KentOnline

For the first time in months, non-essential shops, gyms, hairdressers and beauty salons, some pubs and tourist attractions in Kent have been able to open.
The second phase of the government’s easing of lockdown has come into force today.
Our reporters have been out across the county speaking to shoppers, business owners and even those getting a hair cut.
Also in today’s podcast – the head of public health in Medway urges us all to go careful, despite the easing of lockdown.
We hear from a driving instructor and student as lessons resume today – and get details on the huge backlog of tests.
And the Gillingham manager reacts to their 0-0 draw with Shrewsbury at the weekend.

Tributes have been paid across Kent following news the Duke of Edinburgh has died aged 99.
Buckingham Palace say Prince Philip passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.
Religious leaders, MPs and council chiefs and some of you have been sharing thoughts on his life and work alongside the Queen.
Also in today’s podcast – hear from the Kent mum calling for tougher sentences for those convicted of child cruelty after her ex was locked up for just a year for breaking their baby’s leg.
Medway’s director of public health speaks about Covid testing as we’re all encouraged to do them twice a week.
And we have information on cases in the county plus how the vaccine roll out is going.
 

Under 30s in Kent are going to be offered an alternative to the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine.
It’s as researchers look into a link between the jab and cases of blood clots in younger people.
Medics say they chance of developing one is incredibly rare – hear from Strood GP Dr Julian Spinks.
Also in today’s podcast – a music venue owner says around a third of his audience might not turn up if they have to show a Covid passport to get tickets.
We’ve been to one of Kent’s most historic high streets to find out how business owners are getting ready to welcome back shoppers when lockdown restrictions are eased on Monday.
And, who have you been searching for on Wiki? The findings in Kent have been revealed.

More than 30 people from Kent have been missing for over 20 years.
In today’s Podcast we hear from the relatives of some of those who have spent more than a decade wondering what has happened to their loved one.
Oliver Kemp joins Nicola Everett to talk about his special report ‘Vanished without a trace’ – which features the stories of Louise Kerton, Rebecca Carr and Herbert Conolly.
Also in today’s podcast, find out why there are calls for CCTV to be reinstalled in a park in Gillingham.
There’s a new ferry service coming to Kent.
And we look ahead to the start of the cricket season for Kent’s women.

There’s a debate over whether so-called Covid passports should be introduced in order to see large scale events and foreign travel resume.The Prime Minister’s confirmed the idea is being looked into but not decision has been made.
The certificates would prove that someone has had the vaccine. Find out what some of you think about the idea.Also in today’s podcast, former Kent Superbike champion Shane Byrne apologises for his behaviour on the winners podium eight years ago.A scheme to help people travel to a place of safety that started during the first lockdown has been extended.Find out why some animals have been behaving differently at a wild animal park in Kent.And, we hear from the Gillingham boss following their defeat at Blackpool on Easter Monday.

There’s a reminder that second Covid vaccines will still be given to people in Kent, even though mass vaccination centres are temporarily closing.
It’s because of a national reduction in supply of the vaccine.
We speak to Dr Julian Spinks who explains what will be happening next.
Also in today’s podcast, one of the bosses at Buckmore Park karting circuit chats frankly about its uncertain future.
Find out why there’s been a protest outside Kent’s biggest hospital.
And, we get reaction from the Gillingham boss following their win over Wigan which put them in the league one play-off places.

As schools prepare to break up for Easter we’ve been looking at whether Covid testing in secondaries has been a success.
Students have had to do two tests a week since returning to class earlier this month in a bid to reduce the number of bubbles or year groups having to isolate.
Hear from Alan Brookes who is the head of the Kent Association of Headteachers.
Also in today’s podcast – is the daily commute a thing of the past? After a year of home working, we find out why many will decide to ditch an office full-time for good.
We speak to the Dogs Trust who fear the pandemic has led to a surge in puppy smuggling.
And you can hear from the Gillingham boss ahead of their game against Wigan Athletic this evening.
 

The future of a famous karting circuit in Kent is hanging in the balance after a planning bid was turned down.
Bosses at Buckmore Park, where the likes of Lewis Hamilton started his career, had wanted to make some changes to the site to generate income.
Kentish Express news editor and motorsport fan Dan Wright chats about its history and what could happen next.
Also in today’s podcast – there’s another warning not to break Covid rules in the warm weather.
Work for the Royal Navy is underway in Medway for the first time in more than 30 years – we find out about the project involving the next generation of submarine.
And, hear from the little girl from Snodland whose invention cause help people with hearing loss.

It’s the day we’ve been waiting months for – we’re now able to meet with small groups of friends and family outside.
And the sun shone on Kent as the latest phase of lifting lockdown took effect.
We’ve been chatting to some of you along with health bosses and a wedding planner as the rule of six came into force.
However, a Kent charity is warning that for some people with learning difficulties, coming out of lockdown with been a challenging time.
Hear from the regional director of the Music Man Project.
Also in today’s podcast – Becky Hill chats to our sister radio station kmfm about her new single.
And, the Gillingham boss reflects on missed chances in their game against top of the table Hull City.

– In today’s episode, we speak to a clinical support worker who was redeployed to a Covid ward at Maidstone Hospital when she was just 17. 
 
– Also, people misbehaving on beaches in Thanet could be fined 100-pounds, to avoid a repeat of last summer.
 
–  And… a woman from Ashford’s launched an online site to raise awareness of a rare debilitating condition which she suffers from.