Today, Monday 19th July, England opens up
Although different rules apply in Scotland and elsewhere, in England, today many temporary Covid laws have been set aside.
How is this going to affect everyone in West Kent?
People are free to gather inside and outside with no restrictions on numbers and the use of face coverings is no longer a legal requirement.
However, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is recommending that people use masks in crowded places such as shops and public transport. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospital NHS Trust are not relaxing rules in hospitals or health facilities in any way.
In the hospitality sector, some pubs will allow customers to gather around the bar, where others will continue to provide only table service and expect masks to be worn when moving around the premises.
Today may be unlock day, but many are expected to continue to be very cautious.
