Fewer positive coronavirus tests were registered with public health institute RIVM in the 24 hours to Saturday 10am than on Friday, as the number of infections across the country continued to trend downwards.

In total, 6,689 new cases were notified to the RIVM, a drop of almost 600 on Friday’s figure.

The number of people being treated in hospital also fell, declining 61 on Friday’s total. Of them, 602 were in an intensive care ward, one down on the previous 24 hours.  This means more patients are being discharged from hospital than admitted.

On Friday the number of new cases rose by 288, the first rise in positive cases in a week. Last weekend, the total dipped under 10,000 after weeks of steady increases.

The Netherlands introduced a new partial lockdown in mid October, involving the closure of all cafes and bars, and a further reduction in permitted group sizes. Last Wednesday extra measures also came into effect, including the closure of museums, libraries and swimming pools.