Over 1 in 2 people in England are now thoughts to have antibodies against Coronavirus.

The research released by the Office for National Statistics estimates that roughy 55% of the population would test positive for covid-19 antibodies after a blood test in the week ending 14th March.

It hails the success of the UK’s vast vaccination programme, and also showcases a clear North-South divide. Those who live in the North West of England were shown to have the highest percentage of positive antibodies - at 60%. Those in the southeast showed the lowest level of antibodies - at around 50%.

The ONS also say:

• The data show a reduction in antibody positivity rates among older individuals during the most recent days in the period analysed; this is likely because of people in these prioritised age groups having received their first vaccine dose but not yet their second dose; this does not necessarily mean they have no immunity protection against coronavirus (COVID-19).
• For the first time, we have included modelled estimates of the number of people who have received at least one dose of a vaccine; across all four countries of the UK there is a clear pattern between vaccination and testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies.

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