The UK has reported 42,302 new coronavirus cases and 49 more deaths in the latest 24-hour period, government data shows.

It is the highest number of daily infections since 15 January when 55,761 cases were recorded.

And it is the eighth day in a row where total cases have exceeded 30,000.

The latest figures compare with 36,660 COVID-19 infections and 50 deaths recorded yesterday, and 32,548 cases and 33 fatalities announced this time last week.

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It comes as Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced that two-thirds of adults in the UK have now received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

A total of 35,155,767 people are now fully vaccinated after 158,276 had their second jab on Tuesday.

And 46,037,090 have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, including 59,073 yesterday.

The vaccine figures will be celebrated by politicians ahead of the scrapping of coronavirus restrictions next Monday – including limits on social distancing and a legal mandate to wear facemasks.

The government delayed lifting most rules until 19 July so two-thirds of adults could be double-jabbed, and every adult could be offered a first vaccine.

Nevertheless, experts have accused the government of rushing the plan amid spiralling coronavirus cases, fuelled by the Delta variant.

Some 1,200 scientists – including four SAGE members – have urged the government to push the brakes on the plans for the 19 July lifting, warning the decision to unlock the country is “unethical”.

Writing in The Lancet, they accused the government of pursuing an “unscientific” policy of “herd immunity by mass infection”.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director of Public Health England, has urged people to get a vaccine amid the rapid rise in infections.

She said: “Cases are rising rapidly. We knew that as we opened up cases would increase, but thankfully due to the vaccine, deaths and hospital admissions are not rising as fast as cases.

“If you have not had the vaccine, book your first and second dose as soon as you can.

“Restrictions are currently still in place, it is important to follow them, and when they lift on Monday there are still steps we can all take to protect ourselves and loved ones such as wearing a mask in enclosed spaces, opening a window if you’re meeting in close contact indoors, and getting tested and staying at home if you have symptoms.

“The pandemic is not over, and we must all remain vigilant.”

Scotland is also due to relax some of its restrictions on Monday, but it will still be mandatory to wear face masks.

Earlier, Wales announced it would be easing some of its COVID rules from Saturday but face masks will still have to be worn on public transport and in most indoor public places.

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