The UK has recorded 18,850 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours.
The figure is the lowest daily total of new cases since October 18, when nearly 16,892 infections were reported.
However, there tends to be a drop on Mondays because of a reporting lag over the weekend.
A further 136 deaths were also reported.
The Department of Health figures were released as Boris Johnson appeared before MPs in the House of Commons to defend plans for a second national lockdown.
The Prime Minister warned that “without action” there could be twice as many deaths over the winter as in the first wave, meaning there is “no alternative” but to enforce stricter measures.
He is facing fierce opposition from a number of backbench Tory MPs who claim a second lockdown would be disastrous for the economy and wider public health.
On Wednesday MPs will be given a vote on the measures, which would then come into force from midnight on Thursday.
