Three areas in Kent have more than 40% of the population fully vaccinated.

Though case numbers continue to fluctuate, the outlook remains bright as two areas in the county have an infection rate lower than 10.

Second doses continue to make up most of those administered this week, though the number of first doses are rising again as those aged 38 and 39 are now being called in.

In the week ending May 8, 101,930 vaccines were administered, with 26,983 (26.5%) being first doses and 74,947 (73.5%) second doses.

This accounts for a rise of 9,430 vaccinations compared to the previous weeks 92,500 on the week ending May 1, bringing the total to 1,490,142.

Six areas in Kent have given first doses to 70% of the population - including Ashford, Dover, Sevenoaks, Folkestone and Hythe, Thanet and Tonbridge and Malling.

Of these, three have fully vaccinated more than 40% of their population - including Dover, Folkestone and Hythe and Thanet.

Around 90% of all those aged over 70 have now been fully vaccinated, while those aged 65 to 69 are 67% immunised and 16% of those under 65 have been fully vaccinated.

Now more people are fully immune, they will be able to use vaccine passports from Monday, May 17 to book international holidays.

Case numbers have also continued to remain steady, only dropping by 4.96% on the week ending May 8, leaving the infection rate at 13.4 with just 249 new recorded cases.

Cases saw a more significant drop the week before when they fell by 16.9%.

The highest infection rate in the county is Thanet's at 23.3 after 12 more cases were recorded in the last week.

However, Thanet is also the area with the most second doses have been given with 43% of the population fully vaccinated.

Folkestone and Hythe remains as the area with the lowest infection rate with only 9 new cases.

All this good news means restrictions are set to ease on May 17 allowing more people to meet in groups and take part in indoor activities.

This also means event organisers are gearing up for a grand reopening this summer.

Leysdown Carnival will return this year – and organisers hope it will be “bigger and more spectacular” than before.

Mary Culver, one of the organisers, said she was “excited” preparations were now underway for the carnival, on Saturday, August 21.

She added: “Fingers crossed everything is allowed to go ahead. Cancelling last year’s carnival was sad, but I am hoping the absence will have made hearts grow fonder.

“After the terrible pandemic year, which left heartbreak and sadness for many, I am hoping everyone will want to join us respectfully and rebuild the carnival. We would love a parade full of joy, colour and smiles.”

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