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First weekend of Lockdown 3: Pictures from high street in Canterbury

This is the first weekend since Boris Johnson plunged the country into a third national lockdown on Monday night.

In Kent, we've been facing some of the toughest restrictions for months now.

Shoppers out in Whitefriars on Saturday, January 9. Picture: Jo Court
Shoppers out in Whitefriars on Saturday, January 9. Picture: Jo Court
There is a one-way system in place in the shopping district in Canterbury. Picture: Jo Court
There is a one-way system in place in the shopping district in Canterbury. Picture: Jo Court
Whitefriars is nowhere near as busy as it would usually be on a Saturday. Picture: Jo Court
Whitefriars is nowhere near as busy as it would usually be on a Saturday. Picture: Jo Court

In October, the county had been in the lowest tier. But in November the Prime Minister announced a second national lockdown.

By the time that ended, the infection rate in Kent had soared and the county was put into Tier 3 - then the toughest set of restrictions.

Then just before Christmas, the Prime Minister imposed even stricter rules under Tier 4.

Outside the rapid asymptomatic testing site in St Peter's Street, Canterbury. Picture: Jo Court
Outside the rapid asymptomatic testing site in St Peter's Street, Canterbury. Picture: Jo Court
A deserted Guildhall Street. Picture: Jo Court
A deserted Guildhall Street. Picture: Jo Court
A nearly empty St Margaret's Street. Picture: Jo Court
A nearly empty St Margaret's Street. Picture: Jo Court

Now we are back in another national lockdown - similar to the one enforced last Spring.

So, are people in Kent following the Government's advice to stay at home, except for essential journeys?

Photographer Jo Court was out in Canterbury today, where the streets in some areas were far emptier than usual.

There were lots of empty spaces in the car parks. Picture: Jo Court
There were lots of empty spaces in the car parks. Picture: Jo Court
St George's Street in Canterbury on the first weekend of the third national lockdown. Picture: Jo Court
St George's Street in Canterbury on the first weekend of the third national lockdown. Picture: Jo Court
A few people were grabbing food and drink in Dane John Gardens. Picture: Jo Court
A few people were grabbing food and drink in Dane John Gardens. Picture: Jo Court

There were still some shoppers out and about in Whitefriars, the city's main shopping district.

But there were dozens of empty spaces in the car parks - and the busiest area seemed to be outside the new rapid-test centre in St Peter's Street for people not displaying symptoms, one of 15 across Kent.

The city was "busy in places, quiet in others", according to Ms Court.

See more of Jo Court's photos here.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

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