People living in Tenterden are adapting to new ways of life to halt the spread of the coronovirus in line with government restrictions. As schools close, shops shut, events are cancelled and attractions call it a day, here is a guide to the key developments.

At Ivy Court Surgery in Recreation Ground Road, patients are seeing a radically different booking system for GPs.

The practice wants to limit the number of face-to-face consultations to minimise the risk of infected patients coming into surgery. It is now offering telephone and video consultations and all pre-booked consultations with GPs will now be taking place in this way.

Those with elderly or isolated relatives are being asked, where possible, to provide them with a smartphone and to help them download the Whereby app, which will enable video consultations to take place on all smartphone makes and models.

Patients should not call the surgery unless absolutely necessary and should check its Facebook page for the latest information.

The surgery also has a hot case room where people suspected of having the virus with be directed to enter the building through a different door and will be met by a member of staff wearing a mask and protective clothing. Ivy Court will also be making use of the pavilion on the recreation ground as an isolation ward.

Tenterden Social Hub has closed its day care services. including the dementia group, in order to minimise the risk of its vulnerable members being exposed to coronavirus.

It is shifting the whole focus of its service and has been inundated with requests for help from older people and their families some of whom have found supermarket shelves empty and home delivery slots all taken.

Staff will instead provide care in people's homes ensuring that there is enough food and medicines and will assist with cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, changing beds and taking rubbish out.

The Social Hub will need to source masks, aprons and hand sanitisers as staff will work in close personal contact with clients.

Chief executive Spencer Goddard said: “Our staff have families and are risking much by continuing to work through this but we are committed, as an organisation and individuals, to provide the best care and support to all.”

The Social Hub is offering advice over the phone and can be reached on 01580 762882. Alternatively email hub@tsh.org.uk

Meals on wheels and the helping hands service are still being offered and the hub is appealing for volunteers to support in low-risk areas, who can call or email the above number.

The hub's funds are under severe pressure due to the coronavirus pandemic and Spencer is trying to raise money for it along with Tenterden mayor Cllr Jean Curteis and consultant urologist Roy Isworth through an adrenalin challenge. To donate click here.

Tenterden town hall has closed due to the outbreak but staff will continue to provide information and advice over the phone and via email.

All meetings of the town council and its committees have been suspended and all classes usually held there and at the pavilion are cancelled.

Council-run events in the coming months are cancelled including the town litter-pick (March 29), the archive exhibition (May 1-3) and VE day celebrations (May 8).

The town council can be contacted on 01580 762271 or by emailing townhall@tenterdentowncouncil.gov.uk

To reach Ashford Borough Council representatives call customer services on 01233 331111.

Churches in Tenterden have extended opening hours although all services are currently suspended. St Mildred's is open from 6am-8pm daily and St Michael's opens from 9am-5pm. Church visitors are asked to keep a safe distance from one another (three feet apart).

Kent and East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) has announced the cancellation of its services including the popular Easter Day Out with Thomas event.

Customers who have purchased tickets or experience packages for events in March are being contacted individually by phone. Day Out with Thomas ticket holders will be contacted by Quay Tickets.

The railway is due to make a further statement about April events. As a registered educational charity that relies on visitor income it is asking if customers can donate the price of their ticket to support it at an "exceptionally difficult time", and would welcome any other donations, which can be made here.

Tenterden Leisure Centre remains open with restrictions on class numbers to allow a safe distance between participants. It has issued enhanced hygiene instructions to all members and implemented extra cleaning routines.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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