The largest ever investigation into Covid-19 antibodies has helped scientists to better understand the virus.

More than 365,000 people took part in the coronavirus antibody study across England.

The study saw randomly-selected participants use a testing kit at home which gathered data on the number of antibodies produced in their bodies.

Findings revealed that antibodies reduce in the weeks and months after a person is infected.

A spokesman for the Government said: “The results of all three rounds of antibody testing indicate the first wave of the epidemic occurred over a relatively short period in March and April, and that there was a steep decline in the proportion of people who reported having Covid-19 symptoms and who tested positive for antibodies from early April, two weeks after national lockdown.”

The results also found people who do not show symptoms are likely to lose antibodies sooner than those who did. Loss of antibodies is slower in young people.

The number of people in England with Covid-19 antibodies fell by 26.5 per cent between June 20 and September 28.