Britain reported another day of record Covid-19 cases, with new estimates showing swathes of London's population are carrying the virus, underlining the relentless advance of the Omicron variant.

Omicron's rapid spread has driven a surge in cases over the last seven days, especially in the capital.

Around 1 in 20 Londoners likely had Covid-19 on Dec 16 and early estimates — which could yet be revised — suggest this may have risen to 1 in 10 on Sunday, models from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed.

Many industries and transport networks are struggling with staff shortages as sick workers self-isolate, while hospitals in Britain have warned of the risk of an impact on patient safety.