The UK recorded an additional 6,874 cases along with another 34 deaths. This figure surpassed Thursday when an additional 6,634 cases were announced.
The real death toll could be higher as a power outage at the National Records of Scotland means figures for Scotland weren’t included.
Friday’s figure was a 95 percent increase on the number of new cases reported at the same time last week.
Across the UK the coronavirus R rate is now predicted to be between 1.2 and 1.5.
The R rate refers to how many people each coronavirus patient infects with the disease.
Any figure above one indicates the disease is spreading exponentially.
Yvonne Doyle, medical director of Public Health England, said: “This is the highest number recorded and a stark warning for us all. The signals are clear.
“Positivity rates are rising across all age groups and we’re continuing to see spikes in rates of admission to hospital and critical care.
“We must all follow the new measures that have been bought in to help control the virus and download the new NHS Covid-19 App which is the fastest way of knowing when you’re at risk.”
READ MORE: Coronavirus chaos in London as HUGE crowds gather after 10pm curfew
One Twitter user posted a video of Oxford Circus packed on Friday night shortly after 10pm.
They said: “Day two of a 10pm curfew: Oxford Circus has turned into an impromptu party.”
In response another user replied: “That’s exactly why we (London) will be in full lockdown by next Friday with bars completely shut.
“All because people can’t take some personal responsibility!”
From Saturday additional coronavirus restrictions will be imposed on Leeds, Wigan, Blackpool and Stockport.
People living in these towns will be banned from meeting others in their homes or gardens.
New restrictions are also being introduced for Llanelli, Cardiff and Swansea in Wales.
Aa a result of the new measures over a quarter of the UK population is living under additional coronavirus restrictions.
Separately university students across Scotland have been told not to go to parties, pubs or restaurants over the weekend.
Clusters of COVID-19 cases have been reported amongst students in Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen.
