The UK Health Security Agency has identified another 10 confirmed cases of the Omicron COVID variant, seven more in England and three more in Scotland, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to 42.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom reported 53,945 new cases of coronavirus, the highest daily figure since mid-July following the European football championship.

The last time more cases were reported was on 17 July, when 54,674 new COVID-19 cases were recorded, six days after the tournament's final at Wembley.

Thursday's figures also showed 141 more deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test compared to 41 on 17 July.

This time last week, 147 deaths and 47,240 new cases were recorded.

Meanwhile, another 407,851 booster or third vaccine doses have been administered, meaning 19,015,975 or 33.1 percent of the population aged over 12 have had their extra shot.

It comes following Thursday morning's announcement that a new COVID treatment sotrovimab has been approved for use in the UK.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said trials showed the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 79 percent.

(With input from agencies)