Quiet Streets Amid Meningitis Outbreak
It is a sunny afternoon on Canterbury High Street, but something feels different.
It is not like Covid, says Jeb Hughes, a fruit seller. But there are fewer people in town - it is "noticeably quieter".
The picturesque medieval city of 160,000 near England's south-eastern tip is a popular destination for day-trippers and a vibrant student hub.
It is also home to a nightclub which two weeks ago is believed to have triggered a rapid outbreak of meningitis B, a serious inflammation of the brain lining.
Two young adults have died and 27 others are hospitalized. Experts have yet to determine why the infection spread so quickly.
Although authorities have not imposed social distancing measures similar to those during the Covid pandemic, some residents are taking extra precautions.
Hughes says he has not seen many young people around town, and those that he has are wearing face masks.
"Usually Canterbury gets quite vibrant and busy with the sunshine, the students are out, the college kids come down," he says. "But sometimes health is more important than business."
Impact on Local Businesses and Students
Daow Coombes, owner of a food truck that typically serves 200 hot Thai meals daily to students, reported selling only 10 meals on Thursday at the University of Kent campus.
"The students get their injections and then hide in their bedrooms," Coombes says. "It's been the quietest week since Covid."
Among the victims is 18-year-old sixth former Juliette Kenny from nearby Faversham. The other fatality is a 21-year-old University of Kent student whose name has not been disclosed.
The outbreak is believed to have originated at Club Chemistry nightclub, a popular venue among university students.
In response, public health officials have offered vaccinations and preventative antibiotics to thousands of students, staff, club attendees, and close contacts. Pop-up vaccine clinics have seen long queues.
Approximately 10,000 individuals have been contacted as potential close contacts of confirmed or suspected cases, though it remains unclear if the outbreak has reached its peak.
Official Statements and Public Response
On Thursday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized that the risk to the general population is "extremely low" and encouraged people to continue their daily activities normally.
He said there was no reason for him to be the "fun police" by telling students they should not go out.
Despite official reassurances, many people have altered their behavior.
Ivan Galt, a barista at Burgate Coffee House on a cobbled street lined with timber-framed buildings, estimates his revenue has dropped by 40% since the outbreak was reported.
"Business is definitely suffering because of it," says Galt, who believes people are fearful of being indoors.
A bed and breakfast owner at the House of Agnes on St Dunstans Street told the BBC that the establishment lost about a third of its weekly income due to last-minute cancellations.
Similarly, Carmine Cioffi, owner of an Italian restaurant in the city centre, recently experienced a large booking cancellation.
"We try to do everything possible to try bring people in, but there is not much people about," he says. "We do our best."
Some Businesses Remain Unaffected
Boatman James Matharu, standing beside tethered punts on the River Stour, noted that while some businesses have seen cancellations, his boat tours remain busy.
"Not many customers have actually mentioned it and they still seem happy enough to get on the boat."
Event Changes and Ongoing Activities
Several events expected to draw crowds over the spring weekend have been cancelled, including local rugby matches and a park run. However, some events continue as planned.
Canterbury's four-day arts festival, Step into Spring, is proceeding with additional safety measures.
The festival venue's cafe will be closed, and a lecture hall at Canterbury Christ Church University hosting prominent writers such as Prue Leith and Mark Haddon will operate at 50% capacity.
The festival website advises that audiences and staff "may prefer to wear masks."
Meanwhile, the installation of Dame Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury will proceed at Canterbury Cathedral.
She is currently undertaking a six-day pilgrimage from St Paul's Cathedral in London to Canterbury Cathedral, expected to arrive on Sunday.
Her enthronement ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday and attended by the Prince of Wales, remains unchanged.
So far, no alterations have been made to the event programme.
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