The number of Covid cases has increased by more than 78,000 - the highest daily rise in the pandemic so far.
The 78,610 cases - which includes 4,671 of the Omicron strain - were reported in the last 24 hours surpassing the previous high of 68,053 cases reported on January 8.
There were also 165 deaths recorded in the same period.
The new government data comes as Boris Johnson is set to lead a Covid press conference from Downing Street as fears mount over the spread of Omicron.
The Prime Minister will be accompanied at the podium at 5pm by Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and NHS England's Dr Nikki Kanani.
He is expected to update the country on the progress of the booster rollout - rather than further Covid measures.
It comes as Cabinet Minister Michael Gove was expected to chair a four-nations Cobra meeting at 5pm to discuss the Covid situation.
There is mounting concern in Government about the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, as scientists scramble to understand the severity of the new strain.
The Prime Minister has announced a massive expansion of the booster programme to respond to the new strain - with jabs to be offered to all adults by New Year's Eve.
Earlier today Education Minister Alex Burghart said extra funding has been put in place so schools can test their pupils before heading back into the classroom in January.
It has prompted fears secondary schools may shut for longer over the Christmas holidays so pupils can get tested for Covid.
Tory MP Robert Halfon, chair of the Commons Education Select Committee, said he fears we are moving towards "de facto school closures".
Downing Street warned parents not to take their children out of school before term ends, responding to suggestions some parents kept their kids at home to protect them from Omicron.
The Prime Minister's spokesman said: “The best place for children – who have in many respects suffered the most through this pandemic – is in school, receiving vital face-to-face education.”
