The United Kingdom reported 70,924 COVID infections and 88 COVID-19-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period.

Sunday's daily figures however did not factor in Scotland due to a "technical issue", according to Sky News. 

On Saturday, there were 81,713 COVID-19 cases and 287 coronavirus-related deaths.

The coronavirus restrictions in England could be lifted by the end of this month, with the Tory party chairman Oliver Dowden saying, he was "hopeful", thanks to "encouraging signs", local media reported. 

He added that, there is "promising data" on the pandemic infections and hospitalizations that give pause for hope and optimism that we may be emerging from the worst of Omicron."

Earlier, Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency, said the rate of infections in London, the South East and East of England are flattening.

Additionally, while case numbers are still rising in northern parts of the country, the growth rate there is slowing, she noted.

(With input from agencies)