The UK went into lockdown 100 days ago on March 23, and Lincolnshire’s community spirit has shone during this time.
Sadly, 332 people have died in Greater Lincolnshire as a result of COVID-19, affecting hundreds of families in our region. But the county hasn’t been without its heroes to bring us joy and hope in these difficult times.
The regular ‘clap for carers’ began in early April, and was observed in large numbers on Thursdays at 8pm to applaud all essential workers who were on the frontline during the virus’ peak.
The weekly event gathered so much momentum that the next week the iconic Lincoln Cathedral lit up blue in honour of the NHS, and has done so ever since.
People watch on and cheer as Lincoln Cathedral lights up blue for the NHS. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
It wasn’t just the cathedral that sported colours to support key workers, Peter Spaczynski became a local mini-celebrity for his ‘rainbow house’ on Bunkers Hill in Lincoln.
‘Rainbow house’ with the completed thank you message for key workers. Photo: Steve Smailes
Next on the emergency service tour was Andy Fox’s house in Stow, where his daughters were dressing as a minion and panda to raise spirits for those passing by, as well as money for NHS charities.
A panda and a minion out clapping for NHS staff and other key workers in a village near Lincoln.
People in Lincolnshire have also been coming up with innovative ways to put a smile on everyone’s faces throughout COVID-19 lockdown, including bus driver Adam Wales and his entertaining TikTok videos.
The balloons says it all, we love the NHS. Photo: Craig Cash
Fundraisers and non-profit organisations have perhaps been the feel good tale of lockdown, as people show their generous side to help those in need.
For The Love Of Scrubs is a Lincoln-based group, set up in April, that encouraged the local community to use household fabrics and create protective scrubs for frontline NHS staff.
Thousands of scrubs have now been distributed across the county’s hospitals, putting a smile on the faces of NHS staff who have never worn scrubs quite like these before!
He worked from the end of March through to May, and made over 6,000 face shields as part of Lincoln 3D Printing Face Shields Group, working 24 hours a day from his home with his wife.
Frontline staff posing with their new 3D printed face shields. Photo: Tim Cieslik
Businesses have also been coming up with new ways to survive financially during the pandemic, whether it was venturing into delivery services or changing models altogether.
Bottomley Distillers in Louth, Unconventional Distillery and the Lincoln Distillery worked to ensure that hand sanitiser could be produced for key workers during the shortage.
As well as this, heartwarming footage of coronavirus patients being discharged from hospitals across Lincolnshire to standing ovations have been a true highlight of lockdown.
George Barker, a 57-year-old COVID-19 survivor from Boston, was cheered and clapped out of intensive care from Boston Pilgrim hospital at the end of May, after spending three weeks in a coma.
95-year-old Violet Sismey also fought and defeated coronavirus in late May, and was honoured as she left intensive care at Spalding’s Johnson Community Hospital.
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Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!