Another 6,914 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the UK over the last day - a fall of 194 on yesterday.
The government also said a further 59 people who tested positive for COVID-19had died, taking the total to 42,202.
Seventy-one coronavirus-related deaths were recorded on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
The death figures record people who died within 28 days of their first positive test, but COVID-19 may not be the actual cause of death in all cases.
Today's positive test figure is 280 more than last Thursday.
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The figures also show that as of Tuesday, there are 2,276 COVID-19 patients in hospital, and 332 people suffering with coronavirus on a ventilator as of Wednesday.
UK infections are still much lower than the peak of the pandemic when some experts, including chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, suggest there were around 100,000 new daily cases.
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Only a fraction of the true number of cases are believed to have been picked up as testing was not being done in the community, as it is now.
It comes as new postcode-lockdowns have been announced in Liverpool, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.
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Hancock announces tighter local restrictions
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the measures were needed because "in some parts of the country, the virus is spreading fast", with cases increasing to 268 per 100,000 people in Liverpool.
He said the spikes were "highly localised" and that recent actions are having a "positive impact".
"What we're doing to respond to these awful circumstances is starting to work, so don't let up," he said in a Commons statement.
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Middlesborough Mayor: 'They are unacceptable'
The government also announced that six new areas in England have been added to the coronavirus watchlist, including Wakefield, Rotherham and Luton.
In other announcements, Turkey and Poland have been removed as travel corridors for England, meaning travellers arriving from the 4 October from those countries must self-isolate for 14 days.
Yesterday, during a news conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people to continue following coronavirus rules amid an "uptick" in hospitalisations for the virus.
Tougher coronavirus restrictions are being imposed on four new areas - but one mayor says they are "damaging" and he will not accept them.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has urged residents in the Liverpool city region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough not to socially mix with those from other households - except in outdoor spaces like parks and outdoor hospitality settings.
And he asked them to avoid "all but essential travel" - meaning people can still go to work and school.
The changes will come into effect from 12:01am on Saturday.
Mr Hancock said the measures are needed because "in some parts of the country, the virus is spreading fast", with cases shooting up to 268 per 100,000 people in Liverpool.
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Image:Liverpool has seen cases rise to 268 per 100,000 people
But the second spike in COVID-19 cases is "highly localised", he claimed, adding recent actions are having a "positive impact".
"What we're doing to respond to these awful circumstances is starting to work, so don't let up," he said in a Commons statement on Thursday.
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"Let's all of us keep doing our bit and one day, over this virus, we will prevail."
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Hancock announces tighter local restrictions
Steve Rotheram, the metro mayor for the Liverpool City Region, said the measures are a "step in the right direction" but added he was unsure "whether they are enough".
He called on the government to publish its scientific evidence and provide "substantial" economic support for already-struggling firms.
But the restrictions were branded "unacceptable" by Andy Preston, the independent mayor of Middlesbrough.
He told Sky News "we went to the government with fantastic, intelligent, pragmatic proposals" about how to stem the spread of coronavirus, but "we weren't listened to" and "what's been put to us now is unacceptable".
"Obviously if there is a law then I will follow the law and nobody should break the law," he said.
"But as things stand, I do not accept these proposals - they are unnecessary, they go too far, they'll damage mental health and they'll kill viable jobs."
Mr Preston added it was "madness and completely unnecessary" to stop people from different households having distanced meet-ups in COVID-secure cafes that would be "pushed out of business", leading to job losses, under the government's orders.
"We're not soft on COVID here, we're strong on COVID - but we need to find a way of living with it, working with it and saving jobs," he said.
Labour's shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth earlier suggested the local lockdown approach is not working.
He said many regions subject to them are seeing cases rise not fall, so asked: "Why are the moles not getting whacked?"
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman has denied he ignores local leaders.
"Our approach in tackling the second wave of the virus is suppressing the spread of the virus while keeping the economy as open as possible," he said.
Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has appeared to challenge the 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants - after multiple reports of people spilling out of venues at the same time.
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Londoners ignore curfew in Leicester Square
"We are supporting the package the Government has put in," he said. "But I think [Manchester mayor] Andy Burnham in particular has questioned whether the 10pm curfew is working as intended.
"He has pointed, understandably, to lots of people coming out of venues at the same time.
"I suggest it might be a good idea for the government to reflect on what Andy Burnham is saying and ask themselves the question whether that should stay in place."
At least 16 million people are now living under some form of enhanced restriction, on top of the national measures in place across the UK.
Mr Hancock said he wanted the rules to stay in place for "as short a time as possible" and also "recommended against all social mixing between households".
People should also:
Not attend amateur sports events as spectators
Only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances
People should not travel unless it is essential - for example to school and work
Mr Hancock told the House of Commons: "Earlier this week we brought in further measures in the north-east, however in parts of Teesside and the north-west of England cases continue to rise fast."
Rule changes 'necessary'
He said "together we need to act" as the number of cases in Liverpool is 268 per 100,000 population.
