Latest updates: ONS survey reveals 1 in 270 in England had virus last week; non-essential retail to remain closed in Wales despite measures easing
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A study into the impact of vaccination on transmission is “very encouraging”, the Scottish health secretary, Jeane Freeman, has said.
The study of 300,000 people, led by Public Health Scotland and Glasgow University, suggests there is at least a 30% reduction in transmission as a result of the first dose of the vaccine, while the second dose gives at least 54% (see 12.58pm).
It’s obviously very encouraging data indeed. We’ve already seen the impact the vaccination programme is having on deaths in care homes and increasingly in the community.
Today’s study adds to the growing evidence that vaccination can also help reduce the transmission of the virus.
Most non-essential retail will remain shut in Wales until April 12, the first minister, Mark Drakeford, said earlier.
The announcement comes as a blow to parts of the industry that were expecting an earlier reopening date, with Drakeford previously saying the restart would be considered for this week’s review of coronavirus restrictions.
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