Local health bosses are “generally” confident Lincolnshire will remain steadfast against coronavirus in the coming weeks, as infections remain low and vaccines prove effective.
The county is currently defying the national and regional trend of an increase in the Indian variant, with the majority of cases being Kent (the national mutation).
Health bosses have also said the high rate of vaccination in the county (75% had a first dose, over 40% both doses) has helped fend off the COVID-19 surge.
Professor Derek Ward, Lincolnshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Overall, we’re not seeing a major increase in hospital admissions, even in those parts of the country that have got very significant numbers of the Indian variants.
“So touching wood, all things being equal, as long as we don’t get a variant, that’s showing significant ability to escape the vaccine, which the Indian variant isn’t, then we should be okay.”
Health secretary Matt Hancock said yesterday that up to three quarters of new cases were the Indian variant – but despite the East Midlands showing similar data, Lincolnshire is not reflecting the national picture.
Of 160 cases in the county in the last seven days, 61 were tested and 59 were found to be the Kent variant.
Greater Lincolnshire’s infection rates from May 19 to May 26. | Data: Gov UK / Table: James Mayer for The Lincolnite
“That’s not to say the 100 that weren’t sequenced, couldn’t all be Indian, but I don’t imagine that’s the case, because the vast majority of those that were sequenced were still Kent,” said Professor Ward.
“At some point, we’ll see that change, I’m sure we’ll start to see the Indian variants be the dominant variant, but we’re not there yet.”
Numbers in the county have stayed fairly static, with the majority in working age adults and smaller numbers in over 60s.
However, there has been a doubling of secondary school children (12-16-year-olds) with the virus, but that’s only from around 20 to 40 pupils.
Professor Ward said increases in case numbers were to be expected as rules relaxed nationally, but reassured parents that measures were in place to minimise the impact of coronavirus in schools, including working with local public health teams.
“Generally, all the schools are doing a fantastic job and they’re so well experienced now that the small number of cases we’re seeing they’re really well experienced with it and they’re doing exactly what they need to do.”
Vaccines are helping to fend off new variants. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
He said it was “fantastic” that 75% of adults had now received their first dose of the vaccine, adding it was “partly why we’re seeing a lower number, a slower takeover, of the Indian variant because we’ve got such good vaccination coverage.”
He said the message this bank holiday was, as always, to stick with the hands, face, space guidance where possible.
He added that if it doesn’t rain, people should minimise their risk by meeting outdoors and get some fresh air.
The same applies, he said, with Imps fans travelling to Wembley or going to watch the match
Sports arenas such as Wembley Stadium are classed as outdoors, however, he said if you are travelling down by coach to stick with the guidance, take a lateral flow test before hand to ensure you are negative and “look after your fellow fans.”
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A seven-year-old girl from Immingham has raised more than £2,500 to help rebuild her local park after it was severely damaged in an arson attack earlier this year.
Elysia Shakespeare was really upset by the irreparable damage caused to the main climbing frame at Pilgrim Park, which was set ablaze by youngsters in an arson attack in April.
The park is one of Elysia’s favourite places to play and after the shocking attack she decided to try to help.
She organised a sponsored walk across the Humber Bridge and enlisted support from local post office staff to raise the sum, which has now been presented to the council.
The blazing fire at Pilgrim Park in April this year which destroyed the main climbing frame. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News hub
Lee Shakespeare, Elysia’s step-dad, speaking to Look North. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News Hub
Lee Shakespeare, Elysia’s step-dad, told BBC Look North that the council plan to replace some of the smaller apparatus first.
He said: “I’ve asked Elysia to jump online and come up with some drawings of ideas for what she actually wants to replace the old climbing frame area with.”
Elysia has suggested that she wants a “big” climbing frame, to start with.
Pilgrim park holds a special place in children’s hearts in Immingham, and it is hoped, with Elysia’s money, and other grants, the council will be able to make improvements for her, her friends and for subsequent generations.
A Lincoln care home resident had a day she’ll never forget after celebrating her 106th birthday by being served lunch by a butler in the buff.
Norah Shaw received close to 200 birthday cards after an appeal from Tennyson Wharf Care Home in Burton Waters.
As well as being served lunch by a buff butler provided by Butlers in the Buff, Norah also enjoyed a performance from her favourite singer Eleanor Mattley, as well as cake and wine.
Norah enjoyed chatting to her buff butler Ed. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
The care home said: “Well, what an absolutely fantastic day for a truly special lady.
“We would just like to say a huge thank you to every single person who sent Norah birthday cards and presents. We are all so touched by the heartwarming kindness that has been shown. It really has been astonishing.
Norah even got a card from The Queen. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
“Norah was blown away with the generosity and kindness so thank you to each and and every single person for being so amazing. It was so lovely to all be a part of seeing Norah enjoy them all.
“As you can see, Norah thoroughly enjoyed her butler in the buff surprise. The amazing kitchen supplied a wonderful afternoon tea which Ed, the butler served to Norah. What an experience that was for everyone involved.
Norah celebrating a birthday she will never forget! | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
Staff enjoyed celebrating Norah’s birthday with her. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
Norah also enjoyed a performance from her favourite singer – Eleanor Mattley. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
“We finished the day with a special performance from Norah’s all time favourite singer Eleanor Mattley Productions – Care Home Entertainment with prosecco and cake. The atmosphere was amazing as staff and residents joined together in song and dance for a truly magnificent afternoon.”
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