As the country passes the 10 day mark since the Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced lockdown measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum has provided an update on what help is available and how the county is fairing with the changes.
Mark Baxter, Assistant Fire Chief spoke to LSJ News on behalf of the forum and said: “I think the county is coping as is across the whole of the country, recognising the very uncertain times that people are going through.
And understandably people are having to adjust to the measures that the government have rightly put in place to enable us to try and manage COVID-19 the best we can.”
Currently the focus of the Resilience Forum is on helping vulnerable people get the support they need after being told they need to stay indoors for 12 weeks.
Those who are considered to be at high risk of illness from the virus are receiving letter’s from the NHS urging them to register online or ring the governments helpline on 0800 028 8327.
Another factor of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the effect on businesses and self employed business owners.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has already announced that the government would pay up to 80% of staff’s wages if they are unable to work due to the virus up to £2,500 a month.
However Mark also explained that there is extra help available. He said: “We do recognise that local businesses across the country and no less importantly in Lincolnshire are going to be affected and is an extremely worrying time for businesses as it is uncertain so what we’ve set up is the chance to speak to a local business adviser on a dedicated line on 01522 782189.”
Businesses owners can also email businesslincolnshire@lincolnshire.org.uk where they can receive the same support and guidance.
Local government grants are also available to help businesses during the pandemic with information available at businesslincolnshire.com or email GLLEPBusinessIntelligence@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Mark also urged the public to make sure they look after themselves and each other with a 24 hour helpline available for those worried about the effect of the pandemic on their lives and their mental health. He said: “We recognise this is a really worrying time for people. People are going to feel frustrated, they’re going to feel lonely, anxious and worried about their financing, health and about people close to them so this is going to be a really testing time for an awful lot of people.”
The mental health helpline is available on 0800 001 4331 where the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Trust will be available 24/7.