British government data shows that the Kingdom reported 16,135 new COVID-19 cases and another 19 coronavirus-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period.

This is the highest number of daily infections since 6 February when 18,262 were announced.

The latest figures compare with 11,625 new infections and 27 fatalities recorded yesterday. Some 9,055 cases and nine deaths were announced this time last week.

Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have been 153,000 deaths registered in the UK where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

Another 299,837 people received their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine yesterday, while 250,875 people had a second dose.

This takes the total number of first doses to 43,448,680 and the number of people who are fully vaccinated to 31,740,115.

(With input from agencies)