The UK has seen a record rise in new coronavirus cases in 24 hours with 36,804 positive tests recorded in today's latest figures.
This is almost double the number of cases recorded this time last week. Deaths have also shot up as 691 fatalities were reported - the highest reported death toll since early May.
The previous biggest increase in coronavirus cases on record was on Sunday, with 35,928 new infections recorded. The latest figures come as millions fear entering the harshest new Tier 4 restrictions, with almost every area in England currently in Tier 3 has seen Covid-19 infection rates surge in the last two weeks.