Nicola Sturgeon: 'Light at the end of the tunnel' after first coronavirus vaccine 90% effective

In an optimistic tweet , Ms Sturgeon wrote: “Today’s vaccine news is very positive & offers light at the end of the tunnel.

"But until large numbers can be vaccinated - which will still take some time - it is down to all of us to suppress the virus & save lives by sticking with all the rules and guidance #FACTS.”

Nicola Sturgeon has welcomed the vaccine news

The major breakthrough was announced on Monday in the search for a coronavirus vaccine, with the jab from Pfizer found to be more than 90% effective.

The pharmaceutical giant and its partner BioNTech said interim results showed their jab could prevent people developing Covid-19.

Dr Albert Bourla, Pfizer chairman and chief executive, said: "Today is a great day for science and humanity."

Peter Horby, professor of emerging infectious diseases and global health at the University of Oxford, said: "This news made me smile from ear to ear."

England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said the findings demonstrated "the power of science against Covid", adding: "We must see the final safety and efficacy data, but it is very encouraging.

"It is essential we continue to suppress Covid, but it is a reason for optimism for 2021."

The FTSE 100 jumped more than 5.5% following the news, adding £82 billion to the value of its shares in the market's best day since March.

The vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries and no safety concerns have been raised.

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