Broadcaster NOS is reporting that the deadline for further relaxing the coronavirus rules in the Netherlands may be brought forward four days to June 26.

If true, private households would be able to welcome up to eight guests from that date, restaurants can fill more tables and amateur sports competitions can resume. Cafes and bars would also be open to midnight and clubs can reopen – as long as guess have a negative coronavirus test.

Basic social distancing rules will remain in place, although some ministers are keen to see the use of face masks end, NOS said.

The cabinet had originally planned to take the fourth step in its five step plan to reopen society on July 21 but brought it forward to June 30 because infection rates are dropping more quickly than expected.

The government is due to take a decision on bringing the date forward at Friday’s cabinet meeting and there may be a press conference with prime minister Mark Rutte and health minister Hugo de Jonge in the evening, NOS said.