CORONAVIRUS: Boston community rallying together as virus affects all aspects of life

Five cases of coronavirus have now been officially confirmed in Lincolnshire, although many more people are now self-isolating in the county.
The coronavirus is impacting everyoneThe coronavirus is impacting everyone
The coronavirus is impacting everyone

Many in Boston are rallying to help the most vulnerable, with groups being set up on social media, and companies offering special services to help them.

But with panic buying affecting the shelves in supermarkets and some GP surgeries now asking people not to visit in person, the elderly and those with underlying health issues are increasingly concerned.

Nationally, figures on Monday showed 55 people have now died from the virus and the total number of cases confirmed as positive was more than 1,500.

Schools remain open at the moment (as off 1pm on Tuesday), although many events are being cancelled and people have been urged not to go out to social gatherings, including pubs, theatres, and cinemas in the latest advice from the Prime Minister.

But concerns are growing for vulnerable people, including the over 70s, who are likely to be told by the Government to self-isolate for at least two weeks in the next few days.

And it has been revealed that Derek Ward, director of public health for Lincolnshire, is self-isolating with his family after developing a continuous cough.

Speaking on Radio Lincolnshire, Professor Ward said: “I know this is is a really concerning time for a lot of people. In the vast majority of people it will be a mild to moderate illness, and by following the new guidelines we are going to protect the most vulnerable people.”

He said the health service in the county is coping okay at the moment and their focus is to make sure.

But he urged people not to use the NHS unnecessarily and if they have got symptoms they can self-isolate and go to NHS 111 website.

He stressed that: “If its new and a continuous cough, or f you’ve got a temperature of 37.8 or above than the guidance is really clear – you should self-isolate. My advise is err on the side of caution. I know that will be difficult but this is a once-in-lifetime challenge.”

In Boston, a new Facebook group has been set up to try and help some of these most vulnerable groups.

The Covid 19 Lockdown/isolation assistance for Boston and surrounding areas group already has more than 700 members.

Ella Sampson, who set up the group with Kim Stokes, said: “We felt it was important to set up the community help group so that vulnerable people can have access to vital services that they may need.”

The group has already got many posts from people offering to share supplies, including toiletries, and deliver goods for people

“Additionally, if we go into lockdown we can network with businesses via the page to ensure that they can receive items or even a chat to feel less isolated,” said Ella.

“I am surprised that a network has not been set up (before this) but there are clearly many people who want to help and this can be a base for people offering services or in need. We clearly are developing a strong community feel and it is heart-warming. I sat worried about the virus but setting up this group has changed both of mine and Kim's outlook so we can help others and take our minds off the negativity and worrying times ahead.”

Ella worked in the NHS for more than ten years and Kim works in the community with her own business and both say they plan to dedicate time in helping others with the help of social media and using Facebook as a platform to help anyone in need.

“The "be kind" focus can now be actioned with helping real people together as a community. Even to offer a phone call or a single milk delivery we all need to pull together to make sure our neighbours and fellow human beings are ok,” said Ella.

Local taxi firm Angels of Boston has also announced that it will be offering a free delivery service to those affected when mass isolation comes in for over 70s for people who don’t have help with deliveries, dedicating four drivers every weekday for a couple of hours a day.

And Johnsons Garden Centre on Wainfleet Road is now opening its food hall from 7am Monday to Saturday to allow elderly or vulnerable customers only to shop for their essentials.

Although schools are still open, many events are now being cancelled, and local elections, including that for the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commission, have been postponed.

Blackfriars Theatre and Arts Centre in Boston closed yesterday until further notice..

Churches in the Boston area are following Church of England and Government advice on non-contact measures during the current coronavirus epidemic.

The Butterfly Hospice Trust which is based in Boston yesterday announced it would be closing its businesses including its charity offices and its shops for at least the next two weeks.

It stressed that the hospice itself remains open to patients.

The Boston Barrier Community Hub has also closed for the foreseeable future.

Boston Council said today it was business as usual at the moment, with no further comment to make as of yesterday lunchtime.