England has reported a record high of 162,572 new COVID cases along with a further 154 coronavirus-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period, according to official data.

The latest figures compare with 160,276 cases and 178 fatalities recorded in England yesterday.

The government usually releases daily figures for the whole of the UK, but Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have not released their data today.

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The UK reported 189,846 infections on New Year’s Eve – a record total for all four nations in the pandemic.

A further 203 people died within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test.

The latest figures for England come as the health secretary said further COVID restrictions are an “absolute last resort” and the UK will have to “live alongside” the virus in 2022.

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Sajid Javid said the wave of Omicron infections will “test the limit of finite NHS capacity even more than a typical winter”, with reports suggesting a return to the work from home order in England could be installed in January to halt the spread of the variant.

The record number of cases in recent days is in spite of difficulties accessing lateral flow and PCR tests.

PCR tests have now completely run out across the UK, according to the government website.

People must have COVID symptoms to be eligible for such a test.

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