The UK recorded 3,398 new Covid cases on Saturday, a 23.3 per cent rise on last week.
Government data shows there was 21,469 positive tests in the last seven days - up 4,059 or 23.3 per cent.
The UK has seen an 11-day trend of rising Covid numbers. However, deaths from Covid remain low - with seven recorded today.
The fast-spreading Indian variant, also known as the B.1.617.2 strain, is now behind up to three quarters of all cases in the UK. It has been found in more than 250 of England's 300-plus authorities.
Official data shows just two people have died from the Indian Covid variant after being fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile, Britain's mammoth vaccination drive has continued at pace. More than 39million people have now received their first dose and 23.2million people are now fully vaccinated.
