Newark town centre on the first day of the third national lockdown
We will soon be rid of coronavirus if we all do what we're supposed to.
This was the view of the Newark public on the first day of the third national lockdown.
Many said the only thing now to do was trust in the government, and not let 'what could have been done' cloud the tough decisions it has had to make.
Andrew Hind, owner of Sibleys on Kirkgate, said: "Hindsight is a wonderful thing, we can always look back and the opposition will always challenge those who are making the decisions.
"But, we do what we're told, and we should do what we're told.
"Then, hopefully, everything can get back to normal — whenever that may be. You can't put a time on it.
"I think they (government) have done very well so far but there will always be those people who don't agree with wearing face coverings."
Being an essential business, Sibleys has been allowed to stay open throughout the pandemic and has been very busy.
Mr Hind said: "I can also speak for some stalls on the market that have been very busy — fruit and veg and the bread man. I think people are realising that produce provided by the independents may be a little more expensive, but is far superior.
"We offer a safe service and until now have never done deliveries before. People were asking us to, so now we deliver at the end of day.
"Our customers have been very faithful, keep coming. But we've also seen new faces who don't want to queue at the supermarket.
"Everyone get a vaccine and let's see what happens.
"What will be, will be."
Taking a breather in the market from their daily exercise with dog Toby was Cleve and Gill Lee, of Balderton.
The couple, 69 and 68 respectively, said they were not at all surprised by the lockdown announcement.
Gill said: "We've been watching the figures, we do watch it quite carefully.
"When we want to go out, we always question whether we should or not. Obviously we still are because we're here, but standing in the middle of the market so no-one is around us.
"I think Boris Johnson, and the government, have a very difficult job — trying the balance the economy, kids and everything else.
"We have to trust they are doing the very best they can."
Cleve, an American ex-pat, said he has had the chance to witness the happenings in the States compared to Britain.
He said: "I don't have a prior opinion of Boris, all I know is that he's doing a good job of trying to balance business against public health — as good as he can.
"The circumstances around how we live in Britain, it's much more close than in the States — and the chance to get ill is greater because we're packed tighter.
"It's easier to obey the rules and do the right thing when everybody has to, when you're told to. So, when you see other people not doing it — it's like okay I'll take some chances.
"So, I think it is a good thing (lockdown) has been applied to everyone.
"Now, we try and support the local businesses as much as we can."
Kerry Lacey, owner of Lace Boutique on Middlegate, said she was gutted to hear the announcement.
"We were expecting it to a degree but yeah, it's just gutting," she said.
"We were looking forward to starting our fresh season, so that won't be starting in store now.
"I suppose with us, we are online and are just going to try our best to keep going.
"For us, we hope that everyone stays safe — our customers and ourselves. Then hopefully, this will all be over with."