UK daily Covid cases top 50k on two days in a row for the first time in FIVE months with 50,584 new infections

THE daily Covid cases in the UK have topped 50,000 for two days in a row - fir the first time in FIVE months.

There were today 50,584 new cases, after yesterday's infection toll hit 53,945.

There were also 143 more deaths, bringing the total virus deaths since the beginning of the pandemic to 145, 424.

Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have now been 170,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

The daily rates for infection topped 50,000 for the first time since July.

The total number of infections now stands at 10, 379, 658.

It comes as the Omicron variant spreads throughout Britain.

Scientists are already estimating that one in every 300 new cases are caused by the mutant super-strain Omicron, which emerged just last month in South Africa.

There have been 32 confirmed cases of the new variant so far – with 22 in England and 10 in Scotland.

But experts say the true number is likely to be significantly higher.

But Brits were today urged to carry on as normal amid a push to jab Brits for a third time, which is thought to help protect against the variant.

Tory chief Oliver Dowden insisted people must "keep calm and carry on" and it's even all right to snog strangers under the Mistletoe.

Mr Dowden, who is chairman of the Conservatives, today insisted he won't be cancelling the party's festive bash.

He said: "I don't think people should panic and cancel their plans. People can continue with their Christmas plans, I'd encourage people to do so.

"The message to people is keep calm and carry on with your Christmas plans. We've put the necessary restrictions in place."