Covid restrictions have been lifted across England, with social distancing measures no longer enforced and some businesses opening for the first time in 16 months.

We sent reporters out to towns across the county to see how people are adapting to something resembling pre-pandemic normality.

With the preceding days packed with confusion and controversy so-called 'Freedom Day' is not the triumphant return from lockdown the government was hoping for.

More than 500,000 people were told to self-isolate last week, dubbed a 'pingdemic' by certain papers.

This threw many reopenings into doubt.

Popular Whitstable Cafe Windy Corner Stores tweeted: "So just as supposed freedom day looms tomorrow, 2 members of our team have tested positive. We therefore will be closed for the first 10 days of the school hols."

There was also mixed messaging over face masks, with rules relaxed meaning no enforcement is possible but the Prime Minister urging people to still wearing coverings in packed public places, like trains.

This morning our reporter in Maidstone observed two trains arriving at the west station, 18 of the 23 getting on board the 9.25am to Tonbridge chose not to wear masks, and 10 of the 13 getting on the 9.33am to Strood.

Of 95 leaving the nearby Lidl 40 were not wearing masks.

Patricia Day, 67 and of Charles Street, said it was worrying that so many people were not wearing masks.

She said she had asked some people if they wouldn't mind putting one on.

"They just tutted and walked away," she added.

However she had just been to the Vine doctors surgery and said everyone there was wearing mask.

Over 20 minutes at The Mall in the town centre 164 shoppers were spotted without masks and 144 with. Down the road at Sainsbury's 80 were and 12 were not.

Meanwhile, at Westwood Cross in Broadstairs most shoppers at Primark were still wearing masks and there were signs advising them to do so, noticeably fewer than normal were complying.

Amy Ashfield, 35, James Gallagher, 34 and their son Stanley, 17 months, were at the centre.

Miss Ashfield said: “I’m a bit torn on wearing a mask because when you wear glasses it’s really hard to see. I’m double jabbed so I don’t think I will. But if I go into a shop and everybody is wearing one, I think out of social respect, I would put one on. I don’t particularly feel like I want to wear one but if everyone else is I would put one on.”

Claire Roberts, 45, added: “If there are lots of people in there I will wear my mask and still sanitise my hands. I think we still have to be careful.

"I was actually looking forward to losing the mask. But the more I’ve thought about it, I think it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Protective screens still line the checkouts at supermarkets and automated reminders from public address systems warn shoppers to be sensible.

Not much has changed, yet, in Canterbury's large Sainsbury's, at Kingsmead, where staff were ripping up the social distancing markers which have been taped to the floor for the past 16 months.

One-way in and one-way out systems remain in operation and hand sanitiser stations are still on offer at store entrances.

The majority of shoppers are continuing to opt for face coverings, with just a handful choosing otherwise.

Terry Player, 50, who still donned a mask during his visit to Canterbury's Morrisons, said: "It feels no different, just as it has been for the past year or so.

We asked our Facebook users what they thought

"When in there I forgot it was meant to be Freedom Day. Probably about eight out of 10 people had masks on.

"I don't see there being any problems.

"Everyone just has to behave themselves.

"People are being wary and that's obviously a good thing."

In Canterbury city centre Nicole Hazaz was worried about restrictions easing.

She said: "I feel like it's a joke. I'm still wearing a mask. It's called freedom day but with so many people getting pinged it doesn't really feel like freedom. It's just not OK to not wear a mask, it's not about you it's about everyone else."

Felix Leif and Melonie Garnett were more up beat about the relaxing of restrictions.

Felix said: "I'm happy not to have to wear one but can understand still wearing them in really crowded places."

Melonie added: "I'm still wearing them on public transport. It's not something I'm too worried about if people don't do it. I'm not freaking out anymore."

A car ban in Sheerness High Street over lockdown crippled many businesses, seeing their already dwindling customer base further reduced.

RJ Electricals owner Ricardo Ajuro campaigned against the policy and today it was finally lifted.

He said: "Today there have been a lot more cars and a lot more people. It's brilliant.

