The UK has recorded its highest daily rise in coronavirus cases since the pandemic began amid concern infections are rising quickly among the elderly.
Another 33,470 lab-confirmed cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the 24 hours before 9am on Thursday, according to the latest government figures.
A further 563 people had also died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus as of Thursday.
A number of European countries have warned it is too early for people to start planning Christmas travel as the pandemic rages on across the continent.
France and Ireland have both said it is too soon to make travel arrangements, while Sweden has warned its citizens to prepared for restricted travel over the festive period and Portugal has extended a night-time and weekend curfew to 77 more areas.
Germany’s health minister has also warned it is unlikely life will go back to normal in December in time for winter events such as Christmas parties after more restrictions were brought in last week.
