Confusion over exposure and alert levels on COVID-19 app
Tech handshake blamed for ‘phantom notifications’
People using the NHS COVID-19 app, including many in Lincolnshire, have received so-called ‘phantom notifications’ and conflicting information about the local alert level.
People have reported receiving notifications including “Possible COVID-19 exposure. Someone you were near reported having COVID-19. Exposure date, duration and signal strength have been saved.”
When the notification was tapped on, it would disappear and show no further information within the app, which was launched after several delays on September 24.
The app was updated on October 13 so users who receive a default exposure notification from Apple or Google do not need to take any action and will now be sent a follow-up message from the app making this clear.
County council braced for flurry of pavement seating extensions
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
County council bosses have vowed not to turn a blind eye to businesses which abuse new legislation allowing restaurants and pubs to set up on pavements easier.
Five out of the seven district councils have so far agreed to let Lincolnshire County Council take the reins on new rules which attempt to streamline the ability of businesses to get licences to place furniture on the footpath outside their premises.
The new legislation is one of the measures from central government hoping to help kickstart the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust HQ.
A hospital in Lincolnshire could be set aside to be “COVID-free” as part of plans to restore some essential services.
Bosses at United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust said they were still in the early stages of planning and waiting to confirm details.
However, they confirmed they are exploring providing a “physical separation” between those patients who potentially have COVID-19 and patients requiring routine care in disease-free environments.
Chief Executive Andrew Morgan said: “Nationally, the NHS is entering the next phase of the COVID 19 pandemic and this requires all NHS organisations to develop plans to safely restore some essential non-COVID services.
First case of Coronavirus confirmed in North East Lincolnshire
The first case of coronavirus has been confirmed in North East Lincolnshire.
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Grimsby and Scunthorpe hospitals, confirmed it was dealing with a “small number of patients” with COVID-19 across both its hospital sites.
In a statement, NLaG said it was well prepared to treat patients with COVID-19.
Dr Kate Wood, Medical Director at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole FT said: “We can confirm that we are currently caring for patients who have tested positive for the COVID-19 infection. They are being very safely cared for by our highly skilled teams and all of the appropriate protection measures are in place.
First Lincolnshire pub to close due to COVID-19 staff symptoms
Photo: The Elm Cottage
The Elm Cottage pub in Gainsborough has closed less than a week after reopening, due to a staff member displaying symptoms of coronavirus.
The Elm Cottage on Church Street, Gainsborough, reopened on July 4 with strict table service and limited numbers.
The member of staff went for a test on Friday morning, after developing “mild” symptoms of the virus.
With the results due back in the next 48-72 hours, the owners have decided to shut their doors until the result surfaces.
It has become the first reported pub in the county to temporarily close again with COVID-19 symptoms.