LIVE updates as UK records 35,928 positive coronavirus cases

Government figures released on Sunday, December 20 confirmed that 35,928 new positive tests for coronavirus were reported – with Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England, saying the “sharp and sudden increase” is of serious concern.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that new Tier 4 restrictions – which order people to stay at home in areas with rapidly rising levels of Covid-19 infections – would come into play across large parts of South East England, while the Christmas bubble rules set out for the rest of the country would also be changing.

Up to three households may still form a Christmas bubble outside Tier 4 areas, but can only now meet on Christmas Day (December 25) instead of over a five-day period from December 23.

He made the announcements on Saturday.