The UK has reported more than 7,000 new COVID-19 cases for a second consecutive day, according to government data.

7,393 infections were recorded in the latest 24-hour period, along with seven more coronavirus-related deaths.

The figures compare with 7,540 cases and six deaths announced on Wednesday, and 5,274 cases and 18 deaths reported this time last week.

Wednesday marked the highest number of daily infections in four months.

It comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the Delta variant, first detected in India, now makes up 91 percent of cases in the UK.

Meanwhile, government data also showed another 176,559 people had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, while 316,258 had their second jab.

(With input from agencies)