UK COVID cases today soared above the 30,000 mark for the 19th day in a row.

       A further 36,060 people tested positive for coronavirus today - as another 127 Brits died.

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       UK Covid cases have soared by 36,060 today

       But Friday's caseload is up by just 1.4 per cent on on last week's 35,577 figure.

       And deaths have remained the same, with a further 127 deaths also recorded on this day last week.

       It comes as norovirus cases rise by 40 per cent on the five-year average - sparking fears of a trio of rampant winter viruses to contend with.

       During the later summer months the virus was already on the rise, but the latest data shows it's now growing in numbers larger than usual.

       The most recent UK Health Security Agency figures show reports of the nasty bug are up by 37 per cent already, with winter only just starting.

       Most of these have been seen in educational settings, so since schools returned.

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       From the data up to September 26, the UKHSA report said: "Norovirus laboratory reports have been increasing since week 25 of 2021 and during weeks 35 to 38 the total number of reports was 37 per cent higher than the average of the same period in the previous five seasons pre-Covid-19.

       "It is possible that further unusual or out of season increases in norovirus activity could be seen in the coming months."

       Government scientists had already warned months rates of the seasonal vomiting and tummy bug could explode from September.

       They also feared flu could be particularly bad this year - with a possible 60,000 deaths and more jabs rolled out in preparation - but added norovirus to the list of concerns.

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       It comes as norovirus cases rise by 40 per cent on the five-year average Credit: Getty - Contributor

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