The number of people reported to have died with coronavirus has gone up by 143, bringing the total number of deaths in the UK to 43,018, according to government figures.

The number is the highest daily figure since June and comes as parts of the country are facing tougher social distancing restrictions under a new three-tiered alert system.

The amount of positive cases reported in the last 24 hours has gone up by 17,234, taking the total to 634,920.

The figure is up from 13,972 on Monday.

Public Health England (PHE) said the rising number of COVID-19 deaths is “concerning”.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, PHE medical director, said: “The trend in Covid-related deaths is starting to rise quickly, which is hugely concerning.

“We have seen cases increasing especially in older age groups which is leading to more hospital admissions.

“This is a stark reminder for us to follow the guidelines.

“Importantly, do not mix with others when unwell.

“We must all do our part to help control the virus by following the restrictions in our areas, maintaining social distance, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and washing our hands regularly.”

The 143 deaths reported on Tuesday is up from the 61 deaths that were confirmed on the same day last week, government figures show.

The latest figure is also considerably higher than the 16 deaths that were reported on the same day last month.

The number of cases reported on Tuesday is 200 more than the 16,948 confirmed on the same day last week.

It is also considerably higher than the 2,143 cases that were reported on the same day last month.

The latest figures were reported before the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called for a two to three week “circuit breaker” lockdown, adding the government had “lost control of the pandemic”.

Labour had accused the government of ignoring the advice of scientists, after it emerged the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) had recommended such a lockdown three weeks ago.

MPs will voting on Boris Johnson’s three-tier lockdown measures from 6pm, with Labour expected to vote with the government.

Sir Keir told Sky News’ Kate McCann that “nobody” is calling for no restrictions, but it is in the national interest to go further with a “circuit break” lockdown.

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