Britain reported 1,325 new deaths from COVID-19 on Friday, its highest daily figure since the outbreak of the pandemic, with another 68,053 additional cases.

The total eclipsed the previous record number of deaths reported on April 21, 2020, of 1,224.

"Each life lost to this virus is a tragedy, but sadly we can expect the death toll to continue to rise until we stop the spread," said Dr. William Welfare, Director for the COVID-19 response at Public Health England.

"To protect our loved ones it is essential we all stay at home where possible. This will reduce new infections, ease the pressure on the NHS and save lives," he said.

The government this week announced new stay-at-home restrictions, which include school closures, that are expected to last until at least mid-February. 

In London, Mayor Sadiq Khan declared a major incident, saying the British capital was "at crisis point" and urgent action was required as beds for COVID patients could run out within weeks.

At the same time, the UK regulator approved US firm Moderna's COVID vaccine -- the third to be authorized for use in the country's mass inoculation programme.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said approval for the jab was a boost to the inoculation drive, which has seen 1.5 million vaccinated since early December and aims to reach 15 million by mid-February.

(With input from agencies )