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

Official figures show there had been 78,610 new cases recorded as of 9am on Wednesday.

It is the highest figure announced since the coronavirus first hit the UK. The previous daily high was set last winter, when 68,053 cases were recorded on January 8, 2021.

Scotland recorded 5155 new cases in the past 24 hours, representing around 6.5% of the total UK cases - slightly below its population share.

The National:

Scotland has also passed a significant milestone in its booster vaccination roll-out, becoming the first UK nation to have given a third jag to more than 50% of its adult population

The National:

The news follows a plea from the First Minister for all Scots to try and get a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine before the new year in a bid to fight the rising tide of Omicron.

As of today (December 15) all adults in Scotland can book an appointment for a third dose online, providing their second dose was at least 12 weeks ago.

Nicola Sturgeon appeared on TV sets across the nation on Tuesday night to further urge caution through a difficult festive period. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to hold a press conference from Downing Street later on Wednesday.