CORONAVIRUS: Community rallies as resident warns, 'We are at war'

Communities are coming together to reassure the elderly after the government announcement the over-70s will be asked to self-isolate to protect them from coronavirus.
Empty shelves at Tesco in SkegnessEmpty shelves at Tesco in Skegness
Empty shelves at Tesco in Skegness

Health secretary Matt Hancock has warned the action was likely "in the coming weeks" - and it could potentially last for months.

The latest ONS figures for 2018 East Lindsey show it has a population of 140,741, with 30 per cent aged over 65.

That means a massive number of old people in the area who are likely to find themselves isolated, alone and anxious, according to one villager who is offering to do some shopping for anyone facing difficulties and deliver it.

Charly Clarke and Dawn Harrison of the Spa  in Burgh le Marsh with a delivery ready to go out to members of the community unable to visit the shop.Charly Clarke and Dawn Harrison of the Spa  in Burgh le Marsh with a delivery ready to go out to members of the community unable to visit the shop.
Charly Clarke and Dawn Harrison of the Spa in Burgh le Marsh with a delivery ready to go out to members of the community unable to visit the shop.

Sara May of Orby said: "I am a night driver and pass a lot of 24 hour shops on my routes so it would be easy for me to call in and do some shopping for anyone who needs it.

"There must be a lot of elderly out there who can't afford to bulk buy, so what are they to do?

"I hope of other people are fit and healthy they will help too."

Paul Hirons is a member of Neighbourhood Watch in Burgh-le-Marsh and is also appealing for other groups to extend their services by helping the elderly.

"I work in Grimsby near a big supermarket and I'm happy to help people with shopping and also organise volunteers in the area.

"The community needs to come together - there's a war on you know."

Village shops have joined the big five supermarkets in calling for people buy sensibly. Dawn Harrison, owner of a Spar shop on Burgh le Marsh, has been praised for spreading the message about their shops free delivery scheme, which could be used for those in self-isolation.

She said: "It is very important for communities to unite and bind together. Burgh is a close community and we always look out for others.

"It's times like this that shows how important small village shops are and how they go that extra mile to help the elderly and vulnerable.’

She’s seen an increase in sales, especially for items such as toilet roll, tinned foods and hand sanitiser. Her advise it only stock up ‘a little’ and to ‘please buy as you usually would.’

"Carry on as normal, don't be greedy and look out for the elderly near you," she urged. "Support your local independent small shops, without local support at times like this you could loose them if times do get difficult."

Reports of empty shelves at supermarkets continue, with one staff member taking to social media to appeal to customers, stating they were trying their best but they were; "dammed if they do and dammed if they don't" stock shelves.

In spite of shelves in some supermarkets being almost cleared of eggs, Daniel Fairburn, CEO of Fairburn’s Eggs of Alford, told the Standard there are enough for everyone 'of we work together' . "Our hens continue as usual to lay delicious eggs, for our customers, on our Lincolnshire farms," he said. "Our packing centre and transport staff are focused on delivering our eggs to retailers so they can get them onto the shelves as quickly as they can for customers in stores.

“With years of experience under our belts of producing eggs for major retailers, we are used to managing fluctuations in demand. Like everyone else in the British food and farming industry, we would ask people to be considerate in the way they shop. There is enough for everyone if we all work together.”

For other traders bulk buying has meant an early season boost, with Wacky Races of Ingoldmells posting on social media that they still had plenty of toilet rolls left.

However, the impact is already being felt by the Skegness Food Bank. A spokesman said: "We’re feeling the pinch! The generous Christmas donations have run out so we are having to buy more food and this week we could only get half our order because the supermarket was short

"People who need the Food Bank are often vulnerable and more at risk so it’s vital that we are able to meet the demand."

Coun Simon Claxton has also agreed to help the vulnerable by allowing donations of food to be dropped off at his Highwayman pub in Lincoln Road. Emma Adele posted on Facebook: "Items can be picked up from the Highwayman for a little donation. Let's give back to those who have given to us."

If you would like help with shopping for the elderly, get in touch with Sarah by emailing sarah.may.sm@gmail,com or [email protected]