The figure is the highest number of new infections reported since the beginning of the pandemic. A further 137 deaths were recorded; a slight increase on daily numbers in the previous seven days.
The figure demonstrates the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, which was first detected in the UK in early December.
The Office for National Statistics said an estimated 1.7m people had coronavirus across the UK last week, excluding those in hospitals and care settings.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will not hesitate to impose new rules if necessary, but he is coming under intense pressure from his own MPs not to impose harsher measures.
England has not imposed any new restrictions as of Boxing Day, whereas Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have all brought in new rules for hospitality.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson poised for 'D-Day' Covid meeting TOMORROW
See the latest Covid vaccine stats below and visit InYourArea for all the Covid vaccine latest
It’s currently estimated that one in 35 people across the UK have coronavirus right now.
Infections are highest in London, where an estimated one in 20 people currently have the virus.
The following areas have the highest infection rate, per 100,000 people:
Lambeth - 3,151.2
Wandsworth - 3,042.1
Hackney and City of London - 2,725.1
Southwark - 2,654.2
Islington - 2,486.8
Hammersmith and Fulham - 2,458.3
Lewisham - 2,313.7
Tower Hamlets - 2,149.6
Merton - 2,056.6
Greenwich - 1,929.9
DON'T MISS
Omicron: Unvaccinated 60 times more likely to end up in hospital [INSIGHT]
January school closures: Will schools reopen after the new year? [ANALYSIS]
Covid rules may be imposed before New Year's Eve and last THREE MONTHS [REPORT]
Richmond-upon-Thames - 1,883.5
Camden - 1,862.9
Kensington and Chelsea - 1,809.8
Waltham Forest - 1,808
Bromley - 1,806.1
Brentwood - 1,769.8
Westminster - 1,763.2
Elmbridge - 1,736.7
Sutton - 1,715.9
Croydon - 1,701.1