UK records highest single-day Covid-19 figure since March with 18 fatalities

The Government also said a further 18 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Thursday, bringing the UK total to 127,812.

Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have now been 153,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

Public Health England said early evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of hospital admission from the variant that originated in India.

Figures showed there were 278 people with the variant who attended hospital emergency departments this week, up from 201 last week, while there were 94 overnight hospital admissions for patients with the Indian variant, up from 43 admissions the previous week.

The majority of those admitted to hospital had not received a coronavirus vaccination.

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “With this variant now dominant across the UK, it remains vital that we continue to exercise caution particularly while we learn more about transmission and health impacts.

“The way to tackle variants is to use the same measures to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19 we have used before. Work from home where you can, and practise hands, face, space, fresh air at all times.

“If you are eligible and have not already done so, please come forward to be vaccinated and make sure you get your second jab. It will save lives.”