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There have been another 7,143 reported coronavirus cases in the UK in the past 24 hours, the largest increase since the pandemic began.
There have also been 71 deaths, the highest number since July 1.
The significant increase in COVID-19 cases comes after the number of positive tests fell over the weekend, with Monday’s figure at 4,044 cases.
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Historically, cases reported on Tuesdays tend to be higher due to a weekend delay.
The latest case figure is likely still well below the number of cases in the country in April and May, when Imperial College suggested there were more than 100,000 new infections each day.
The 7,143 new cases on Tuesday represent a five-fold increase from four weeks ago, when 1,295 cases were reported.
Over the past week, the number of people dying in the UK from COVID-19 has almost doubled, from 37 to 71.
There are 2,049 coronavirus patients in hospitals across the UK, as of September 27, an increase from 1,331 the previous week.
There are 262 patients in ventilated beds.
The prime minister is expected to provide an update on the outbreak on Wednesday from Downing Street, alongside medical director Professor Chris Whitty and chief science officer Sir Patrick Vallance amid the recent surge in cases.
On Monday, the government announced that households mixing in the northeast of England would be banned from Wednesday night, amid a surge in cases in the region.
It was already illegal for two households to mix indoors or in the garden, but until now it was just a guide that they should not meet in public places like restaurants and pubs.
There have also been concerns that college students will be forced to stay in their accommodation over the Christmas period, however Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said that they can return families, but some may have to isolate themselves beforehand.
