More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
As businesses, schools and attractions across Kent begin to close due to the coronavrius outbreak, a number of places have chosen to remain open – here's what they have to say about it.
It comes after another government announcement last night advising people to implement social distancing. In the same broadcast Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced schools in England will be closing from tomorrow.
Here are places in Kent which have chosen to stay open:
Medway
One of the places which remains open in the Towns is trampoline park Flip Out, which also has a branch in Ashford.
The site, in Dockhead Road, Chatham, previously only closed on Mondays, but has made some changes to its opening hours "in light of current events".
It will remain open this weekend between 10am and 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 2pm on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Escape Plan, an escape room based in Medway Street, Chatham, has offered visitors a discount on prices in an effort to make up for lost business.
An email sent to customers said: "As COVID-19 threatens small businesses, they need your support like never before. So let's help each other.
"We are open every day providing laughs and gasps for anyone wanting a distraction from all the bad news, but our vouchers are perfect for those who'd rather wait until the madness is over."
Ashford
Flip Out Ashford on the Henwood Industrial Estate, Henwood Road, has said it is keeping its doors open to customers until the government tells them not to.
The trampoline park has around 60 staff and is opening seven days of the week - from midday to 8pm on weekdays and 9am to 7pm on weekends.
A spokesman said: "We haven't been told to close and if we close voluntarily that prevents us being able to make any insurance claim.
"We'll remain open until we're closed by the government. Were not actively seeking to have people to come in, but if they want to turn up they can.
"There's no real reason for us to shut without any government orders.
"I have no doubt we'll be in lockdown soon. We're going with current guidelines out there.
"Everyone coming together and working together is how we'll get through this unscathed as possible..."
"We can't afford to survive without any income. Yesterday we had about eight customers."
The company added it's "unknown" what will happen to it, if it's forced to close.
"The government package is insufficient for long-term survival, it's currently pretty poor, but there could be more coming out.
"I'm pleased they are acting, they're doing all they can but we need longer term financial assistance which doesn't involve loans, they're a forward planning thing which you need to know what your income or forecast income is.
"We employ a brilliant hardworking team of over 25 staff, who have their own lives, families and worries too."
"Everyone coming together and working together is how we'll get through this unscathed as possible."
The company has increased the frequency of cleaning and focus on hygiene management cleaning high touch areas such as pin pads, door handles, and lockers more frequently.
The Stour Centre, in Station Road and Julie Rose Stadium, in Willesborough Road, Ashford, are both open to the public.
At the centre casual swimming remains open as does the gym and main hall, but all classes, including exercise and swimming have been cancelled.
At the stadium, the gym and running track are both still available , but no group sessions are permitted. Email info@ashfordleisuretrust.co.uk for more details.
Canterbury
In Canterbury, Escape Kent has announced it has remained open.
In a Facebook post this morning, the company told customers: "We employ a brilliant hardworking team of over 25 staff, who have their own lives, families and worries too.
"We have decided that whilst Covid-19 is affecting us, we are encouraging you to purchase an Escape Kent gift voucher (of any value) that we will happily discount by 20%.
"These gift voucher purchases will not only help support all involved at Escape Kent, but will provide you or a loved one with a pass to play one of our immersive escape games."
Along the coast in Whitstable, Lazer Rush has remained open to bookings.
"The situation is changing on a daily basis – I honestly don't know what we're going to be doing from one day to the next..."
Owner Mike Turner says the business, which is situated in the Joseph Wilson Estate, will stay open.
He said: "The situation is changing on a daily basis – I honestly don't know what we're going to be doing from one day to the next.
"The problem is we've got no direct guidance from government – they're telling people what to do, but not us.
"I'd prefer it if they came out and told us what we should do.
"We're always planning to be open, but we could be stopped from being open by government actions or staffing numbers."
Meanwhile, the Hippodrome in King's Road, Herne Bay, is continuing to run breakfast and after-school clubs.
It has assured parents online that it has implemented additional hygiene precautions.
But Playzone in Eddington Business Park, Herne Bay, announced earlier this week it will be shutting it doors until further notice.
Deal and Dover
Gyms around the Dover district remain open, keen to offer those not in self isolation a space for exercise.
"We want to remain open as long as possible, we have implemented a strict cleaning regime which involves cleaning high contact areas every hour."
