‘Light at end of tunnel’

The Horncastle area was already battling with tough Tier 4 restrictions before Boris Johnson’s announcement of a third national lockdown on Monday evening.

That means that all non-essential businesses are closed, travel is forbidden, and schools will be closed for several weeks.

The Prime Minister admits the new restrictions will impact on everyone,

Parents and guardians - who sent their children back to primary schools on Monday - are now facing weeks of home schooling.

Older pupils will not have to worry about exams this summer - they have been scrapped.

The ‘stay at home’ message means holidays abroad are on hold - unless you are a celebrity!

The vulnerable have been told to self-isolate again.

As the new strain of the virus rips through communities, the Government has put its faith in the roll-out of vaccines.

Speaking before the national lockdown announcement - Ms Atkins joined with Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill and East Lindsey District Council leader Craig Leyland to deliver an optimistic message that ‘there is light at the end of the tunnel.’

While acknowledging how serious the situation is, all three said the steps were needed to protect the NHS.

They urged people to stick to the regulations but were confident a roll out of vaccines will see the tide turn against the virus.

Ms Atkins said: “I understand it will be difficult for people and businesses.

“However, we must help safeguard our NHS and keep everyone safe.

“I encourage everyone to continue to follow regulations and ‘hands, face, space’ guidance to protect one another.

“There is positive news in our fight against the virus with another vaccine approved.

“I am delighted that the Government have secured 100 million doses and roll-out according to clinical need has started.

“This is a testimony to British science, helping us to save lives and to get society back to normal as quickly as possible.”

Coun Leyland admitted the new tier rating would impact on businesses - and residents.

However, he echoed Ms Atkins’ comments, praising
 scientists who have developed the vaccines.

Coun Leyland said: “The ‘lockdown’ will be difficult but it will help keep pressure off the NHS.

“The vaccine roll-out is the light at the end of the tunnel.

“I’m not going to quote Churchill but you know what he would have said...”

Coun Leyland went on to stress ELDC would do ‘everything it could’ to continue support for businesses - and residents.

Coun Hill added: “We can’t ignore the increasing pressure on hospitals, and I urge everyone to stick to the new restrictions.”

It promises to be a busy time for the area’s many volunteers and charities.

•Visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus for the full list of restrictions.

Local residents say they were not surprised by the announcement of a third national lockdown..

Mark Davies said: “We’ve got two kids at home and my wife and I are both working from home.

“It’s going to be really difficult but I think the Government had no option. In fact, there should have been a lockdown weeks ago.”

Alison Jennings said she hoped people would abide by the regulations.

She said: “I’ve got friends and realtives who have had Covid and I know people who have spent weeks in hospital or even dded.

“But, you still see people breaching the regulations every day.

“When will everyopne learn whow dangers thisd can be.

“ The numbers are going to increase.We have to protect our NHS.”

Ian West said: “My daughter works at a hospital and I worry about her every time she goes on shift.

“We all need to follow the guidelines.

“It will be difficult and I just hope the Goverment can keep to its promise about the rate of rolling out vaccines.”