A Kent MP says the rollout of vaccinations alongside mass testing is the 'best chance' for a return to normality.

Both rapid turnaround coronavirus tests and the vaccination programme are expected to launch in Dover and Deal in the coming days.

It follows the approval of first the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and now the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in the UK.

As such, people in the two towns could start being vaccinated from January 11.

People in other parts of the county have already been inoculated; the first person to receive the jab in Kent was Kenneth Lamb, 80, from Romney Marsh.

Tests for those without symptoms will also be available soon at the Dover Discovery Centre.

Tests can be booked online now, here.

Natalie Elphicke, MP for both Dover and Deal, said: "I have been pressing for the establishment of vaccination and rapid testing programmes in the area, and I welcome the positive news that both of these crucial tools will be rolled out over the coming days.

"Our area has begun to see a notable reduction in the transmission of the virus, following the decision to place us under Tier 4 restrictions.

"The testing and vaccination programmes will exert downward pressure on the virus transmission rate, which is expected to maintain the recent progress.

"While the new lockdown presents many fresh challenges, the vaccination and testing programmes provide a clear way ahead.

"I have been dealing with Ministers and officials at the highest levels to ensure that vaccinations will be delivered to priority groups in our area.

"Widespread vaccination, combined with the new restrictions, provide us with the best chance of bringing the virus under control and beginning a return to our day-to-day lives, safely, as we take the next steps through this pandemic together."

It comes as the country was plunged back into national lockdown last night following a rise in the Covid-19 cases.

For the full list of areas in Kent now offering community testing for Covid-19, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

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