UK Covid cases rise by nearly 50,000 - highest daily increase in three months

The government revealed 49,156 new cases of Covid-19 on Monday, the highest since July 17.

Cases are up over 16% in the past seven days.

Downing Street acknowledged that winter would be “challenging” when questioned about rising coronavirus rates.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “We obviously keep very close watch on the latest statistics.

“We always knew the coming months would be challenging."

They said the government would be keeping a "close eye" on cases.

The government also said a further 45 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Monday, bringing the UK total to 138,629.

Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have been 163,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

England

England reported 22 new deaths from Covid-19 on Monday and 39,473 new cases.

Wales

Wales reported a further 6,398 new cases from Covid-19 on Monday and 20 more deaths.

Scotland

Scotland had 2,194 new cases of Covid-19 on Monday but no new deaths.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland reported 3 new deaths from Covid-19 and 1,091 new cases on Monday.

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