Coronavirus: Lincolnshire still getting there on following social distancing advice

Streets in towns have been virtually empty since lockdown

NHS England’s medical director has warned now is not the time to get complacent, as he urged people to continue to follow government guidance to stay at home.

Google's figures, which use location data to chart trends in people's movement, show footfall at retail and recreation establishments fell by 84 per cent in Lincolnshire in the six weeks to the end of March compared to two months earlier.

This was below the average reduction across the UK of 85 per cent, when compared to a previous five-week period at the start of the year.

The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) said many successful businesses were fighting for survival, predicting that consumers’ increased use of online shopping is a trend that is here to stay.

Andrew Goodacre, BIRA chief executive, said independent shops have already had to show great resilience and flair, utilising online deliveries to stay in business.

And he warned that when lockdown ends and social distancing rules are relaxed, habits have already been formed and internet sales will continue to trump the high street.

Google's figures also show a 13 per cent rise in activity in places of residence in Lincolnshire compared to a 47 per cent reduction in places of work, as more people work from home.

Visits to public transport hubs were also down by 67 per cent– but this was below the UK average of 75 per cent.

Lincolnshire also saw 45 per cent less footfall at groceries and pharmacies and 63 per cent less in parks and green spaces.

Stephen Powis, NHS England’s medical director, said: “We are continuing to see people adhering to government policy – particularly on public transport.

“The sun might be out, but that doesn’t mean you should be out, we all need to make sure we resist the temptation, whatever the weather.

“This is not the time to be complacent and to take our foot off the pedal.

“We need to continue to comply with the instructions because that will translate into a reduction in the number of hospitalisations.”