A further 14,542 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the UK, with the death count increasing by 76 over the past day.
This is the highest single-day increase in deaths in more than three months after 97 fatalities were recorded on July 1.
The 14,542 new infections announced today is more than double the 7,143 cases recorded last Tuesday.
Experts believe there were 100,000 infections per day during the peak of the pandemic in spring, when widespread testing was not available.
The UK has now suffered a total of 530,113 Covid-19 cases, while the total death toll has reached 42,445.
It comes after the number of fatalities in the country's hospitals rose by 63 today - the highest daily increase since July.
Health authorities this afternoon confirmed 50 deaths in England, two in Scotland, 10 in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
Victims in England were aged between 42 and 96, NHS England confirmed, with four casualties having no known underlying health conditions.
Nearly half the deaths in England's hospitals occurred in the North West.
Two weeks ago there were 29 confirmed fatalities, while seven days ago 47 were announced.
Public Health England has provided a breakdown showing where the latest hospital deaths occurred.
- East of England - 0
- London – 4
- Midlands - 5
- North East & Yorkshire - 17
- North West - 23
- South East - 1
- South West - 0
The government is grappling with a surge in new infections amid fears more areas could be forced into local lockdowns.
Chief Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick previously warned Britain was on track for 50,000 cases per day unless the disease is brought under control.
He estimated that the virus would double every week, raising the prospect of 49,000 infections a day by October 13.
The expert said this could lead to more than 200 deaths a day by the middle of November.
