| UPDATED: 17:17, Fri, Jan 1, 2021 Link copied Coronavirus: Spread of COVID-19 variants discussed by expert Sign up to receive our rundown of the day's top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. The Department for Health has confirmed a further 53,285 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported with another 613 deaths. The number of positive cases is slightly below the 55,892 recorded on Thursday.