COVID deaths hit 223 today - the highest since March.

       The spike comes amid fears of fresh restrictions this winter, as infections topped 43,738.

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       It comes amid a frantic push to administer as many booster jabs as possible to avoid a fourth lockdown.

       No 10 has hinted that masks, working from home, and Covid passports may need to be brought in this winter.

       Ministers are increasingly worried about the number of new cases which is hurtling towards 50,000 a day.

       Hospital admissions are also rising although only steadily, and currently remain below last month's levels.

       It was today confirmed kids will get jabs at walk-in centres this half term.

       Health secretary Sajid Javid told MPs the that the government is "ramping up" the vaccination programme.

       He stated: "To make the most of half-term next week, we will now be opening up the national booking service to all 12 to 15-year-olds to have their Covid vaccinations in existing national vaccination centres, which will offer families more flexibility.

       "I think it is important that anyone who is invited as eligible for a vaccine, including young people, that they do come forward and take up that offer."

       NHS chief Amanda Pritchard confirmed the plans today.

       But she highlighted that there are a "number of challenges to vaccinating 12 to 15 year olds at scale and at pace".

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       Deaths are the highest since March Credit: AP

       More to follow...

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