Hospital visitors have been banned in Lincolnshire as COVID cases rise again.
The United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust started the ban today (Wednesday) amid rising infection rates.
There has also been an increase in the number of patients testing positive at the trust’s hospitals.
Patients attending outpatient appointments at Boston, Grantham, Lincoln or Louth are also being reminded they should be alone.
“We know that this decision will be upsetting for those who have loved ones in hospital, but we must prioritise the safety of our patients and staff at this time.
“We have put in place some exceptions and our ward teams will work with families to ensure access in these circumstances.
“Wards will be offering the opportunity for families to talk to relatives via Skype or FaceTime where possible,” said director of nursing Dr Karen Dunderdale.
Exceptions to the visitor ban include the maternity department, where one birthing partner can attend the birth and a partner can visit.
Children are not allowed to visit patients.
Exceptions will also be made for visiting end of life patients, paediatrics and other ‘exceptional’ circumstances.
In South Holland case numbers have been rising, in line with many areas around the country.
There were 204 positive results in the seven days to August 9.
By the end of Sunday, some 66,330 people in the district had been given a first dose of vaccine and 57,660 had both.
Between July 26 and August 1 a total of 34 people were admitted to hospital in Lincolnshire, an increase of 54.5 per cent over the previous seven days.
There were a total of 39 patients in hospital with COVID on August 3 and five were on a mechanical ventilator to help with breathing issues.
There was one death between August 3 and 9 within 28 days of a positive COVID test which shows no change over the previous seven days.
Families can take advantage of the ‘Letters to a Loved One’ scheme to keep in touch with an in-patient and details can be found on the website: www.ulh.nhs.uk
In total, 2,994 people have been hospitalised in Lincolnshire as a result of the virus and in the week to August 4 there was an increase of 21.4 per cent with 468 new cases in the county.
There is currently no visitor ban at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn.
Nationally, more than 47 million people have had their first dose of a vaccine.
