The UK has recorded 438 new coronavirus deaths – its highest daily total since 24 February last year.

Tuesday’s figures, which are often higher due to a lag in reporting, saw a further 94,432 cases recorded in the UK.

On Monday, the UK reported 84,249 COVID cases and 85 deaths.

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Today’s figures are down from the 120,821 cases – but up from the 379 deaths – reported this time last week, on 11 January.

In England, 16,218 people are being treated in hospital, with 614 in ventilation beds.

Meanwhile, 73,267 people have been given a third, or booster, dose of a coronavirus vaccine, taking the total to 63.6% of the population.

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A further 26,502 people received their second dose, while 15,748 have been given the first jab, the latest figures show.

It comes as Scotland will remove all its Omicron coronavirus restrictions from next Monday, with the first minister confirming the country is on a “downward slope” of infections.

The changes will see nightclubs reopen, the requirement for table service in hospitality come to an end and attendance limits on indoor events lifted.

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The prime minister is, according to The Guardian, drawing up plans that could see all COVID-19 rules phased out in England as early as March.

The paper reports his intention would be to let the country live with the virus.

Plan B restrictions, which are currently in place, are due to be reviewed next week, on 26 January. Working from home guidance, and COVID passports – both introduced when the new variant began circulating widely – are set to be scrapped, but face mask rules could remain in the short term.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid told MPs: “I have always said that these restrictions should not stay in place a day longer than they are absolutely necessary.

“Due to these pharmaceutical defences and the likelihood that we have already reached the peak of the case numbers and hospitalisations, I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll be able to substantially reduce measures next week.”

With the government continuing to encourage booster jabs, a new survey has found two-thirds of adults feel the UK should share more vaccine doses with the world.

The survey, for the ONE Campaign, found British adults feel the disparity in vaccination levels between rich and poor countries is both “unwise and unfair”.

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Of the 2,186 adults surveyed, around 63% said new variants were likely in countries with poor vaccine access so the UK should prioritise ensuring the vaccine is available worldwide, instead of giving any further booster jabs.

More than half of people said they would be willing to forgo a fourth dose so a vulnerable person or frontline worker in another country could receive their first.

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