UK records highest daily total of Covid cases as Omicron spreads

It is the highest figure announced since mass testing began in summer last year, and surpasses the previous record of January 8

More than 78,600 Covid cases have been confirmed in the past 24 hours (PA)

The UK has recorded the highest daily total of lab-confirmed Covid-19 cases since the pandemic began, as the Omicron variant spreads.

Official figures published after UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) chief executive Dr Jenny Harries warned the strain is “probably the most significant threat” since the start of the pandemic showed there had been 78,610 new cases recorded as of 9am on Wednesday.