Lincoln MP’s message during coronavirus outbreak

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney has urged residents not to panic buy in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr McCartney said: “There are no shortages of goods and many elderly and vulnerable people in Lincoln who are short on food or specific items, are in some instances struggling to find what they need, especially those who have specific dietary requirements.

“There is enough food, perishable or otherwise, to go around for all.

“There are still regular deliveries overnight, and while our lives are affected by this virus, our daily working lives and actions will carry on as normalised as we are collectively willing to make them.”

He thanked everyone involved in “the effort to defeat the coronavirus” including supermarket staff, independent traders and food providers who he said were “going above and beyond” to keep shelves full as they continued to “trade in difficult circumstances.”

The Conservative MP added that he was in contact with councillors, officers and partners with regular updates and that he was “pleased to see the action government has taken.”

However, he said: “My office and I have received hundreds of emails, texts and calls in the last couple of days from constituents, businesses and organisations, and I am aware many people still have serious concerns.

“We are aware of, and have been in contact with, various groups that have been set up to assist those at risk and who are self isolating.

People queued up outside Asda in North Hykeham as panic buying continues. Photo: Neil Bailey

“[We] have also been in contact directly with some of those constituents we know are housebound, elderly and at risk, and have offered our ongoing assistance in whatever way we are able too.”

He urged residents to continue to follow government advice, but to contact him with concerns by emailing  [email protected].

The English death toll for patients diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus is now understood to stand at 128.

The NHS announced that a further 29 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died.

As of yesterday, the total number of cases in the UK stood at 2,626.

You can follow live updates on Coronavirus from around Lincoln and Lincolnshire in our live blog.

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