Another 4,217 coronavirus infections were reported by the public health agency RIVM on Monday, taking the seven-day average figure above 4,000 for the first time since February 2.

In the last seven days the number of positive tests has increased by 23.8%, but the proportion of tests that detect an infection has dropped below 10% for the first time since September.

Testing numbers were reduced in the last two weeks because of the severe winter weather, which led to facilities being closed and people deciding to stay home rather than report for a test. The backlog has now been cleared and testing levels are back to normal, the network of local health boards told nu.nl.

Another 4,217 coronavirus cases were reported by the public health agency RIVM on Monday, taking the seven-day average figure above 4,000 for the first time since February 2.

The number of people in hospital with coronavirus rose from 1849 to 1908 on Monday, while 561 people are currently being treated in intensive care, a rise of 27. The number of new hospital admissions increased from 126 on Sunday to 135.

Another 32 deaths from coronavirus were recorded, while the weekly average was 59. The figure has levelled off around the 60 mark for the last two weeks.

Infections in nursing homes are still declining, with 461 institutions reporting a case in the last two weeks compared to 494 a week ago.