The number of Covid cases in the UK has increased by 44,917 as another 45 fatalities are reported.

It is the fifth day in a row that the number of coronavirus cases has risen by above 40,000.

Last Monday, November 15, a further 39,705 Covid-19 infections were announced, with 47 new deaths.

It was a surge of 23% in a week for the number of cases, although deaths dropped by almost a fifth.

The previous Monday cases increased by 32,322, while fatalities were up by 57.

Today's figures come after The Mirror reported a more infectious strain of Covid-19 which may cause less symptomatic cases is spreading across the UK.

The Delta variant strain AY.4.2 accounted for around 12% of samples gathered in a recent government study, which ran up to November 5.

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Cases of the sub-variant were growing at 2.8% a day, meaning it was spreading quickly across the UK.

It is thought to be 10 to 15% more infectious than other Delta variants, paving the way for it to become the dominant strain in the UK in several months.

On a more positive note, early research suggests that it may be less likely to cause symptomatic cases than previous iterations.

Pfizer Inc said today its Covid-19 vaccine provided strong long-term protection against the virus in a late-stage study conducted among youngsters aged 12 to 15 years.

A two-dose series of the vaccine was 100% effective against Covid-19, measured seven days through over four months after the second dose, the company said.

The long-term data will support planned submissions for full-regulatory approval of the vaccine in the age group in the United States and worldwide.

Pfizer and BioNTech will seek clearance for a 30 micrograms dose of the vaccine for those aged 12 and above.

The vaccine was authorised for emergency use in people aged 12-15 years by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in May, and granted full approval for use in people aged 16 and above in August.