The number of positive coronavirus tests registered with public health institute RIVM continues to trend downwards, with 1,607 new cases reported in the 24 hours to Thursday morning.

The figure, down 163 on Wednesday’s total, takes the average number of cases over the past seven days to 1772, 37% below the total a week ago.

Wednesday and Thursday traditionally have the highest number of positive tests in a week, because of the lag in testing at the weekend.

Coronavirus patients also continue to take up fewer hospital beds. There are now 783 people in hospital with coronavirus, down almost 50 on Wednesday’s total. Of them, 297 are in intensive care.

Meanwhile, the number of doses of vaccine given has risen to 11.3 million. People born in 1989 are now being asked to make an appointment to be vaccinated.