Andover reflects on the impact of one year of lockdown

At the start of 2020, Covid-19 was a curiosity for many, a disease affecting China, and then Italy. Many of us hardly imagined what it would become, let alone the impacts it would have.

In the UK, it took until January 31 for the first cases to be diagnosed, with more developing over the coming days and weeks. At this time, contact tracing was thought to be enough to keep the disease under control, with cases still in just the tens. However, by March, the first death was confirmed, and cases were soon entering the hundreds, then thousands.

Andover’s first case was confirmed on March 8 when the leisure centre was closed following a visit from an infected man. Nationally, the situation began to grow more serious as people were asked to avoid non-essential travel on March 16. Come a week later, and with cases continuing to climb, a national lockdown was imposed across the country; something unprecedented in modern times.

In Andover, businesses like Canto Gelato were beginning to feel the pressure of the pandemic.

“Myself and Steve opened the shop in December 2019 after years of wanting our own place,” said Kelly Jones, co-owner. “Then, in March 2020, we were out because of lockdown.

“It was gutting.”

Following the new rules being introduced, councils across the country had to kick into action, providing grants, advice and support to individuals and businesses. Test Valley was no different, as Councillor Phil North remembers.

“The council stepped up immediately, marshalling the community resilience effort, paying out government grants and manning the helplines,” he said. “Unlike many other council’s we also managed to maintain a full bin collection service throughout lockdown, thanks to the dedication of our Environmental Services team.”

He paid tribute to the work of organisations such as Unity who supported the vulnerable both in Andover and in the surrounding villages.

Many things changed over this time as society began to adapt to the new world of the pandemic.

“Over the last year our world has changed, almost beyond recognition,” said the mayor of Andover, Richard Rowles. “We have witnessed abandoned city centres, empty motorways, sealed off playgrounds, field hospitals and makeshift morgues. Our only connection with distant loved ones has come from behind a computer screen or pane of glass.”

This virtual connection has become a big part of our daily lives, with platforms such as Zoom, which most were unaware of 12 months ago, now playing a significant role in our day-to-day business.

“Digital working became the new normal,” said Cllr North. “Although the exploits of Handforth Parish Council suggest otherwise, online council meetings have worked pretty well but I do miss the human contact that corridor conversations with colleagues gives us all.”

“On the other hand, less travelling has given me more time for online meetings, checking in with our hospitals, housing associations and businesses.”

While many of us were able to keep working at home, that wasn’t the case for the thousands of keyworkers providing vital services including transport, essential shopping and utilities. But the most difficult job was put in the hands of NHS workers, who battled on the front line against the virus.

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reflected on the past year and the recent anniversary of its first case.

“I have never been more proud to work for the NHS than I have over the last year. Our staff have gone above and beyond, working long hours in unfamiliar and challenging situations to help care for our community. Each member of our team has played an important part, and I cannot thank them enough for the compassion, resilience and commitment to care they have all shown.”

People showed their appreciation for the health service with weekly claps during the first lockdown, paying tribute to their service. Cllr Rowles said: “With more than 100,000 deaths the NHS was maxed out, but without their hard work that total would have been much higher.”

The pandemic took its toll on Andover’s hospital, with the minor injuries unit closing to move staff to frontline roles. The hospital also had to combat a fake account spreading misinformation on Twitter.

But come the summer, and it appeared the country had pulled through. Businesses began to reopen again, with residents returning to the high street.

“With the support of TVBC and government funding, we were able to reopen in June,” said Kelly. “The summer was great and we still managed to trade, as well as developing a good following on social media.”

However, it didn’t last, and Covid restrictions started to come back in again. Over the following months, rules changed to try and adapt to the changing nature of the virus, including new variants becoming established in the south east.

But following two more lockdowns, and a vaccine being rolled out across the country, there may be an end in sight to the pandemic.

“Now the vaccine is rolling out, I feel more and more people are upbeat about the future,” said Cllr Rowles. “For me, the most special moment was hearing the birdsong that marks the end of a long and tiring winter more so this year than ever before.

“This year it put a smile on my face and a spring in my step and now we have this fantastic warm spell which makes things so much easier.”

The NHS too has felt the difference, and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by everyone in Test valley.

“I want to thank the community for the continued support they have shown their local hospitals over the last year,” said Alex, “and for continuing to do all they can to keep themselves and others safe. It hasn’t been easy to stay at home, but it has made a big difference in our hospitals.

“The total number of patients being treated in our hospitals who have tested positive for COVID-19 has been consistently under 30 for over a week now. This is incredibly promising when we think that earlier this year we were caring for around 250 patients with Coronavirus.

“There have also been days where we’ve had no new admissions which is a very important milestone. We are absolutely seeing the positive impact of the amazing vaccine roll out, but this will only continue if we all carry on doing our bit to reduce the transmission and keeping ourselves and others safe by following the simple steps we have all become so familiar with.”

Though the pandemic may be nearing an end, its impacts will be felt for some time to come. One of these are changes in the way we think about our daily lives, from the small things to a better appreciation of the bigger picture.

“I suppose if lockdown has taught us anything,” said Cllr North, “it’s that people value high quality outdoor green spaces more than ever. The Council is absolutely committed to protecting and improving our fabulous green spaces across Test Valley as well as identifying new areas of land for local people to enjoy and interact with nature.

“Whilst some of our new ways of working will become embedded, like the convenience of Zoom calls, thanks to the successful vaccine rollout, I hope it won’t be too long before we are all enjoying meeting people at the many events across our beautiful borough. Visiting our hostelries, shopping in our independents and getting a haircut!”

Businesses are now preparing to reopen ahead of a relaxation of Covid rules in the coming weeks, as Steve Godwin, Andover BID Manager, reflects.

He said: "The year has been tough for businesses and the recent news from government providing a clear road map setting out the easing of lockdown restrictions has been well received by many companies closed since Christmas and are who are now extremely busy behind the scenes preparing for the phased reopening of the high street after a long and sustained period."

"The Government guidance sets out a clear and vital framework to get shops open in a way that is safe for everyone. It explains how retail workers who are not currently working can go back to work as safely as possible and feel confident in their workplace. And it reassures customers that shops are properly assessing the risks and putting in place measures to ensure they are safe.

"It explains how retail workers who are not currently working can go back to work as safely as possible and feel confident in their workplace, it gives a plan for hospitality and leisure to open first there outdoor facilities and then later pubs, bars and restaurants. We are working closely to reassure customers that properly are properly assessing the risks and putting in place measures to ensure they are safe."

While the pandemic may not be over yet, it hopefully won’t be another 365 days until life returns to some kind of normal.