The UK has recorded almost 3,000 new coronavirus cases for the second day running amid a surge in infections. 

Government data published on Monday revealed that 2,948 cases of Covid-19 had been reported in previous 24 hours, suggesting levels of infection are similar to those last seen in May. 

The increase comes the day after the number of positive coronavirus tests in the UK jumped by 2,988 – the biggest daily rise in more than three months.

The figure includes positive results for tests carried out over the last few days.

The seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 in the UK has now risen above 20 cases per 100,000 people.

In the seven days to September 7, the rate stood at 21.3 cases per 100,000, up from 13.9 in the previous week.

A rate of 20 cases per 100,000 or above, if reported in other countries, is the level at which the government considers imposing quarantine conditions on people travelling to the UK. 

On Sunday, health secretary Matt Hancock said he was “concerned” about the surge in cases.  

He warned that affluent young people were among the biggest drivers of the recent surge in cases, saying those aged 17 to 21 accounted for a large number of positive Covid-19 tests. 

Urging the public to follow social distancing rules, he told BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat on Monday: “Don’t kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on.”

His words echoed the “Don’t Kill Granny” slogan rolled out last month by Preston City Council. Grandmothers in the city told HuffPost UK they were supportive of the catchphrase.

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However, while cases of Covid-19 are on the rise, deaths from the infection remain low. 

On Monday, the deaths of three people were announced, bringing the UK total to 41,554. 

The number of people in hospital with coronavirus has also remained low, figures show.