Vitamin D pills plan to protect the vulnerable

VITAMIN D pills could be issued to the clinically vulnerable to help protect them from Covid.

Boris Johnson indicated ministers were looking at the idea after studies suggested the vitamin, which boosts the immune system, could help cut infection rates and deaths.

Former Cabinet minister David Davis asked him to follow the approach of the Scottish NHS, which is issuing a four-month supply of the supplement to those who have been shielding.

Mr Johnson replied: ‘He is entirely right that we are indeed looking at the possible beneficial effects of vitamin D.’

He also announced that the Government will be making a ‘big push’ to encourage people to comply with self-isolation rules if they may be infected. It is expected the quarantine period will soon be reduced from 14 to seven days.