‘We’re better prepared to survive lockdown’

The support team is one of the many organisations at the forefront of a campaign to offer lifeline advice and support during the pandemic.

However, the team says the town has learned vital lessons from the first lockdown earlier this year.

Spokeswoman Sarah Buik, speaking at last week’s town council meeting, said: “Generally, from our perspective, this lockdown feels quite different to the first which I think was quite a shock and quite panicky for everyone.

“People now have plans in place with friends and relatives and this time we are much more of a ‘back stop’ safety net.”

The Support Team - supported by the town council - features representatives from a number of town-based groups including the Food Larder and the Urban Outreach Foundation Project.

When details of the second lockdown were announced, there were concerns volunteers would be overwhelmed.

However, Ms Buik revealed volunteers were dealing with around three-to-four calls a day. She added: “Our website has been live for six to eight weeks now and in the last month we’ve had over 800 visitors.

“Hopefully, that means people are finding the information and advice they need.”

Volunteers will be on hand during the remaining weeks of the lockdown - and beyond.

Even though the lockdown is due to finish on December 2, the team predict there will be a high demand for help during the build-up to Christmas.

Volunteers offer a range of services for vulnerable residents including collecting and delivering prescriptions and shopping.

Ms Buik stressed many issues which had arisen in the first lockdown - including long queues at a town pharmacy - did not appear to be a problem this time.

The volunteers were praised by town Mayor Coun Fiona Martin who described their efforts as ‘outstanding.’

She agreed the town appeared to have been better prepared and said there were many examples of family and friends coming together to help each other.

Coun Martin told the meeting that during the first lockdown, she was helping to collect and deliver up to 20 prescriptions a day.

She added: “This time, I’m probably doing one a day. A lot of people have made arrangements to sort themselves out.”

The optimism comes against a background of rising rates of Covid-19 during the last few days.

East Lindsey has moved into the 20 highest coronavirus rates in England, prompting district council leader Craig Leyland to issue a rallying message.

He said: “Until now we have been in a fortunate position, when compared to other areas of the country, to have only seen a minimal impact in terms of Covid-19 cases and restrictions.

“However, over the past two weeks it has become clear that we are now seeing a sustained rise in cases across Lincolnshire and, unfortunately, East

Lindsey in particular.

“We are working with partners from the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum to understand the reasons behind this increase in cases within the district.

“As the work takes place, our Environmental Health team will be continuing their diligent work around ensuring compliance with the restrictions and this will be complemented by work being undertaken by our partner organisations.

“In the meantime I urge all our residents and businesses to follow the current lockdown restrictions and to help bring this virus under control by following the hands, face, space message - regularly cleaning our hands, wearing a face covering and continuing to observe social distancing can all help us curb the spread of the virus.

“Also, if you are displaying symptoms, please do ensure that you self-isolate and get tested as soon as possible.

“If we all come together in following these steps we can help limit the spread of Covid-19, help look after one another, and help ensure that we exit the lockdown as smoothly as possible.”