"We have kept all measures in place, including screens and mask signs. If customers don't wear masks we still have the screens."

Lisa Ponds, sales assistant at YouWomen in Sheerness High Street, added: "It was like a ghost town before. It was eerie.

"I just hope people feel a bit safer now so many people are doubled jabbed."

Up the M2 in Gravesend resident Oliver McGough is hoping to order a pint at the bar of his local Wetherspoons, the Robert Pocock, for the first time in many months.

The 65-year-old said: "I'm going to go in there and see what it is like. I prefer going to the bar, I do prefer standing."

But the former Galway man will be keeping his mask on.

"I do feel we should be wearing masks. Covid is going to rise," he said.

Karolys Garsva, 31, and his partner Raga were heading to the Woodville theatre to get their second jab.

Karolys said: "I went into the shop and no one was wearing a mask. I asked the owner and he said 'up to you'.

"I will still wear a mask, it is best for everyone. I'm always keeping my distance."

Also keen to keep their space and wear masks in confined spaces was Andy Hatch, 63, and his wife Jane, from Epsom.

He said: "I agree it has to happen some time but I think it is all happening too early.

"I don't see much of a change. Lots of people wearing masks and lots aren't."

But the couple said it was reassuring to see lots of people still choosing to be cautious.

Jane added: "We don't understand why the rule for face masks was removed.

"We are still using gallons of handgel."

Mask wearing was still very much the norm in Sandwich.

Shoppers, appearing to heed warnings that the pandemic is still not over, walked in and out of shops with their face protection on. And some chose to walk and cycle around the streets fully masked.

A head count in Londis, Market Street, was an even split, where some had chosen to take advantage of their new freedoms, but most staff in the shop continued to protect themselves.

Megan Boulton, owner of Goats that Dance in King Street said: “If people are moving around the shop, I would prefer them to wear masks and I’m trying to encourage people to sit outside as we have tables and chairs outside. Staff wear the masks if they want to.

Peter Ayling of Restaurant Tan Buno in New Street said: “I think our staff can’t wait to take them off!

We’ve taken our signs down because it’s spacious and well ventilated and we still have hand sanitiser.

Mask wearers were present in shops and Deal High Street but were fewer than in neighbouring Sandwich.

Yesterday Boris Johnson and chancellor Rishi Sunak were forced into an embarrassing u-turn after trying to dodge rules having been in contact with new health secretary Sajid Javid. They had claimed to be part of a little-known pilot scheme.

Cases of the virus have continued to grow across Kent and the UK as a whole, meaning what had been billed as the great unlocking may see the door only opened an inch.

The boss of one major Kent pub chain says "the majority of its safety measures will remain in place" while different shops are set to demand different requirements over the wearing of face masks and social distancing.

If you're looking for a book at Tonbridge's independent Mr Books store, for example, you'll only get in through the door if you're wearing a mask and use hand sanitiser. But head into Waterstones in neighbouring Tunbridge Wells and you're only "encouraged" to wear one.

Bluewater says customers should still wear masks - although it is not mandatory - and is retaining many safety features. But it is scrapping its one-way system and returning the complex to full capacity.

All the county's major shopping centres say they will follow government guidance - but warn shoppers individual stores may have different policies to allow entry.

All the big supermarkets say they will encourage shoppers and staff to wear masks - but will leave it up to individuals - while hand-gel will still be made available. Tesco says it will continue to limit the numbers in its stores through its traffic light system.

For many, the opportunity to order from the bar at the pub once again at pubs will be welcomed - but you may have to be patient.

Not all venues will be switching from the table-ordering-only service which has proved so popular.

Explains Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Faversham-based pub chain Shepherd Neame: “While restrictions are being lifted, our priority remains to protect our team members and reassure customers they are safe in our pubs. Across our managed estate, we will therefore initially keep the majority of safety measures in place.

"While bar service will be re-introduced in some sites, table service will remain available in most, complemented by our new app.

"We will retain till screens and physical screens introduced between seating."

In addition, its pubs will "recommend" team members and customers wear masks but add "it will be left to the individual's choice".

