The number of coronavirus cases in the UK has risen by 42,302 in the past 24 hours, the latest government figures show.
It is the highest daily figure in six months, just days before lockdown restrictions are due to be eased.
A further 49 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19, bringing the total death toll to 128,530.
Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have now been 154,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
Yesterday, the UK recorded 36,660 infections and 50 Covid-related deaths.
Two-thirds of adults in the UK are estimated to have received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, according to the latest figures.
A total of 35,155,767 second doses have now been delivered since the vaccination rollout began in December last year - the equivalent of 66.7% of all people aged 18 and over.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director of Public Health England, urged people to get a vaccine amid the rapid rise in cases.
She said: "Cases are rising rapidly. We knew that as we opened up cases would increase, but thankfully due to the vaccine, deaths and hospital admissions are not rising as fast as cases. If you have not had the vaccine, book your first and second dose as soon as you can.
"Restrictions are currently still in place, it is important to follow them, and when they lift on Monday there are still steps we can all take to protect ourselves and loved ones such as wearing a mask in enclosed spaces, opening a window if you're meeting in close contact indoors, and getting tested and staying at home if you have symptoms. The pandemic is not over, and we must all remain vigilant."
Next week, most restrictions will end, but a group of 1,200 scientists urged the government to halt the lifting of Covid rules amid soaring cases numbers.
With just days to go before the relaxation of restrictions, a group of doctors and health experts wrote to medical journal The Lancet to raise their concerns over the planned changes.
Signatories said in the statement that the planned relaxation "involves recklessly exposing millions to the acute and long-term impacts of mass infection."
The group said: "We believe this is a terrible mistake.
"This strategy is already putting intense pressure on struggling healthcare services and will lead to many avoidable deaths and long-term illness.
"The narrative of ‘caution, vigilance and personal responsibility’ is an abdication of the government’s fundamental duty to protect public health.
"‘Personal responsibility’ does not work in the face of an airborne, highly-contagious infectious disease.
"Infectious diseases are a matter of collective, rather than individual responsibility."
