The UK Government has recorded a further 35 Covid-19 deaths and 32,551 cases in its latest daily figures - the highest number of positive tests since January 23.
This is slightly up from 33 deaths and 32,548 cases reported yesterday, July 7.
The 35 deaths recorded in the past 24 hours mean for the third consecutive day more than 30 people have died within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test.
The latest deaths brings the UK total to 128,336.
Over the past week,197,464 people had a confirmed positive test result a week-on-week increase of 34.9 per cent. Health secretary Sajid Javid has warned that UK daily Covid-19 cases could rocket to a record 100,000 after restrictions are lifted on July 19.
There are 417 coronavirus patients in hospital beds with a mechanical ventilator today.
It comes as Covid-19 case rates in all regions of England are at their highest level since the end of the second wave according to the latest surveillance report from Public Health England.
North-east England is recording the highest rate, with 613.4 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to July 4.
The data comes as double-jabbed Britons have been given the green light to jet to holiday hotspots like Greece and Italy this summer without quarantine.
From July 19, they will be able to return from countries on the amber list without spending 10 days in isolation, provided they pass a PCR swab test for Covid.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps unveiled the details in a Commons statement.
