It is a huge jump from the 10,633 new infections announced on Tuesday.

       There have also been 19 new deaths reported within 28 days of a positive test - almost quadrupling from the five recorded the previous day - bringing the UK total to 128,027.

       In addition, figures published by the Office for National Statistics revealed there have been 153,000 deaths registered in the UK where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate.

       Earlier today, Downing Street said the Government and Public Health England (PHE) are monitoring the Delta Plus variant.

       Boris Johnson's spokesman said 41 cases of the strain have so far been identified in the UK.

       He added PHE had already put additional measures in place where the variant had been detected.

       This includes "enhanced contact tracing, testing, and isolation".

       Government data up to Tuesday (June 22) also shows that of the 75,188,795 vaccine jabs given in the UK so far, 43,448,680 were first doses.

       This is an increase of 299,837 compared to the previous day.

       From the overall vaccination total, 31,740,115 were second doses, up by 250,875.

       Separately, figureds published by the UK's four health agencies shows six in 10 adults are estimated to have received both doses of a Covid vaccine.

       From the four nations of the UK, ales has the highest proportion of adults fully vaccinated, with 61 percent receiving both doses and 1,553,091 second doses).

       England follows on 60.4 percent (26,745,666 second doses), and then Scotland n 59 percent (2,617,450) and Northern Ireland on 56.7 percent (823,908 second doses).

       Responding to this latest data, vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said: "Two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine are absolutely vital in ensuring the fullest possible protection the jabs have to offer - it's extraordinary that three in five people have now been vaccinated with both jabs.

       "No matter where you live, where you come from, your background or your beliefs - provided you are over 18, there is a vaccine available to you. I urge everyone eligible to get their jab and help us get back to normality."

       Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "With more and more evidence emerging on just how effective two doses of our vaccines are in protecting against the Delta variant, it's great to see three in five adults have been double jabbed, so we're well on our way to the whole country getting the fullest possible protection.

       "We're so close now to ensuring the entire adult population is protected - now everyone aged 18 and above can make an appointment, so make sure you book in for your first and second doses as soon as possible."

       This is a breaking story. More to follow...