News in Grantham

The leader of South Kesteven District Council has written to each and every one of the 2,200 businesses in the district to outline what government and other support is available.

Coun Kelham Cook made the move as new Government funding designed to help businesses across the country during the coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak was launched yesterday (Friday) in South Kesteven.

The leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Coun Martin Hill, and the chief executive Debbie Barned have issued an update on how the county council is tackling the crisis.

Coun Hill said yesterday (Friday) : "Our lives are certainly now looking very different especially with today's news that our Prime Minister has tested positive for coronavirus.

The Government has today (Fri) issued advice for pet owners and livestock keepers about caring for their animals during the coronavirus pandemic.

There is no evidence of the virus circulating in pets or other animals in the UK and there is nothing to suggest animals may transmit the disease to humans.

The operators of Grantham Hospital have reported their first death.

The United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust issued a statement as figures from Public Health England showed a sharp rise of confirmed cases in Lincolnshire.

Lincolnshire has experienced a sharp rise in the number of reported Coronavirus cases.

Public Health England reported the county now has 39 confirmed cases, an increase of seven on yesterday.

Inpatients at Grantham Hospital can now watch television and make telephone calls free of charge.

United Lincolnshire Hospital NHS Trust has agreed a package with its entertainment provider Hospedia to supply all bedside terminals at Grantham - as well as Boston and Lincoln hospitals - with free Freeview TV and calls to UK landlines and mobiles.

A national agreement has been made so firefighters can deliver food and medicines, drive ambulances, and retrieve dead bodies during the coronavirus outbreak.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue already work closely with partners to help in communities, with many firefighters carrying out extended duties, assisting ambulance service at a range of medical emergencies.

The Government has today (Fri) issued guidance on exercising and using green spaces in a bid to protect yourself and others during the coronavirus pandemic.

It says: "The Government's priority is to save lives and the best way to protect yourself and others from illness is to stay at home.

"Go for your walk, the sun is shining," a friend remonstrated down the phone: "You've been inside for three days."

And so I took a walk into Grantham town centre, a 75 minute round trip, with a few minor detours.

Another case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Lincolnshire.

The positive test will have happened between Wednesday March 25 and Thursday March 26.