The Easter Weekend has delivered a decline in the 7-day case rate, suggesting a 'spike' of cases in South Kesteven may be ending.

After more than doubling in recent weeks, the number of cases recorded over a week have headed back down.

In the week to yesterday, the number of cases over 7 days was 158, 179 in the week to Friday, 140 in the week to last Sunday and a low of 80 about three weeks ago.

This gives a 7-day case rate of 110.9 cases per 100,000, which is more than double the England average of 47.3.

The number of cases recorded over Saturday and Sunday was 15, giving a grand total of 7397- about one for every 20 residents.

The number of deaths remained at 265, with South Kesteven recording just lower than the England average of one death with Covid-19 for every 500 residents since the pandemic started.

Overall, official government figures show there were 699 coronavirus cases in Greater Lincolnshire and 13 COVID-related deaths last week — a 31% drop in cases and 35% fewer deaths compared to the previous week.

The government's COVID-19 dashboard over the weekend recorded 81 new cases in Lincolnshire, 24 in North Lincolnshire and 22 in North East Lincolnshire.

By April 4, one death had been registered in Lincolnshire. This figure includes deaths both in and out of hospitals, as well as residents in hospitals outside the county. Fluctuations in data can occur for a variety of reasons including corrected data, misdiagnoses or wrong addresses.

NHS England reported one hospital death at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust, however, the weekly tally of 13 was three higher than last week's total. The latest death brings the total to the 1,300 mark.

Across the weekend national cases increased to 4,359,388, while deaths rose by 20 (ten on both days) to 126,836.

It has been announced on Monday that free twice-weekly lateral flow tests will be offered to everyone ahead of further lockdown relaxation.

The kits will be available from testing sites, pharmacies and through the post from Friday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's cabinet is later expected to sign off on the next stage of lockdown easing with plans expected to include COVID-19 passports.

The controversial passports will be used to allow attendance at mass-audience events including concerts and sports matches.

Pilot events are set to take place over the next month.

Coronavirus data for Greater Lincolnshire on Sunday, April 4

9,094 in North Lincolnshire (up 24)

304 from North Lincolnshire (no change)

41 at Lincolnshire Community Health Service hospitals (no change)

450 in Northern Lincolnshire (NLAG) (no change)

4,359,388 UK cases, 126,836 deaths