Lincolnshire reacts to Boris' roadmap
It's a positive plan, but is it too optimistic?
Last updated 23rd Feb 2021
Boris Johnson says he's 'very optimistic' that he'll be able to remove all of England's coronavirus restrictions by the 21st of June.
The Prime Minister's plan puts that as the earliest possible date for having no legal limits on social contact.
But the government's warning the timeline set out yesterday could go more slowly, depending on the latest data on things like vaccine take-up and hospital admissions.
Businesses in Lincolnshire and Newark have given a cautious welcome to the roadmap.
Will Douglas is the director of Docks Beers in Grimsby.
"It's really positive, but I think it would be fair to say that we're treating it with caution.
"We totally understand that the Government needs to take a staged approach in order to protect both the NHS and save lives.
"But broadly speaking, we couldn't have predicted much better."
Liz Parry owns Abbys and the Curious Cat bars in Grimsby.
"I'm surprised we have dates.
"I think it's ambitious and if it goes to plan it'll be amazing.
"But we need to be prepared for delays."
For some who are unable to open currently there is a sense of disappointment they will have to wait a little longer.
Sophie Hare owns Hare and Beauty in Ruskington.
She hasn't been open since before Christmas.
"The longer we're closed, the more money we're losing
"I'm getting worried now to be honest.
"I'd like to say that I'm quite good with my savings and I always save for a rainy day, but it's been stormy."
Charlotte Bennet is the Managing Director of Healing Manor Hotel in Grimsby.
She want's more clarity when it comes to weddings.
"Weddings might be back to normal come the summer, but there is that in-between bit.
"There are still lots of weddings that are booked into those dates between now and June.
"Ultimately those Brides and Grooms are looking for answers."
All schools and colleges in England will reopen next month, while all childcare can resume.
Leon Riley is the Principal of John Leggot College in Scunthorpe.
He's excited about seeing students come back.
"I'm very proud of what we do with remote-education, but you can't really replace that with face-to-face education.
"I've missed them".
Chris Thompson is president of the National Education Union Lincolnshire branch.
He says some members of staff are worried about returning to the classroom.
"There's a lot of anxiety
"Many of the older staff and most vulnerable are finding going into school in a crowded and busy situation very very stressful."
10-year-old Darcy goes to school in Nettleham.
She's excited to see her friends and teachers.
"They're really fun to play with, I've missed them a lot!
"Lockdown has been upsetting and has made me feel lonely."
Karen Ellis from Brigg has been home schooling her daughter and she’s glad it’s finally coming to an end.
"I worry about whether she is doing enough, or we're doing enough
"But at the end of the day we're all safe and hopefully now heading back to a little normality."