Half of people in Braintree are now fully vaccinated against Covid, figures reveal. 

NHS data shows 59,867 people had received both jabs by May 30 – 49 per cent of those aged 16 and over.

Of those to have received both jabs, 57,031 were aged 30 and over – 56 per cent of the age group.

It means 2,836 people aged between 16 to 29 have received both doses.

The NHS vaccine data also reveals variation in coverage for residents who had received at least one dose between different areas across Braintree.

Across Braintree, 75 per cent of those aged 16 and over have had one jab.

Areas with the highest coverage:

1) Halstead East and Colnes, with 82.3 per cent of people aged 16 and over given their first dose

2) Witham South, Hatfield Peverel and White Notley, 81.6 per cent

3) Panfield, Finchingfield and Bardfield, 80.5 per cent

Areas with the lowest coverage:

1) Central Braintree, 67.1 per cent

2) Braintree South, 68 per cent

3) West Witham, 69 per cent

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Last week Public Health England identified the first case of the Indian variant in Braintree. 

Public Health England (PHE) has been tracking the spread of the B.1.617.2 mutation – which originated in India – by testing positive Covid-19 cases across the country for an "S-gene".

Earlier today it was announced that Portugal could be removed from the UK’s green travel list. 

The new traffic light system was introduced last month to allow some foreign travel to resume again after months of coronavirus lockdown.

People in England, Scotland and Wales are able to travel overseas on holiday to a limited number of destinations after restrictions were eased.

No new destinations will be added to the green travel list in the Government’s latest update, according to reports from the PA news agency.