There is now clear light at the end of the tunnel over the pandemic – but care still has to be taken

Editorial: It has been been a day of good news over the efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccines and the deliberate nature of the possible road to normalcy should be welcomed

After a year of many difficulties, some good news, and genuine cause for optimism.

Public Health England has confirmed the extreme efficacy of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination both in protecting individuals and reducing infection in the community. Meanwhile, a study released by Public Health Scotland has linked the vaccination drive with greatly reduced Covid-related hospital admissions.

The prime minister Boris Johnson’s “roadmap” out of lockdown seems well-founded in science, and appears to carry the authority of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage). Talk of “light at the end of the tunnel” is starting to gain some real meaning. It may be flawed, but, at first sight, this plan seems more cautious and carries more chance of success than the previous – much maligned – attempts to relax restrictions on social contact and the economy.