Infection numbers in Britain are at present much higher than in other western European countries and have risen more than 60% in the last month.
Government data showed there were 49,156 new cases of coronavirus, the highest daily total since July 17.
Britain lifted the last remaining social distancing restrictions to contain the virus on July 19 when pubs and restaurants were allowed to operate at full capacity and nightclubs reopened their doors.
The number of cases has been steadily rising since schools returned from their summer holidays last month, studies showing infections rising in children even as there has been a fall in prevalence among adults.
However, with over two-thirds of the adult population fully vaccinated, this has so far dramatically reduced the risk of hospitalisation and death.
Overall, Britain has had one of the highest coronavirus death tolls in the world, with more than 138,629 deaths.
