Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill says the county council has so far 'maintained' its key services through the pandemic.

In an update posted on social media, Coun Hill said this included protecting children and the most vulnerable, plus helping to support many organisations and group to keep people safe.

He continued: "We have quickly put in place new systems and ways of working to adapt to this crisis and have re-deployed staff to where they are needed most.

"Initially, the government identified 6700 clinically vulnerable in our county people from their records who may need extra help while self-isolating at home - a significant number for Lincolnshire compared to many areas.

"Since then, we have ensured that volunteers in our communities and our own staff have responded to these residents where needed, and many others who have been in touch with us because they have been struggling.

"As part of this, 1567 calls have been made, 405 welfare checks carried out, 216 food parcels and 35 prescriptions delivered to date."

He praised volunteers, plus town and parish councils for their efforts in helping people get through.

"We are all aware of the vital work of our carers and those working in care homes, and I thank all those who continue to carry out this rewarding but often challenging role.

"I've been heartened by how some of our care home staff are working to keep their residents safe and healthy. They are often going the extra mile and this really shows their true dedication and commitment.

"Residents are being helped with video calls to their families and a range of activities set up to keep people occupied and healthy. We are continuing to have regular calls with care homes and other care settings to provide ongoing support to them, including financial support if necessary as I've previously mentioned.

Coun Hill also said more than 200 schools remained open so around 1200 children and young people could be educated whilst their parents carried out their 'critical' work.

He continued: "We're seeing some excellent examples of where staff and young people are going above and beyond to keep their school communities together and help in their wider area.

"From arranging food distributions and cooking meals for elderly people and families, to setting up book exchanges, our schools have gone above and beyond, remaining an important part of their community.

"Staff have also been working to support with educational resources - devising a range of creative ideas to support home learning.

"Local councils in Lincolnshire have been processing grants for businesses across the area. As of yesterday, payments have been made to 8,496 businesses, to the value of £95.5m. 56% of grants have been paid already but applications will continue to be checked, processed and paid in batches every day over the next couple of weeks.

"Councils have written to business owners who are eligible, but we know some businesses may still be missing out. If your business is in the retail, hospitality or leisure sector, and you are a rate payer with a rateable value under £51,000, you could be eligible for a grant."

"Small businesses receiving rate relief could also be eligible for grant funding. In both cases, please check www.businesslincolnshire.com for more details. If you have already completed a form on your local authority website you do not need to do anything further."

He added people should check the county council website for information on council services and support during the coronavirus response.