People in Lincolnshire may need to consider wearing face masks again as Covid cases are expected to rise throughout autumn and winter.

With two new variants – EG.5 and BA.2.68 – currently on the rise throughout the UK, members of the Independent Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies have warned that a new wave of infections might be imminent.

They noted that the infection rate across the UK has jumped from a mere 3.3 people in every 100,000 to 7.2 in less than a month.

Professor Christina Pagel, a mathematician from University College of London and sitting member of the Independent SAGE group, concluded that the potential wave is in its "very very early days". Yet, the numerous mutations in the BA.2.68 strain make it particularly noteworthy.

There's no evidence to suggest that these new strains are deadlier than any of their predecessors, especially as hospital admissions due to the virus in late July stood at just 1.97 per 100,000 people. This is a stark contrast to the 36 per 100,000 recorded in January 2021.

However, this development might reignite concerns among individuals battling the effects of long Covid or those who mourned the loss of a loved one during the pandemic.

Although numbers may increase over time, Lincolnshire is in a relatively favourable position at the moment, with government data suggesting a case rate of just 10.4 people per 100,000 on August 12 (latest available public data).

United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (ULHT) also confirmed that they are currently only treating four patients diagnosed with Covid-19.

A spokesperson for the trust previously assured: "We will respond to a potential new wave of COVID-19 as we have the previous waves, which included following any and all national guidance."

With this in mind, is there really any reason to worry?

Andy Fox, Assistant Director of Public Health Lincolnshire acknowledged that respiratory virus cases often spike during the latter months of the year.

Although mask-wearing isn't legally mandated, he recommended it if feeling particularly unwell.

He said: "New variants of Covid-19 are emerging regularly, and there is currently no evidence to suggest that new variants, such as EG.5 ('Eris') or BA.2.86 will cause more severe disease. We always expect more cases of respiratory viruses as we get into autumn and towards winter, and this is true for colds, flu and Covid as well.

"The best protection against flu and Covid is for those who are eligible to take up the offer of vaccination when available. Other than that, we can all take sensible precautions such as staying home from work or school if we have cold, flu or Covid symptoms.

"There is no requirement to wear a face covering in the UK anymore, but it could be sensible to wear one if you have a cough and have to go out, to reduce the risk of you passing on a cold, flu or Covid to someone else."

Last winter, around three in five Britons supported mask mandates on public transport. However, opinions differed on Lincoln High Street today (Monday). While some mentioned they still wear them regularly, others argued masks serve no purpose.

Justin Ward, 28, said that he felt they were a complete "waste of time".

He commented: "If you're on a plane about to do a parachute jump and nine experts tell you the parachute is safe, but one expert says it isn't, you're not going to jump, are you?"

Echoing his sentiments was Roger, who argued that face masks simply "don't make a difference".

"If you have Covid, the best thing you can do is stay at home until it's gone, it's the same with anything else."

On the other hand, although he's exempt from wearing one, David Bee supported reintroducing face masks when going into shops.

"I think it's a good idea if Covid is still about," he said.

Another shopper, who wished to remain anonymous, added that he continues to be cautious. However, he's noticed that businesses aren't as diligent with providing hand sanitiser as they once were.

He continued: "People have forgotten about it, and I think that's why it's starting to make a comeback."