The UK’s daily coronavirus death toll has exceeded 600 for the first time since May.
On Tuesday, the deaths of 608 people were reported by the government, with 535 in England, 41 in Scotland, 21 in Wales and 11 in Northern Ireland.
It means the UK’s Covid-19 death toll now stands at 55,838 – the fifth highest in the world.
Due to weekend delays in reporting coronavirus cases and deaths, the daily death toll usually peaks on a Tuesday – but the figure recorded this week is the highest since May 12.
The government also reported 11,299 new infections on Tuesday, with official figures showing there were 1,487 coronavirus patients on ventilators as of November 23.
On Monday, prime minister Boris Johnson laid out plans for what restrictions will look like on December 2 when England’s lockdown ends, with a reinforced three tier system of rules set to be put back in place.
It came as the Oxford University and AstraZeneca vaccine trial reported efficacy rates of as high as 90% for its jab.
Meanwhile, both Pfizer and biotech company Moderna have said their vaccines offer around 95% protection.
But ministers and health experts have warned that it could still be some time before restrictions are able to be completely lifted.