Sandwich Leisure Centre, run by Freedom Leisure, says it has increased the frequency of cleaning of high contact surfaces, and cut class times by 10 minutes to allow for cleaning in between group exercise classes.
"Capacity has also been reduced to allow for distancing," a spokesman said.
Dover District Leisure Centre remains open but with some activities now restricted.
Contract marketing manager Kerry Stamp said: "While our gym, reduce sized classes, swimming lessons, court hires, and pool remain open, we have unfortunately had to restrict or close certain activities.
"For example, this includes removal of our aqua inflatable and Clip 'n Climb sessions, classes specific to high risk individuals, and gymnastics.
"We have developed a rigorous management approach to COVID-19 with a specialist senior team convening daily to review the current situation and determine action."
Bodyworks Gym in Deal is still offering a space for exercise.
It's not only a business decision but also to keep a level of normality in people's lives, owner Callum Vine has said.
He added: "We are making sure members clean their hands before coming in and when leaving. We are also cleaning equipment frequently."
Total Fitness in Mill Hill, Deal, run by Samantha Reid, is also still operating but is turning away members who have recently been abroad.
She said: "We want to remain open as long as possible, we have implemented a strict cleaning regime which involves cleaning high contact areas every hour."
"Until told otherwise we are opening..."
Concerned over the future of her business, she added: "We truly rely on memberships. If everyone cancels we can't guarantee they'll be a gym to come back too when this all blows over."
Those still wanted to keep up appearances can access services such as manicures at UBeauty in Broad Street, Deal.
Owner Claire Cousins says she is holding the fort with daughter Claudia – due to some staff shortages, but can't afford to close her business.
She said: "We are following the guidelines for sanitation between clients. People are cancelling and we are feeling the hit.
"We're very worried about what the future holds."
Hair cuts are still available at Men's Style by Aaron in Deal High Street.
Business owner Aaron Dawkins say he is cleaning in between clients and has displayed posters around the shop.
He said: "We are watching all government advice and taking all the necessary precautions. I even have a mask if needed."
Popular Deal pub The Farrier is still pulling pints.
Owner Dayle Melody said: "Currently we are trading and have made an order with expected delivery tomorrow. Until told otherwise we are opening."
Folkestone and Hythe
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, Aldington Road, Hythe, will still be open to visitors, as will its sister site Howletts.
However, restrictions have been put in place, including suspension of all animal experiences, rearranged seating in restaurants and reduced number of people on each safari.
Managing director of the parks Tony Kelly told KentOnline: "We are open. The government haven't told us to close and the advice does not extend to open spaces, such as Port Lympne and Howletts.
Folkestone's Fishing and Heritage Museum, in Radnor Street, has said it will "play it by ear," when it comes to shutting.
It currently has a new exhibition on a four ship disaster in the Channel, which killed more than 40 people.
"During these difficult times, when revenue has been badly affected, it is more important than ever that people continue to donate generously using the collection boxes around the site..."
The museum is open daily 10am-2pm.
The Battle of Britain memorial, in New Dover Road, Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone, has said it will stay open "for the time being," amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Hon Secretary of the memorial's trust group, Captain Patrick Tootal, said: "We have always said that access to the Memorial should be 24/7, particularly for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
"That is why we have worked closely with our volunteers and staff to come up with a way of keeping the car park and The Wing open, even though we have had to reduce opening hours slightly."
"We want people to continue to enjoy the memorial and we hope they will remember that the Trust receives no public funding.
"During these difficult times, when revenue has been badly affected, it is more important than ever that people continue to donate generously using the collection boxes around the site."
The site will be open from 9am to 5pm.
Maidstone
The family friendly Hop Farm, in Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, another Kent attraction which is staying open, but is taking extra precautions such as closing its indoor soft play area.
Great Comp Garden in Comp Lane, Sevenoaks, is another place which is opening with restrictions, including moving its tea room facilities outside to allow social distancing.
Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road, Aylesford, won't be closing, similarly to Hush Heath Estate in Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst and Biddenden Vineyards, in Gribble Bridge Lane, Biddenden.
Ightham Mote, based in Sevenoaks, is another attraction which will remain open.
The National Trust site has closed its staffed area, but has kept open its estate and open greens.
All national trust open spaces are set to remain open for free.