Mr Neame added: "We acknowledge that some customers may still be apprehensive about going out and we will do our best to accommodate their individual needs.”

Wetherspoon, meanwhile, will be opening up bar service across its pubs - in addition to its table-service app which was operational pre-pandemic. But it says local managers will have the power to insist on face masks where appropriate.

All health settings - such as chemists, hospitals and GPs - will continue to insist on visitors wearing a mask and following social distancing rules.

The so-called 'pingdemic' that saw more than 500,000 people told to isolate last week alone continues to threaten reopening.

Yesterday Boris Johnson and chancellor Rishi Sunak were forced into an embarrassing u-turn after trying to dodge rules having been in contact with new health secretary Sajid Javid. They had claimed to be part of a little-known pilot scheme.

But this morning there were signs some businesses would have to remain shut because of the spiralling number of people being told to stay at home.

Popular Whitstable Cafe Windy Corner Stores tweeted: "So just as supposed freedom day looms tomorrow, 2 members of our team have tested positive. We therefore will be closed for the first 10 days of the school hols."

Chief nursing officer for England, Ruth May, explained: “It is important for the public to continue to play their part when visiting the NHS and care settings to help protect our staff and patients, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to infections.

"As restrictions are lifted, everyone has a part to play in helping to control Covid by getting vaccinated and acting responsibly.

"It is vital that in healthcare settings, we do all we can to reduce the risk of infection for those working in our services and those who need our care.”

Tim Aker, development manager for the Kent and Medway Federation of Small Businesses, said: “As the country reopens today we welcome the opportunities but stress the need for patience, tolerance and empathy. Some businesses will still operate restrictions, as is their right, and we must be understanding.

“The government must be clearer in its guidance. Too many businesses are confused, and the lack of focus is a concern."

Meanwhile, work from home guidance has also been eased - although most firms are likely to phase staff in over the summer months.

Jo James, chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: "As the Prime Minister has said, the pandemic has not disappeared and businesses will need to continue to play their part in keeping their employees and customers safe.

"That means that although there may be changes, many businesses will be keeping in place some of the measures that have become familiar over the last 12 months, including face coverings in certain circumstances.

“Although the government has removed some specific legal restrictions – such as mandatory face coverings in indoor settings – as the guidance makes clear, businesses still have an overall responsibility to minimise risk to their employees and customers.

“Therefore, many are asking questions about whether they will be held liable should they make changes to the way they operate from July 19."

'That means that although there may be changes, many businesses will be keeping in place some of the measures that have become familiar over the last 12 months...'

Meanwhile, train passengers on Southeastern services will be allowed to take masks off in sparsely populated carriages - but are urged to wear them on busy services. Commuters are also reminded Transport for London will still require masks to be worn across its network or Tube and bus services.

Analysis from political editor Paul Francis

If there is one thing politicians have - or should have - learned from the Covid pandemic, is to expect the unexpected.

Events over the weekend have shown the government might need a catch-up class or two on the subject.

On the brink of what has been heavily trailed as “Freedom Day” when the shackles of the debilitating regime of social distancing, mask-wearing and travel restrictions are removed, what happens?

The health secretary Sajid Javid reveals he has tested positive for the virus. Which inevitably leads to the question: Will he and the Prime Minister and Chancellor have to self-isolate?

To which the answer initially is no because they are all part of a pilot test - which only a few people know about - in which those working in key essential jobs - like running the country - are not required to self isolate.

This in turn leads to the predictable charge that yet again, politicians are telling the public what to do while blithely ignoring the rules themselves.

Special pleading by governments rarely goes down well with voters and within a couple of hours, a U-turn was announced.

The episode underlines that the political stakes are undeniably high. In opting for a wholesale lifting of restrictions rather than a phased approach, the government risks precipitating a surge of infections of anything between 100,000 and 200,000 a day.

The danger is that this will place the NHS under pressure should the claim that the vaccination programme has weakened the link between infections and hospital admissions prove premature.

Having reached the final destination on its 'road map', the government may yet be forced to put on the brakes and engage reverse gear.

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