A further 36,567 COVID infections and 38 related deaths have been recorded in the UK, the latest government figures show.

Due to a technical problem, the data does not include new cases and deaths reported in Wales.

Coronavirus live updates as Sajid Javid promises a ‘normal’ Christmas

The additional deaths reported – of those who died within 28 days of testing positive – bring the UK total to 139,571.

The figures compare with the 39,962 new cases and 72 deaths reported for the UK yesterday and the 49,156 new infections and 45 fatalities this time last week.

COVID-19: Exclusion zones around schools could be used to stop ‘idiot’ anti-vaxxers, health secretary says

COVID-19: Cases could fall significantly in November even without ‘Plan B’, modelling suggests

COVID-19: Health Secretary Sajid Javid ‘leaning towards’ compulsory vaccines for NHS staff

Last Tuesday, the country recorded 223 virus-related deaths – the highest daily number since early March.

Meanwhile, two million eligible people will now be invited to receive a COVID-19 booster jab from the NHS this week, as the government seeks to see off a sharp rise in cases without introducing “Plan B” measures.

Follow the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

It comes as modelling seen by the government suggests coronavirus cases could fall significantly in November without any restrictions being reintroduced.

Experts at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) have predicted that – even without the government’s Plan B – cases, hospital admissions and deaths in England will peak in November and start to fall rapidly to much lower levels by Christmas.

However, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for some “common sense” coronavirus measures to prevent another lockdown.

Elsewhere, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said exclusion zones around schools could be used to prevent “idiot” anti-vaxxers from targeting children with their “vicious lies”.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Mr Javid said the protesters were doing “so much damage” and it was “heartbreaking” that three children were injured during a recent protest after COVID-19 vaccines were opened up to 12-15-year-olds.

He told Sky News’ Kay Burley: “You’ve got, frankly, these idiots outside their school spreading vicious lies. It is becoming a growing problem as time goes by.”

Related posts:

Deaths in England were almost 30% higher last month than five-year average for January ‘Teachers know us better than an algorithm’: Students support exam grades decision ‘It didn’t hurt at all’: Queen urges people unsure about COVID jab to get vaccinated Animal rescue charity’s centres ‘at capacity’ due to lockdown puppies Roadmap on track: PM approves further easing of lockdown restrictions ‘Criminal gangs’ encouraging children into violence on Northern Ireland’s streets, say police Rail passengers told ‘not to travel’ on second day of disruption after cracks found on trains Newborn baby found dead in London canal Rail minister calls for ‘urgent plan’ from train operators as crack disruption continues Durham professor who called students ‘pathetic’ for staging walkout steps back from some duties ‘A beautiful day’: Extinction Rebellion trio cleared and Insulate Britain protesters released from jail Omicron ‘exit wave’ possible in the summer, scientists say