More than 10,000 new coronavirus cases were reported on Wednesday, but the seven-day average figure dropped slightly for the first time in more than three weeks, according to latest figures from the RIVM.

The daily figure of 10,447 was 6.5% lower than a week ago, when the numbers were inflated by the inclusion of around 6,000 positive tests that were delayed by data processing problems.

In the last seven days an average of 11,652 cases have been recorded per day, representing an increase of 31.5% compared to a week earlier, indicating that the rapid rise in cases since the start of December is beginning to slow down.

The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital is unchanged from Tuesday at 2,289, but the number being treated in intensive care increased by 17 to 603.

Another 106 deaths related to coronavirus were recorded, well above the average for the past week of 71, while the virus continues to spread through nursing homes. In the last two weeks positive cases have been recorded in 718 care homes, compared to 614 a week ago.