffocated.

“We would like to hear from anyone who can assist us with our investigation or anyone who may have seen anyone around the swan in the water in the days leading up to May 2.”

Lincolnshire Police are working with the RSPCA to ensure justice is served.

RSPCA Inspector Kate Burris said: “The consequences of this mindless prank could have resulted in this poor swan suffering over a long period of time and ultimately ended in their death.

“Given that this is the breeding and nesting season at the moment, this could have also resulted in suffering and sadly death for any dependent offspring.

“We would urge anyone who has any information as to who may have done this to this poor swan. Call the police on 101 or contact us on the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.”

All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and it is an offence to kill, injure or take wild birds except under licence. The maximum penalty, if found guilty, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.