The UK has recorded more than 6,000 new cases of coronavirus for the first time since the start of May. 

Government data published on Wednesday showed an increase of 6,178 cases over the previous 24 hours. 

The last time more than 6,000 cases were reported was on May 6. 

Wednesday’s figures represent the biggest jump in Covid-19 cases since May 1, when the UK recorded 6,201 new infections.

The landmark number of cases comes the day after Boris Johnson warned Brits that the UK “could still be forced into a new national lockdown”. 

The prime minister announced a series of new rules for England on Tuesday, including a 10pm curfew for bars and restaurants and higher fines for failing to wear a face mask. 

The military could also be deployed to help the police enforce coronavirus restrictions, Johnson told the Commons. 

The Covid-19 deaths of another 37 people were also recorded on Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, figures show that the number of coronavirus patients on ventilators has crept above 200 for the first time since the start of July, with 211 people in mechanical ventilation beds on Tuesday. 

The overall number of coronavirus patients is also on the increase, with the figure reaching 1,469 on Monday.