Lincolnshire health chiefs say people with appointments at hospitals in the Peterborough area should still go to them, despite the city being given Tier 4 status.

The NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group has issued a statement to give patients reassurance.

It comes amid growing speculation that Lincoln, Boston and other parts of Lincolnshire may also see Tier 4 restrictions imposed on them.

John Turner, Chief Executive, Lincolnshire CCG, explained: ""Understandably some people will be anxious, particularly those who live in the south of Lincolnshire, and who may have a requirement to travel to Peterborough – which is now classed as Tier 4 – for a medical appointment.

"I can absolutely confirm that attending for a hospital, GP or other medical appointment is still permissible under the Tier 4 arrangements.

"It is vitally important that all patients attend their hospital appointments, be that for outpatients, tests, scans or operations, unless the hospital contacts and tells you otherwise. This applies whether you are due to attend hospital in Lincolnshire, Peterborough or anywhere else.

"If you think you need urgent care, please first phone NHS 111, unless it's life threatening in which case you should dial 999."

For more information, including travelling in and out of Tiers, visit the Gov.uk website.