The UK on Wednesday reported 51,342 new coronavirus cases and 161 deaths as the country grapples with rising infections and a COVID-19-related scandal rocking the government.

This is the fourth time in the past week that cases have topped 50,000 in the UK, in what experts say is a worrying sign. The UK has now reported a total of 10,610,958 cases since the pandemic began.

The overwhelming majority of these infections are likely to be the Delta variant, although Omicron cases are climbing also.

131 new Omicron cases were reported in the UK out of which 115 were confirmed in England. 

The total number of confirmed Omicron cases in the UK currently stands at 568.

Earlier this week, Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed there is community transmission of the new variant in England confirming that not all cases are linked to travel.

Meanwhile, 51,161,757 doses of a first COVID-19 vaccine dose have been administered after 23,512 people received a first jab. 46,610,800 people have received a second dose with a further 28,375 people getting a second jab.

391,050 people received a third dose/booster shot taking that total to 21,300,859.

UK prime minister Boris Johnson is scheduled to hold a coronavirus news briefing at Downing Street later on Wednesday.

Johnson's briefing comes amid reports that the government may introduce Plan B restrictions very soon.

Plan B is designed to "prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS" but would be a difficult sell for some Conservative backbenchers, especially those in the COVID Recovery Group who are against limitations on freedoms.

(With input from agencies)