Lincolnshire health bosses said they’re preparing for a “potential third wave” of COVID-19 coming to the county, but not of the same magnitude as previous waves due to enhanced testing, vaccination and immunity.
They have also said they “aren’t seeing a major impact” on the county’s coronavirus levels since the next set of restrictions eased on April 12.
The government’s roadmap out of lockdown allowed pubs and restaurants to operate outside, non-essential retail, hairdressers, salons, gyms, zoos and theme parks to open as well as enabling people to meet outside in groups of six.
Clair Raybould, Director of Operations at Lincolnshire’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said in Wednesday’s Board Meeting: “We still need to maintain strong infection prevention control as individuals, but also across all of our services […] and we have also been asked to plan for a potential third wave.
“Although not of the magnitude of previous waves, that is still part of our planning and that sits alongside our recovery plans as well.”
Professor Derek Ward, Lincolnshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “We aren’t seeing a major impact on relaxation and the reintroduction of the rule of six outdoors at this point which is a positive.”
He added: “There is no question in my mind that we are seeing a real push down on transmission because of where we are with our vaccination numbers.”
Testing is also high in the county with 111,000 tests taken in the seven days up to April 25. These include rapid lateral flow and PCR tests, which can be ordered online, picked up from most pharmacies as well as from other sites across Lincolnshire.
Professor Ward said: “Plenty of tests, relatively low numbers at the moment and no major outbreaks of concern, so generally very positive news.”
It was also confirmed in the meeting that as of last night, two patients were in hospital beds across Lincolnshire.
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Villagers in Fiskerton remain cautious yet optimistic in the face of potential flooding, a month after they were advised to evacuate following a considerable amount of rainfall.
Several residents have continued to vigilantly monitor the River Witham’s water levels, prepared with sandbags outside their homes as a precaution after Storm Babet damaged two sections of the riverbank. But, despite the looming threat, there is a prevailing sense of confidence among the community, suggesting that further flooding is unlikely.
News that a £165,000 improvement project on the Handley Monument in Sleaford will commence early next year has been supported by local residents, who feel it is a much needed addition to the town centre, but it hasn’t come without its fair share of criticism.
North Kesteven District Council unveiled its plans for the historic Handley Monument in Sleaford, with a view to improving the surrounding area and also lighting up the monument to attract more attention to its role in the town’s history.
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