The number of people reported to have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK has gone up by a record 26,688.
It is the highest daily rise since 4 October, when 22,961 cases were recorded, although that number was inflated because of a system glitch.
A further 191 deaths have also been confirmed within 28 days of a positive test.
The total number of COVID-19 cases recorded in the UK now stands at 789,229, while deaths have reached 44,158.
Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have now been 59,000 deaths registered in the UK where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate.
On Tuesday the UK recorded 21,331 cases and 241 deaths – the highest number since 258 were reported on 5 June.
However, there is often a delay in the reporting of deaths over a weekend – causing a spike in the early part of the week.
Separately, NHS England has said a further 94 people have died in hospital in England with coronavirus, bringing that total to 31,275.
Patients were aged between 49 and 97. All but one, aged 71, are understood to have underlying health conditions.
The deaths were between October 14 and 20.