Forum chair speaks on fighting virus in care homes and lockdown rule changes

The chair of the group overseeing the fight against COVID-19 in Lincolnshire has spoken of measures being used to stop the virus spreading in care homes, as well on what the changes to lockdown rules mean for people in the county.

The Lincolnshire Resilience Forum was formed with a number of representatives from health and emergency services in the county.

It’s chaired by Lincolnshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Jason Harwin who spoke about the virus in care homes in his latest announcement.

He said: “Lincolnshire is similar to other parts of the country in that sadly there have been some deaths from coronavirus in our care homes.

“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have passed away at this difficult time.

“From an early stage of the pandemic we have been in constant contact with care homes to support them. LCC’s infection prevention and control team, together with our partners, have provided quick, effective support when outbreaks are reported so that they are kept under control.

“We are working closely with the NHS to ensure we get people out of hospital and back to an appropriate care setting as quickly as possible, whilst reducing the risk of Covid-19 spreading into those care settings.”

On the changes to lockdown announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last Sunday, DCC Harwin said: “The Lincolnshire Resilience Forum has been looking at what it needs to adapt and change to ensure the county and its services adjust accordingly, after some people have been encouraged to return to work and allowed to travel further for exercise.

“County businesses also continue to try and find ways of reopening so we are planning for increased footfall in our communities.
 
“The efforts of our residents so far have been exemplary, helping to keep Lincolnshire as one of the least affected areas of the country and the least affected area in the East Midlands.

“It’s important we continue with these efforts to avoid a second peak of the virus.”

The forum is urging the public to:

• Stay at home as much as possible and wash your hands frequently.
• Work from home if you can. If you are considering returning to work, please make sure it is safe for you to do so.
• If you plan to travel further for exercise, please be mindful that many local amenities may not be open such as businesses, toilets or car parks. It’s also important that you consider if social distancing can be maintained where you plan to visit.
• We can all now meet one person from outside of our household in a public outdoor location. Please only meet on a one-to-one basis and maintain a distance of 2 metres apart.
• Continuing to look out for our county’s most vulnerable and taking care of them. If people need help and support, the helpline is still available – 01522 782189.
• Please continue to be creative in how you continue to work, live and support others.