More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Coffee chains may now be shut but one barista is still busy refuelling the nation's army of key workers.
Christine Kelly, 55, is delivering food and drinks to frontline staff operating from the Acorn and White Oak business parks in Dartford and Swanley.
Working as part of the mobile franchise Coffee Blue she distributes everything from baked goods to cappuccinos.
Following the Prime Minister's lockdown announcement on Monday she anticipated business would soon grind to a halt completely.
Instead she says she has been inundated with calls from those companies still operating with key workers to see if she is able to visit.
She said: "I got a call to see whether I was still coming around. I didn't intend to go in until they said they were still working.
"There is a whole army behind people. I was surprised to see how many people were there."
The majority are utility workers needed to keep gas, electricity and water operations running.
But she says others support the work of doctors and nurses operating on the frontline, providing clinical support and other services.
The franchise had been carrying out "doorstop drops" for people in self-isolation but will now primarily be focusing on food delivery services to NHS staff and other key workers.
Christine says she will continue to work while a revenue source is available or until asked not to.
"I have to have a reason," she adds, "I don't want to be stopped by the police."
The business said extra precautions were now being taken to minimise contact and maximise the health and safety of staff and customers.
Franchise Manager, Martin Jones, said: "We understand the great strain our NHS workers are under. They are the ones on the front line fighting this disease.
"With long shifts and little opportunity to leave the workplace, nurses, doctors and GPs will find little time in their days to eat meals and take care of themselves.
"Whether it’s hospitals, local GP clinics or anyone under the NHS umbrella, we’d like to extend this invitation to those who need it.”
