March 24, 2020 5.01 pm This story is over 51 months old

More lockdown clarity needed as some Lincoln areas still busy

The measures are still causing confusion for some people

Filip W captured this image in Lincoln at around 12pm on March 24.

People are calling for more clarity on the latest lockdown rules that appear to still be causing some confusion during the coronavirus crisis.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday evening that for the next three weeks at least people should stay at home, but some areas of the city still seemed busy on Tuesday.

All non-essential services and shops have been shut and people will be fined if they disobey the rules.

Full list of businesses ordered to close here.

Measures have been put in place and people are allowed to leave home only for just four reasons:

  • Shopping for basic necessities, which must be as infrequent as possible
  • One form of exercise a day
  • Any medical needs
  • Traveling to and from work – only where it is absolutely necessary such as for those in key worker roles

However, a number of questions continue to arise including whether certain companies should be open or not.

A number of trade centres, construction sites and businesses remained open in Lincoln on Tuesday due to a lack of clear guidance from the government about what is deemed essential and what is not.

This has prompted calls for further clarity from the government. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has argued in a press briefing on Tuesday, March 24 that the decision not to close all businesses was based on the understanding that firms could adapt.

Employers were asked to consider if their service is essential, and to implement social distancing measures, making sure workers are two metres from one another.

Lincoln’s biggest attraction, the cathedral, looking lonely. Photo: Steve Smailes

Several people have already been out shopping on Tuesday and the coronavirus lockdown measures have resulted in eerily quiet scenes across uphill areas of the city.

In lower High Street, however, some people said there were plenty of people still socialising.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that the number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK has increased by 87. 422 people have died across the UK and 8,077 cases have been confirmed.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Greater Lincolnshire doubled overnight, now standing at 27.

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