57,725 New Coronavirus Cases In A Single Day

The UK recorded 57,725 COVID-19 cases making it the highest ever daily total.

Yvonne Doyle, the medical director for Public Health England, said: “These numbers are a stark reminder that, as we leave 2020 behind, we are not yet of of the woods – transmission is very high and many lives are still tragically being lost.”

The UK has been in a de facto national lockdown since last week with most parts of the country placed into Tier 4. Schools however are set to reopen next week much to the dismay of teaching unions.

NASUWT called for immediate nationwide move to remote education” as the “only sensible and credible option” to minimise risk.

Most primary schools in England are expected to open on Monday while secondary schools will reopen on a staggered basis. Students in exam years will return on 11 January the week after.