The UK has recorded 55,892 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours – the highest figure on record.
Tuesday’s figure of 53,135 cases was the previous highest since the pandemic began.
The number of deaths reported today is 964.
The 981 deaths reported on Wednesday was the highest number reported on a single day since 24 April.
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It brings the total number of UK cases so far to 2,488,780 and the total number of deaths within 28 days of a positive test to 73,512.
Earlier, it was revealed the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in England a week has increased by 33%.
A total of 232,169 people tested positive at least once in the week to 23 December, according to the latest Test and Trace figures.
It came as people were being warned not to add “fuel to the fire” as coronavirus cases rise across England and hospitals were being put under strain due to high numbers of COVID-19 patients.
Rates of infection are continuing to rise across the country, according to the latest weekly surveillance report from Public Health England.
In Northern Ireland, another 11 people have died with COVID-19, the Department of Health said, with another 1,929 testing positive.
Nightingale hospitals across England are being “readied” for use if needed as COVID-19 patient numbers rise.
The NHS in London has been asked to make sure the Excel centre site is “reactivated and ready to admit patients” as hospitals in the capital struggle.
Other Nightingale hospital sites across England include Manchester, Bristol, Sunderland, Harrogate, Exeter and Birmingham.