The Prime Minister has warned of a “New Year national lockdown” if people are too complacent, as Lincolnshire is put under the toughest of coronavirus restrictions along with most of the north of England.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday evening, Mr Johnson said data was promising and suggested the rate of infection had slowed and or was reversing.
However, he said: “Those dangers have not gone away. If we ease off now, we risk losing control of this virus all over again, casting aside our hard-won gains and forcing us back into a New Year national lockdown.”
“The faster we can drive it down, the faster we can lift the restrictions – and that is what the tiers are designed to achieve,” he said.
Mr Johnson apologised to pubs and restaurants which he called the “soul of the community”.
He said they “continue to bear a disproportionate share of the burden”.
“I really wish it were otherwise, but if we’re going to keep schools open, as we must, then our options on bearing down on the disease are limited,” he said.
Lincolnshire’s most recent seven-day data. Data: UK Gov
Government advisors said a previous version of tier 1 had not been strong enough to stop growth, while tier two had “held the line”. They said tier 3 had started to “pull things down”.
Parts of Lincolnshire, including East Lindsey and Boston, have among the highest infection rates across the nation.
Political leaders in the region expressed their disappointment at the county-wide tier, but called on residents to pull together to get Lincolnshire out of the rut.
Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh also added his weight behind the call for more local restrictions and controls.
He said: “I’m very disappointed all of Lincolnshire is being included in tier 3.
“Infection spikes have been highly localised and it would make much more sense to impose tiers at the district level rather than county.
“Those unaffected should be allowed to get on with their lives and work. Infection spikes have been highly localised and it would make much more sense to impose tiers at the district level rather than county.”
A map of Lincolnshire showing the seven-day coronavirus rates as of November 25. | Map: GOV UK
South Holland District Leader Lord Gary Porter has also said it was unfair for his district to be locked down to tackle high numbers in East Lindsey.
Following Thursday’s announcement he said: “It’s disappointing the government has placed South Holland into tier 3 despite below average indicators and the fact that Peterborough has been placed in tier 2, which borders our district.
“This shows a lack of nuanced thinking from the government.
“While this is disappointing news, especially for our businesses in the pub and restaurant sectors who were relying on Christmas trade, now is the time to come together as a community and let’s get out of these restrictions as soon as we can.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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