A further 217 lives have been lost to Covid-19, today's figures reveal, bringing the number to die in the past week to 1,141.
This is a 13 per cent week-on-week rise.
Figures released by the Department of Health also reveal that 41,229 people tested positive for the virus in 24 hours.
It means more than 277,000 people have been confirmed to have coronavirus in the last seven days - but this is a 9.7 per cent fall compared to the previous week.
Hospitalisations have risen slightly, with 7,213 people being admitted with the virus, up 162 on the previous seven day total.
It comes amid a stark warning of difficult months ahead.
A week ago there were 207 deaths and 43,941 cases announced, while a fortnight ago there were 179 deaths and 49,139 infections.
Earlier today England's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Prof Jonathan Van Tam warned of difficult months ahead.
He said face masks should still be worn in pubs and restaurants.
Prof Van Tam warned: “Too many people believe that this pandemic is now over.”
Currently people in England are not required to wear a face mask in public spaces, whether inside or outside.
This is despite large amounts of evidence that it stops transmission of the coronavirus, and the UK's relatively high case and death rate.
The popular Government scientist was being questioned as part of a joint broadcast on BBC Breakfast and Radio 5Live.
Asked how a Christmas lockdown can be prevented, Prof Van-Tam, said: “Christmas, and indeed all of the darker winter months, are potentially going to be problematic.
The latest figures came after a top scientist quit the Government's pandemic advisory body amid a "concerning" coronavirus transmission rate in the UK.
Sir Jeremy Farrar left the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) after advocating for more mask wearing, ventilation and increased coronavirus testing this winter.
However, despite being urged to implement its Covid Plan B to curb the spread of the disease, the government has so far refused to do so.
In a statement to Sky News, Sir Jeremy said SAGE came under pressure during the pandemic and that the Covid-19 crisis is far from over.
