3,497 people have tested positive for coronavirus during the past 24 hours in the highest Saturday rise since May as new cases in the UK continue to soar.

Iran PressEurope: Nine more people have also lost their lives to the deadly bug - as Britain's grim tally rises to 41,623.

Yesterday's rise in new cases was the highest recorded on any day since May 17. The news comes ahead of Monday's stricter lockdown laws, which will see groups limited to just six people.

Officials are reinstating draconian measures amid fears the virus is rising out of control.

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