Friday's developments came after
Boris Johnson warned earlier this week that the UK was at a "critical moment" in the battle with coronavirus.
The Prime Minister used a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday to urge people to follow rules aimed at curbing the spread of the virus and demonstrate "forbearance, common sense and a willingness to make sacrifices for the safety of others".
He warned that if the evidence required it "we will not hesitate to take further measures" that would "be more costly than the ones we have put into effect now".
"But if we put in the work together now, then we give ourselves the best possible chance of avoiding that outcome and avoiding further measures," he said.
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty meanwhile said the number of people in hospital was rising, particularly in hotspots, although the figures remained at a much lower level than the beginning of April.
"We are pointing out that the direction of travel for both hospitals and intensive care is going in the wrong direction, particularly in these areas that have seen rapid increases in cases," he said.
In a stark warning, Prof Whitty added: "We have got a long winter ahead of us".