The UK on Saturday reported 54,073 new COVID-19 cases and an additional 132 deaths in the latest 24-hour period.

Saturday's figures compare to 58,194 cases and 120 deaths reported on Friday.

The UK has now reported 10,771,444 COVID-19 cases and 146,387 deaths since the pandemic began.

Meanwhile, 21,636 people received a first COVID-19 vaccine dose while 31,135 people received a second COVID-19 vaccine dose taking their respective totals to 51,229,132 and 46,705,196.

The number of people who have received a third vaccine dose, or booster shot, has risen to 22,594,743, or 39.3 percent of the population aged 12 plus, after 409,760 doses were administered.

While the UK grapples with a surge in infections following the detection of the Omicron variant, experts warned it could cause between 25,000 and 75,000 deaths in England over the next five months if no additional measures are taken beyond Plan B.

The government responded by saying that it will continue to look closely at all of the emerging data.

"We've been clear throughout that vital vaccines and boosters are our best line of defence against this virus and that is why we are urging people to come forward as quickly as possible as they become eligible," a government spokesperson said.

"Plan B remains a proportionate response based upon what we know, so we encourage everyone to follow the rules by wearing a face covering, working from home if you can, testing regularly and coming forward for your booster when called."

(With input from agencies)