Almost two million residents living in Kent will be expected to stay home as much as possible from today. The new government restrictions came into force at midnight, meaning that restaurants, pubs and all non-essential businesses have to close in England. 

Last Saturday, the Prime Minister announced a new nationwide lockdown until at least 2^nd December. Although, unlike the lockdown in March, schools and Universities will remain open. They have also extended the furlough scheme until the end of March next year. This comes as the UK became the ninth country to exceed one million confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

Yesterday, high streets were busy with people out doing last-minute shopping, having their final brunch with friends and socialising before they are no longer allowed to mix outside of their own household. This takes the country as a whole into a Tier Three lockdown which was only seen before in counties with a ‘Very High’ risk, such as Lancashire.

In Medway, the current rate of infection stands at 140.7 per 100,000. Although, the most concerning figure in Kent is the rate of infection in Swale – 205.9 per 100,000. In fact, this is the highest in the whole of the South East (Kent, Surrey and Sussex). However, some have attributed this to the COVID-19 outbreak in the Elmley Prison in Sheppey. A couple of weeks ago it was confirmed that 32 cases were present in the prison, including six officers. 

A business in Swale that has been impacted greatly by this is The Woolpack in Iwade, Sittingbourne. The pub serves local customers every day and say that they are being expected to “take the hit for greater good”.

However, some businesses in Kent will thrive after this announcement. Hoo Sushi is a new business that opened in September, offering a home-based delivery service of fresh sushi. 

Sanita Millers, owner of Hoo Sushi said: “I’m guessing there will be an increase in orders as many people like to order food instead of making their own, or simply do not have time for it with working from home”.

She is also looking to help people in need and those who have recently lost their jobs, by offering them bigger discounts on what she calls a “healthy alternative” to fish and chips. 

Cllr Roger Gough (CON), leader of Kent County Council said that although the new lockdown is “disappointing” they will do everything they can to support Kent businesses during this time. 

On the other hand, one Kent business has caused quite the uproar on social media after refusing to close his barber shop in West Malling.

Met Warwick, owner of Kings Hill Barbers, has spread a clear message in the media that he will not be following government guidance after opening his shop just seven weeks ago in a converted office space. This is despite receiving visits from Trading Standards, Police and representatives of Tonbridge and West Malling Borough Council. 

Tonight, he was told that he is no longer able to enter the Capital Space building in which his shop is located. He said that he is currently searching for a new shop and will move there as soon as possible to continue trading. 

Mr Warwick said: “The only reason I would stop trading is if I was very ill or dead”.

As businesses across the country take the hit of a second national lockdown, it is clear that the reaction in Kent has been very mixed. Local businesses are finding ways to adapt if possible, offering takeaway and delivery services. This includes many pubs in Kent, offering takeaway pints to clear stock as they had to kick out for the final time at 10pm last night. 

To get a sense of the mood I went to Rochester High Street last night to witness the doors closing on the many pubs and bars in the student town.

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