The leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Coun Martin Hill, and the chief executive Debbie Barned have issued an update on how the county council is tackling the crisis.

Coun Hill said yesterday (Friday) : "Our lives are certainly now looking very different especially with today's news that our Prime Minister has tested positive for coronavirus.

"I want to update you on the latest action we're taking at the county council to prepare for more cases in Lincolnshire and also some of the new support that the government has announced.

"I know our Director of Public Health, Derek Ward, has said that we are doing well in Lincolnshire so far at limiting the spread of the virus, especially compared to the other counties in our region. But we can't be complacent so I'll use this opportunity to thank those who are following the guidance which I'm sure you are reading about everywhere.

"It's so important that we all do our bit to stop the virus spreading, to protect the NHS and save lives.

"You may have seen in the news that a national agreement has been made so firefighters can carry out extra duties during the coronavirus outbreak.

"As part of the county council, I can tell you that Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue already work closely with partners to help in communities, with many firefighters assisting ambulance service at a range of medical emergencies.

"Currently all fire stations are available and staffing is strong. By following the guidance you are protecting yourself, but also our key responders, so we can keep services running and reduce the impact of coronavirus as much as possible.

"The new national agreement is helpful but I know how dedicated our firefighters already are to their communities. Fire and rescue are working with our emergency planning team to help as much as possible, while still being able to respond to emergencies.

"You'll be aware that the government has already put in place a range of support mechanisms for businesses who are suffering because of coronavirus. They have now announced a similar scheme for self-employed people or partnerships, providing a grant worth 80% of their profits up to a cap of £2,500 per month."

If you are self-employed or own a business in Lincolnshire and want any help and support with navigating the support that's available and lots of other useful advice, go to the Business Lincolnshire website www.businesslincolnshire.com

Debbie Barnes, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire County Council, said: "Our children's centres have only been open to people who have had specific appointments for the last week. Mostly this have been for maternity support for families and essential health visitor appointments.

"We have decided though to reduce the number of centres that we keep open so we can use our available staff at our most critical children centres.

"The centres remaining open are Mablethorpe, Skegness, Boston, Norfolk Lodge, Spalding, Bourne, Swingbridge, Sleaford, Birchwood and Lincoln Central.

"Details of these, can be found on the county council's website"

Debbie added:" I'd like to take this opportunity to reinforce to everyone the reasons for leaving the house while we are in this period of lockdown. You should only leave the house to shop for basic necessities or pick up medicine, to travel to work when you absolutely cannot work from home and to exercise once a day, alone or with members of your household.

"Do not meet others, even friends or family outside of your household. If you have been identified as particularly vulnerable, you should remain at home. This is for your wellbeing.

"If you need help to get food, medication or essential supplies, please ask other people to help you get them and to leave supplies outside rather than coming into your home.

"If you don't have anyone to help you, please please get in touch with us. We are already working through the requests for help we have had and thank everyone for their patience while we match up community support that's available."

The phone number to call if you do need help and don't have anyone to support you, is 01522 782189.

All information can be found on our website at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.