This is what will reopen from Monday, June 15 as lockdown restrictions lifted
12:34, 10 June 2020
updated: 16:53, 10 June 2020
After 11 weeks of lockdown, the doors of many shops, churches and attractions in Kent are to be unlocked for the first time next week, but it will not be business as usual.
We take a look at what will reopen from Monday and how it will be different from the pre-coronavirus world.
Shops
It is the turn of retailers that were deemed 'non-essential' by the government to resume trading from next week - as long as they are 'covid secure'.
The long list of what can reopen on Monday includes everything from charity shops to mobile phone stores.
But don't expect it to be shopping as you remember it. Queuing outside will be part of the new normal, with limits on how many people are allowed in at one time. And don't be surprised if fitting rooms in clothes shops remain out of bounds.
A whole host of big names will be reopening, with JD Sports and Primark among those to confirm their intentions to welcome shoppers back.
Shopping centres
They have been eerily deserted since March and visitors can expect a different experience when they return next week.
At Bluewater, shoppers will be met by a one-way system, hand sanitisers, marks on the floor showing where to queue, as well as a team of 'social-distancing champions'.
Meanwhile, The Mall in Maidstone will be closely monitoring the number of people in the centre to maintain social distancing. It says: "If the density of shoppers rises to levels that may prevent social distancing, access to the centre will be reduced or temporarily stopped until numbers reduce."
Primark, Debenhams, TK Maxx and Next are among the retailers reopening at Westwood Cross next week.
Churches
Places of worship will be allowed to unlock their doors but that does not mean congregations will be flooding in.
They will be open only for private prayer and will allow for individuals to 'reflect and pray'. Larger ceremonies such as weddings and regular services will still not be allowed.
The move has been welcomed by religious leaders in Medway with Safeer Khan, the Imam of the Nasir Mosque in Gillingham, saying it is a "welcome step in the right direction".
Restrictions are likely to be lifted further from July 4 at the earliest.
Zoos
There was a false start for zoos and wildlife parks, when the government performed a last-minute U-turn and extended the closure beyond the expected opening date of June 5.
Many, including Wildwood near Herne Bay, were ready to reopen, having worked hard to put in a range of safety measures to maintain social distancing.
Park bosses say they are facing significant financial struggles and even a fight for survival as their income evaporated over lockdown but animals still need to be cared for.
From Monday, they will once again be open for business, albeit with a number of changes. Visitor numbers will be limited and expect to book in advance, with one-way systems likely to be in place.
Outdoor cinemas
Cinema-goers have been restricted to watching the latest releases in the comfort of their own homes but from Monday there will be a chance to grab some big screen action.
Companies that put on outdoor screenings will be able to do so from next week.
The Luna Cinema has released tickets for showings at Rochester Castle, Leeds Castle near Maidstone, Swanley Park and Tonbridge Castle between the end of July and October.
Movie fans will be able to chose from classics such as Grease to newer releases such as the Elton John biopic Rocketman.
Getting there
Don't forget, that as of Monday, if you are using public transport face coverings will be mandatory.
They do not necessarily need to be masks, they can be made from scarves, bandanas or other fabric items - anything that covers the mouth and nose.
The use of such coverings has been the subject of much scientific debate which until now has not resulted in people being told to wear them.
But it has been decided they are required in places where it is not possible to maintain the two-metre rule, such as on a bus. They are most likely to prevent the wearer from spreading the virus to others rather than stop them catching it.
Not yet
There is a long list of things that will remain unavailable for a little while yet.
They include hairdressers, beauty salons, nail bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, theatres and libraries.
It is thought that "the risk of transmission in these environments is higher where long periods of person-to-person contact is required".
So they will stay shut until it is deemed safe for them to reopen, with many, including nightclub owners, hoping that July will herald their return.
The full list of retailers, attractions and services allowed to resume trading (including some which are already open):
Food retailers
Chemists
Hardware/homeware stores
Fashion shops
Charity shops
Betting shops and arcades
Tailors, dress fitters and fashion designers
Car dealerships
Auction houses
Antique stores
Retail art galleries
Photography studios
Gift shops and retail spaces in theatres, museums, libraries, heritage sites and tourism sites
Mobile phone stores
Indoor and outdoor markets
Craft fairs
Zoos
Safari parks
Betting shops
Outdoor cinemas