"Working with council leaders and the mayors, I'm today extending these measures that have been in the north-east since the start of this week to the Liverpool City Region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough."
Mr Preston tweeted he did not accept the new rules and described them as "unacceptable" and based on a "monstrous lack of communication and ignorance".
He said: "We tried to communicate with the government but they didn't listen.
"They're imposing restrictions that [will] kill viable jobs and damage mental health."
Households were also advised not to mix in public places but that was not enforceable by law.
'Highly localised'
It will now be illegal to mix indoors anywhere but there is also a recommendation not to mix outside, in beer gardens or parks.
Hartlepool and Middlesbrough previously had no additional restrictions apart from national measures.
"I know individual rules are challenging but they are necessary and there are early signs they are working," Mr Hancock added.
Mr Hancock told MPs we must not "let up" but there was "small hope" given by a study from Imperial College which suggested the R number may be falling.
"I put it no stronger than that. Cases are still rising. However, as the chief medical officer set out yesterday this second peak is highly localised and in some parts of the country the virus is spreading fast."
Mr Hancock said £7m funding would be provided to support areas affected.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson told BBC Radio Merseyside: "It's a strange one because it seems to be a halfway house.
"The infection rate is basically out of control…the businesses, the bars, the hotels, the restaurants, those are the people that are employed by the hospitality sector. Thousands of them are going to close and potentially won't come back."
He said funding announced was a "drop in the ocean" and he was "deeply, deeply worried" about businesses.
One of the strange things with the first wave in the UK was that the virus seemed to seed everywhere.
In other countries, Spain and Italy for example, it was much more localised with the virus highly concentrated in a few towns and cities.
But as the second wave rolls out, a clear pattern is emerging with marked peaks in a number of north-west and north-east areas.
It was a point made at the televised briefing on Wednesday with chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty saying the UK may have quite a different spread this time round.
The situation could easily change. Other areas may see sharp rises in the coming weeks - although the evidence at the moment suggests a more gradual increase.
The big unknown is why this is happening. Certainly there were higher levels of infection in the north when lockdown lifted, making it easier for the virus to take off.
There are a number of other theories - from the socialising habits of young people to the high concentration of densely-populated housing.
Whatever the cause, the high rates of infection and climbing hospital admissions in these areas is the issue that is causing ministers and their officials most concern at the moment.
Leader of Knowsley Council councillor Graham Morgan tweeted he was "concerned" the further restrictions "won't be enough to stop the spread of the virus here".
"We're at a critical point and need swift, effective solutions to protect our residents."
Steve Rotherham, metro mayor of Liverpool City Region, said he wanted to know the exit strategy for these restrictions.
He said: "It's a bit like the Hotel California- you can check out but you can never leave. Other areas have gone into restrictions and months later they are still there. We can't afford that."
Marie Rimmer, Labour MP for St Helens South & Whiston said she welcomed measures that would "help to keep all of us safe" but with each new set of restrictions, things were "getting more confusing and more difficult".
The strain it is taking on mental health alone cannot be underestimated, she said.
Mr Hancock also said Bolton would be "brought in line" with the rest of Greater Manchester.
This means easing restrictions which reduced all pubs and restaurants in the town to takeaway only.
There would be no other changes to restrictions elsewhere, including West Yorkshire, Midlands, North East and other parts of Greater Manchester, he said.
Are you in one of the regions? What will stricter measures mean for you? Emailhaveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Or use this form to get in touch:
If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your comment or send it via email to HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any comment you send in.
A ban on different households meeting will be introduced amid further restrictions for the north of England after a spike in coronavirus cases.
It will be illegal to meet indoors in places such as pubs and restaurants in the Liverpool City Region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs he wanted the rules to stay in place for "as short a time as possible".
He also "recommended against all social mixing between households".
People should also:
Not attend amateur sports events as spectators
Only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances
Adhere to guidance against all but essential travel, including school and work
Mr Hancock told the House of Commons: "Earlier this week we brought in further measures in the north-east, however in parts of Teesside and the north-west of England cases continue to rise fast."
Rule changes 'necessary'
He said "together we need to act" as the number of cases in Liverpool is 268 per 100,000 population.
"Working with council leaders and the mayors, I'm today extending these measures that have been in the north-east since the start of this week to the Liverpool City Region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough."
Mayor of Middlesbrough Andy Preston tweeted he did not accept the new rules and described them as "unacceptable" and based on "ignorance".
He said: "We tried to communicate with the government but they didn't listen.
"They're imposing restrictions that [will] kill viable jobs and damage mental health."
Households were also advised not to mix in public places but that was not enforceable by law.
'Highly localised'
It will now be illegal to mix indoors anywhere but there is also a recommendation not to mix outside, in beer gardens or parks.
Hartlepool and Middlesbrough previously had no additional restrictions apart from national measures.
"I know individual rules are challenging but they are necessary and there are early signs they are working," Mr Hancock added.
