It brings the total number of cases in the UK to 2,488,780.
An additional 964 people have also died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-1.
This increases the total number of people to have died from coronavirus in the UK to 73,512.
The data from Wednesday had shown 50,023 new coronavirus infections and 981 deaths.
Separately, figuers published by the UK’s statistics agencies for deaths where coronavirus has been mentioned on the death certificate, along with additional data on deaths that have occurred in recent days, show there have now been 89,000 deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK.
Public Health England Medical Director Dr Yvonne Doyle repeated it is “imperative we all take action now to protect our families and our friends”.
She appealed for people to continue to follow the guidance, especially with the clock ticking down to the start of 2021.
Dr Doyle said: “We know the overwhelming majority of deaths reported today are people who sadly passed away in just the last few days.
“Every life lost to this disease is a sadness.
“It is imperative we all take action now to protect our families and our friends.
“We have all had to make huge sacrifices this year, but please ensure that you keep your distance from others, wash your hands and wear a mask.
A night in at New Year will mean you are significantly reducing your social contacts and can help stop the spread of the virus.”
This is a breaking story. More to follow…
