The UK on Tuesday reported 8,489 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, the lowest daily total for new cases by date recorded since early October.

It is also just the third day this year that the daily total has been below 10,000.

The UK also reported an additional 548 COVID-19-related deaths pushing the total past the 121,000 mark.

The figure is a significant rise compared to the 178 deaths reported yesterday but down from the 799 a week ago.

Meanwhile, close to 18 million people have received their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine in the UK. 192,341 people received their first jab raising the total to 17,916,181.

On the other hand, 18,463 people received a second vaccine taking the total to 642,788.

On Monday UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a plan to end COVID-19 restrictions in England by June 21, as long as strict conditions are met.

Scotland will also be looking to begin a "substantial" easing of coronavirus restrictions from April 26, according to first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Sturgeon hinted lifting of restrictions on non-essential business in Scotland would be more cautious than plans set out by Johnson.

(With input from agencies)