The United Kingdom has recorded 178 more COVID-related deaths and 38,154 new cases in the latest 24-hour period, according to government data.

There were also 35,693 new COVID daily cases on Wednesday and 35,847 cases and 149 deaths reported this time last week.

Meanwhile, a further 44,088 people received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine bringing the total number of people who have received at least one dose to over 48 million people over the age of 16.

Almost 80 percent of over 16s are fully vaccinated after 113,385-second doses were administered Wednesday.

(With input from agencies)