Covid: Cases surge in UK as 91,743 new cases and 44 deaths reported within 28 days

This is the second highest daily figure since the start of the pandemic

The UK reported 91,743 new coronavirus cases Monday as cases of the new Omicron variant continue to spread.

This is the second highest daily figure since the start of the pandemic.

Of those, 8,044 were confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. This brings the total confirmed cases of the variant in the UK to 45,145.

There were also 44 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, government figures showed.

Some 1,468,502 Covid-19 tests were conducted on Sunday (19 December) as more people are getting tested in the run up to Christmas.

A further 33,151 first doses of a Covid-19 vaccine were administered on Sunday, bringing the total to 51,48,034.

Some 39,904 second doses were also delivered, bringing the number of double-vaccinated individuals to 47,051,876.

A combined total of 28,978,244 booster and third doses have also been given, a day-on-day rise of 846,466.

An emergency cabinet meeting chaired by Boris Johnson was held Monday to discuss introducing more Covid-19 measures to slow the spread of the new variant ahead of Christmas.

The prime minister is thought to have been presented with three options, ranging from mere guidance to people to be more cautious to a full lockdown at some point before the New Year.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer told The Independent he would back tougher restrictions if “necessary”.

He said: “If further measures are necessary - and obviously if that’s got the right support package around it - we will act in the national interest.”

Experts have called for the government to introduce tougher measures before Christmas. Minutes published from a Sage meeting on Thursday warned that the government would need to impose “more stringent measures ... very soon.”

It said: “The earlier interventions happen, the greater the effect they will have (high confidence). This may also mean that they can be kept in place for a shorter duration.”

Additional reporting by PA