The United Kingdom has reported another 48,553 coronavirus infections - the largest number for exactly six months.

The last time there was a higher figure - 55,761 - was on 15 January. There has, however, been a huge increase in testing since then.

On that day, when the UK was in the grip of a second wave of COVID-19, another 1,280 deaths were announced.

Today(Thursday), a further 63 deaths have been reported within 28 days of a positive test.

It is the highest number of fatalities since 26 March, when it was 70.

A further 42,302 infections were announced yesterday, along with 49 fatalities.

Seven days ago, there were 32,551 cases and 35 deaths.

(With input from agencies)