A total of 2,136 positive coronavirus tests were reported to public health institute RIVM in the 24 hours to Monday morning, down almost 50% on a week ago.

An average of 3,252 positive tests a day were registered in the past seven days, which is down 43% on the previous week and a further sign that the downward trend is steady.

As expected, however, the number of hospital patients continues to rise. In total, 719 people are now being treated for coronavirus in hospital. Of them, 197 are in an intensive care ward, according to figures from national patient monitor LCPS.

Cases of coronavirus have also been recorded in 148 nursing homes over the past two weeks, compared with 102 in the previous count.

The RIVM will publish its latest weekly update on Tuesday, when the R figure and number of vaccinations will also be updated.