Mr Hancock told MPs we must not "let up" but there was "small hope" given by a study from Imperial College which suggested the R number may be falling.
"I put it no stronger than that. Cases are still rising. However, as the chief medical officer set out yesterday this second peak is highly localised and in some parts of the country the virus is spreading fast."
Mr Hancock said £7m funding would be provided to support areas affected.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson told BBC Radio Merseyside: "It's a strange one because it seems to be a halfway house.
"The infection rate is basically out of control…the businesses, the bars, the hotels, the restaurants, those are the people that are employed by the hospitality sector. Thousands of them are going to close and potentially won't come back."
He said funding announced was a "drop in the ocean" and he was "deeply, deeply worried" about businesses.
Nick Triggle, BBC Health correspondent
One of the strange things with the first wave in the UK was that the virus seemed to seed everywhere.
In other countries, Spain and Italy for example, it was much more localised with the virus highly concentrated in a few towns and cities.
But as the second wave rolls out, a clear pattern is emerging with marked peaks in a number of north-west and north-east areas.
It was a point made at the televised briefing on Wednesday with chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty saying the UK may have quite a different spread this time round.
The situation could easily change. Other areas may see sharp rises in the coming weeks - although the evidence at the moment suggests a more gradual increase.
The big unknown is why this is happening. Certainly there were higher levels of infection in the north when lockdown lifted, making it easier for the virus to take off.
There are a number of other theories - from the socialising habits of young people to the high concentration of densely-populated housing.
Whatever the cause, the high rates of infection and climbing hospital admissions in these areas is the issue that is causing ministers and their officials most concern at the moment.
Leader of Knowsley Council councillor Graham Morgan tweeted he was "concerned" the further restrictions "won't be enough to stop the spread of the virus here".
"We're at a critical point and need swift, effective solutions to protect our residents."
Mr Hancock also said Bolton would be "brought in line" with the rest of Greater Manchester.
This means easing restrictions which reduced all pubs and restaurants in the town to takeaway only.
There would be no other changes to restrictions elsewhere, including West Yorkshire, Midlands, North East and other parts of Greater Manchester, he said.
Are you in one of the regions? What will stricter measures mean for you? Emailhaveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Or use this form to get in touch:
If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your comment or send it via email to HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any comment you send in.
A ban on different households meeting will be introduced amid further restrictions for the north of England after a spike in coronavirus cases.
It will be illegal to meet in settings, such as pubs and restaurants, in the Liverpool City Region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs he wanted the rules to stay in place for "as short a time as possible".
He also "recommended against all social mixing between households".
People should also:
Not attend amateur sports events as spectators
Only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances
Adhere to guidance against all but essential travel
Mr Hancock told the House of Commons: "Earlier this week we brought in further measures in the north-east, however in parts of Teesside and the north-west of England cases continue to rise fast."
Rule changes 'necessary'
He said "together we need to act" as the number of cases in Liverpool is 268 per 100,000 population.
"Working with council leaders and the mayors, I'm today extending these measures that have been in the north-east since the start of this week to the Liverpool City Region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough."
Mayor of Middlesbrough Andy Preston tweeted the new rules, which he did not accept, were "unacceptable" and based on "ignorance".
He said: "We tried to communicate with the government but they didn't listen.
"They're imposing restrictions that [will] kill viable jobs and damage mental health."
Mr Hancock said £7m funding would be provided to support areas affected.
"I know individual rules are challenging but they are necessary and there are early signs they are working," Mr Hancock added.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson told BBC Radio Merseyside: "It's a strange one because it seems to be a halfway house.
"The infection rate is basically out of control…the businesses, the bars, the hotels, the restaurants, those are the people that are employed by the hospitality sector. Thousands of them are going to close and potentially won't come back."
He said funding announced was a "drop in the ocean" and he was "deeply, deeply worried" about businesses.
Nick Triggle, BBC Health correspondent
One of the strange things with the first wave in the UK was that the virus seemed to seed everywhere.
In other countries, Spain and Italy for example, it was much more localised with the virus highly concentrated in a few towns and cities.
But as the second wave rolls out, a clear pattern is emerging with marked peaks in a number of north-west and north-east areas.
It was a point made at the televised briefing on Wednesday with chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty saying the UK may have quite a different spread this time round.
The situation could easily change. Other areas may see sharp rises in the coming weeks - although the evidence at the moment suggests a more gradual increase.
The big unknown is why this is happening. Certainly there were higher levels of infection in the north when lockdown lifted, making it easier for the virus to take off.
There are a number of other theories - from the socialising habits of young people to the high concentration of densely-populated housing.
Whatever the cause, the high rates of infection and climbing hospital admissions in these areas is the issue that is causing ministers and their officials most concern at the moment.
Are you in one of the regions? What will stricter measures mean for you? Emailhaveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Or use this form to get in touch:
If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your comment or send it via email to HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any comment you send in.
