A record day of new infections in the UK, with coronavirus still on the increase in every region of England – putting hospitals and staff under what unions say is “intolerable pressure”.

Nightingale hospitals across England are being made ready for emergency use, though doctors say seriously ill Covid patients would have to stay in intensive care. There are also concerns about delays to the vaccine rollout.

In the last 24 hours, 55,892 new cases were confirmed and a further 964 deaths have sadly been reported, taking the total to 73,512

UK public urged to stay home for New Year’s Eve as Covid hospital patients rise