KentOnline

Forget baubles, it’s all going to be about Christmas bubbles this year.The government have confirmed an easing of coronavirus restrictions over the festive period – find out who you’ll be allowed to see and for how long.Also in today’s podcast – pub owners in Kent say they’re being unfairly punished for the high Covid rate as they face having to stay shut if the county is put into tier 3 after lockdown.We’ve been speaking to a landlord in the borough with the highest infection rate in the country, and one which has among the lowest levels in Kent.Hear from an artist who says Covid has changed the way she thinks and works as she launches a virtual exhibition.And we’ve got reaction from Gillingham’s 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon at Priestfield.

The wait is on to find out which tier Kent will be placed in when lockdown is lifted.
The government is due to announce its decision on Thursday after confirming three new levels of restrictions will come into force next week.
It’s widely thought the county will be in Tier 3 which will still mean no visiting friends or family in their home and pubs will have to stay closed.
But there are some calls for districts to be put into different tiers rather than restrictions covering the whole county – hear what the PM’s had to say.
Also in the podcast, a homeless charity fears potential cuts in funding could significantly affect rough sleepers in Kent.
Should animal theft be made a specific offence? We reveal how many dogs have been stolen in Kent and exactly how many suspects have been charged.
And, we look ahead to Gillingham’s game tonight with player Jack Tucker.

The dad of a disabled woman who’s looked after at a care home in Deal is calling on the government to urgently roll out rapid Covid testing kits.Brett Martin from Thanet has only been able to see Charlotte, 33, once since March.He’s been speaking to the KentOnline Podcast along with the chief executive of Martha Trust.Also today, the area of Kent that now has the highest Covid-19 infection rate in the country.The latest schools to be affected by the virusAnd, we hear from Gillingham’s assistant boss following their draw with promotion chasing Charlton in league one.

It’s a massive talking point at the moment – should restrictions be lifted enough so we can see friends and family at Christmas?Some experts say if they are, we face another coronavirus lockdown in January.But others are desperate to be reunited after a year of cancelled birthdays, postponed holidays and re-arranged weddings.We’ve been speaking to experts and some of you.Also in today’s podcast, students share their thoughts on going home for the festive season.And, we hear from Gillingham Vadaine Oliver ahead of their game against Charlton this weekend.

The wife of a man who died from coronavirus after contracting it at a Kent hospital has said she’ll continue to fight for answers.
Paul Tucker passed away at Medway Maritime in Gillingham a week ago – his widow Sam has spoken about what happened.
Also in today’s episode, Swale now has the second worst coronavirus infection rate in England.
Plans for how to deliver the Covid vaccine in Kent have been announced.
Why a Bake Off star from Kent has been hitting back at twitter trolls.
And, we’re being urged to buy a few extra items while shopping to help out foodbanks in Kent – we’ve got the full details.

Swale now has the third highest Covid infection rate in the country.
New figures have been revealed as Kent’s biggest hospital also reveals it’s under increased pressure due to the number of coronavirus patients being treated there.
In today’s podcast, hear from the leader of Swale Borough Council along with the Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP.
We’ve also been speaking to the Kenward Trust in Yalding as part of Alcohol Awareness Week.
There are fears more of us are drinking during lockdown – their chief exec says they’ve had a rise in calls for help.
And, Dover’s players missed out on a day off after suffering a 5-1 defeat last night – we were at the game and have reaction from manager Andy Hessenthaler.

Public health bosses in Kent say they’re monitoring the number of coronavirus cases on a daily basis to see if lockdown 2 is working.
There have been real concerns over a significant rise in infection rates in Swale and Thanet.
Hear from Andrew Scott-Clark on what he thinks could happen if lockdown ends as planned on December 2nd, and what the council thinks about the idea of mass testing.
Also in today’s podcast, police have been called following a disturbance at a former army barracks being used to house asylum seekers in Folkestone.
And a mum who gave birth to twin boys at just 23 weeks pregnant has been telling her story to mark world prematurity day.

In today’s podcast, we reveal how many schools in Kent have reported a case of coronavirus since all pupils returned in September.
We’ve also be speaking to a leading headteacher who’s concerned the government still isn’t doing enough.
Plus, hear about a new winter shelter opening for homeless people in Thanet.
An important Brexit meeting has been happening today – we’ve got the latest.
And, we’re being urged to help the plight of the bumblebee – their populations have been dwindling and bus shelters could be the solution – find out how.

Victims of crime in Kent face having to wait years for justice due to a huge backlog of cases.
The KentOnline Podcast has been hearing from a leading barrister who says the pandemic has only made the situation even worse.
Also in today’s episode – the online parenting courses being offered to help families cope during lockdown 2.
How £7m could be used on green travel in the county – and racing driver Michael Crees hopes to lift a trophy as the British Touring Car Championship comes to an end at Brands Hatch this weekend.

A man has made his first appearance in court accused of not wearing a face mask at Bluewater shopping centre.The 30 year-old is believed the first person in the country to be charged with the offence.Hear from our reporter who was at Medway Magistrates Court for the hearing.
Also today, we’ve been speaking to local democracy reporter Ciaran Duggan as reports show thousands of extra secondary school places need to be created in Kent.The chief executive of Produced in Kent tell of her fears at independent food producers in the county missing out on Christmas trade this year.And, Diwali celebrations are getting underway in the county despite lockdown. We’ve been chatting to Gurvinder Sandher from Cohesion Plus in Gravesend.