KentOnline

As the coronavirus lockdown begins to ease in Kent and the rest of the country, our thoughts return to life before the pandemic.
The businesses that enriched our lives – gyms, cinemas, pubs, bookshops – have been closed since March but many look set to return as the virus is brought under control.
But the anticipation of reopening comes with a unique set of challenges for each business, as owners strive to keep their offerings intact while keeping customers safe.
To find out about the trials and tribulations facing Kent’s businesses, we spoke to owners across the county about how they are preparing for the coming months.

A debate over whether some children should return to school in June is continuing.
There appears to be a divide between the government, unions, teachers and parents as to whether reception, year one and year six children should go back to class.
There are also suggestions those in years 10 and 12 should spend sometime at school before the summer holidays.
But as the Covid-19 pandemic continues, what’s the best thing to do?
Nicola is joined by My Kent Family editor Lauren Abbott to discuss the tricky situation facing parents.

We may not be able to hold street parties, but we’re still being urged to remember our World War Two heroes 75 years on from the end of the conflict.
Events will still be taking place to remember those who fought and died for the country and we can take part while still observing social distancing.
Nicola has been chatting to Ollie about how Kent will mark the occasion.

Sport has been paused during the coronavirus pandemic and while fans might find it frustrating, it’s having a much bigger impact on athletes.
Nic has been chatting to Joe Coshan from KMTV’s Team Talk about how football could be affected long term, why one athlete is determined to maintain his form ahead of the postponed Olympics and how one Kent cricketer is doing his bit to help.

My Kent Family editor Lauren chats to Nicola about adapting to home working and home schooling during the coronavirus lockdown.
Find out how the first week has gone – the success stories and the challenges.
Plus, how to deal with children’s birthdays while social distancing.

On today’s episode of the KentOnline podcast, Nicola Everett is joined by the KM’s community reporter Oliver Kemp. 
The pair discuss some of the great initiatives around the county helping people during the lockdown, including a pub delivering school breakfasts, keeping kids learning at home, and a campaign to thank our NHS.

Political editor Paul Francis and Oliver Kemp discuss local council’s work to encourage social distancing, stranded UK holidaymakers across the world and Cineworld employees asking for support after being sacked.
They also try to get to grips with recording the podcast from their separate homes whilst practising social distancing.

Help is being made available to businesses during the coronavirus outbreak while shops are putting on special opening hours for older residents to get supplies.
Meantime, there are concerns about workers in care homes and you can let us know how life has changed – contact details at the end of the podcast.

As the coronavirus outbreak continues – we’re looking at the impact it’s having here in Kent…
Over the weekend, the health secretary confirmed the over 70s and other vulnerable people could be told to self isolate.
Hear from Age UK in Canterbury, a Kent athlete who says he could struggle to pay the bills and find out how church services in the county are being adapted.
Also in the podcast, a railway line has reopened following a major landslide before Christmas.

The government has now moved to the so-called delay phase of its plan to tackle the outbreak.
As a result, people with signs of the infection – like a persistent cough or a fever – will be urged to stay home for a week.
There are currently 11 confirmed cases in Kent and Medway – and we’re starting to hear how it’s affecting the county with events being cancelled.
Businesses have also started to reveal how they’re being hit by the virus.