The UK has recorded its highest ever number of Covid-19 cases on a Sunday, after another 137,583 new infections were confirmed.

A further 73 deaths were also reported, as the Omicron surge continues to pile pressure on the NHS.

On Friday, a record number of cases – some 189,846 – were identified, with data at the weekend tending to be lower due to a lag in reporting.

The latest figures mean the UK has now recorded some 13,235,401 cases and 148,851 deaths since the pandemic began.

However, more than 172,000 people have had Covid-19 written on their death certificates.

Case rates in the UK have been at unprecedented highs for more than a fortnight now – but experts believe that the more infectious new strain also causes less severe illness.

However, with so many people becoming infected with Omicron, even if a smaller proportion need hospital treatment, that could still overwhelm the NHS.

Experts and industry leaders have been making dire warnings about the strain on the health service, which is exacerbated by huge numbers of staff absences.

So far, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has resisted calls to bring in new restrictions in England – despite moves to do so in many other countries, including in the UK.

The previous record for cases on a Sunday was a week ago, on Boxing Day, when almost 120,000 cases were confirmed.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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