Covid latest: daily cases in the UK rise above 100,000 for first time since pandemic began

The UK has reported its highest daily total of Covid-19 cases, with the number reaching above 100,000 for the first time.  (Credit: Getty)The UK has reported its highest daily total of Covid-19 cases, with the number reaching above 100,000 for the first time.  (Credit: Getty)
The UK has reported its highest daily total of Covid-19 cases, with the number reaching above 100,000 for the first time. (Credit: Getty) | AFP via Getty Images

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The record-breaking numbers has seen more 100,000 people in the UK test positive with Covid-19

The UK has broken a pandemic record, with daily tests reaching above 100,000 for the very first time.

It was confirmed today (22 December) that 106,122 people in the UK had tested positive for Covid-19 within the past 24 hours.

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Cases have been rapidly rising as Omicron spreads around the country, with Professor Chris Whitty last week warning the public that records “will be broken a lot over the next few weeks as the rates continue to go up”.

At a glance: 5 key points

  • For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the UK have recorded more than 100,000 daily positive cases of Covid-19
  • The worrying stats come as the highly-transmissible strain, Omicron, continues to spread throughout the UK
  • Professor Chris Whitty last week warned the public that many records would be broken as the new strain quickly became the dominant strain the in country
  • Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have now all announced restrictions which will be implemented after Christmas Day, while the UK Government said that no further measure would be announced before 25 December
  • A huge vaccine booster drive has been launched around the UK in response to the Omicron strain, with those yet to be boosted urged to book an appointment or attend a walk-in clinic

How many Covid cases are there in the UK?

As of 9am on Wednesday 23 December, an additional 106,122 cases had been confirmed in the UK.

There are currently 8,008 people in hospital with the virus, a daily increase of 813, with 849 patients in intensive care.

140 people who had tested positive within the past 28 days have died in the past 24 hours.

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‘Records will be broken’

The record-breaking case numbers come after Professor Chris Whitty warned the public during a press conference last week that records “will be broken a lot of the next few weeks”.

He said: “I’m afraid there will be an increasing number of Omicron patients going into the NHS, going into hospital, going into intensive care.

“The exact ratios we don’t yet know, but there will be substantial numbers and that will begin to become apparent, in my view, fairly soon after Christmas.”

What Covid measures are in place around the UK?

In England, people are currently required by law to wear a face mask or covering in most indoor spaces, unless exempt.

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People have also been encouraged to work from home where possible and a Covid Pass, which shows vaccination status, or a negative lateral flow test is required to enter certain venues such as nightclubs and stadiums.

Boris Johnson confirmed in a video statement that no further restrictions would be imposed ahead of Christmas Day.

In Wales, from Boxing Day spectators have been banned from live sports events and a social distancing rule of 2m will be reintroduced in public spaces and offices.

Nightclubs will also close and a maximum of six people will be able to meet in public places on the same day.

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Those in Wales have continued to be encouraged to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces.

Similar rules have been introduced in Scotland. From Boxing Day, there will be limits on live public events, with the country’s traditional large-scale Hogmanay celebrations cancelled.

Spectators will also be locked out of football matches and other live sports venues for at least a period of three weeks.

Licensed hospitality venues will also be asked to offer table service only.

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From 27 December, people will be asked to stay at home where possible and limit socialising.

People in Northern Ireland will see tighter restrictions from 26 December also, with nightclubs forced to close and indoor standing events cancelled.

The country will follow Scotland in asking for hospitality services to offer table service, with a limit of six people per group.

There have been no rules put in places across any UK nation which applied to private events such as weddings, however, those attending these events have been recommended to take a lateral flow test beforehand.

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