Britain reported 19,724 new cases of Covid-19, a rise of 2,490 from the day before, according to government data.
It comes as new local restrictions were due to be brought in for some areas of the country to curb the spread of infections.
The figures also showed there were 137 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, down slightly from yesterday when there were 143 deaths recorded.
Last night, Merseyside Police said officers dispersed a large gathering in Liverpool city centre, as bars shut their doors for the final time ahead of new Tier 3 measures.
Crowds of people dancing in the area as strict coronavirus restrictions were introduced have shamed Liverpool city, the mayor has said.
The city has seen a rapid rise in coronavirus infections, and intensive care capacity in its hospitals is reported to be over 90% full, with Covid-19 patients making up an increasing proportion of patients.
Footage on social media showed large numbers of young people dancing in the street outside bars, and in one video a police car could be seen driving through a crowd while people banged their hands on the side of the vehicle.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said on Twitter: “These pictures shame our city, attacking our brave police officers is unacceptable.
“Our health service is creaking, 300 in hospital and 30 people dead in week. Ignoring these facts is why we are in Tier 3 measures.”
A police spokesman said: “Officers were deployed to the area immediately and a large crowd was dispersed quickly and safely.
“All businesses in the area have now closed and the incident has been stood down.”
