THE number of new cases of Covid-19 reported each day in the UK has climbed above 50,000 for the first time in six months.
A total of 51,870 cases were reported by the Government on July 16.
This is the highest number since January 15, when 55,761 cases were reported.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this month warned that the number of new cases could reach 50,000 a day by July 19 – the date on which coronavirus restrictions are to be eased in England.
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The latest total is still some way below the peak of the second wave of the virus, which saw a high of 68,053 cases reported on January 8.
But the numbers are on a clear upwards trend, with average daily cases up 35% week-on-week.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said the number could top 100,000 over the summer.
It comes as Johnson's government seems ready to go ahead with plans to stop people in England from being legally required to wear a mask in indoor spaces after Monday.
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