The number of coronavirus patients in hospital passed the 700 mark for the first time in two weeks as the decline in infections continues to slow down.

Another 2,275 positive tests were recorded in the last 24 hours by the public health agency RIVM, 12.3% more than last Monday’s figure.

In the last seven days cases have declined by 7.4%, compared to a drop of 17% drop a week ago and 44% the week before. The positive test rate climbed to 14.3%, its highest level since July 22.

There are currently 703 people being treated in hospital for Covid-19, 33 more than on Sunday, while the number of intensive care patients was 199, a decrease of one.

An average of six deaths from coronavirus a day were reported in the last week, while 171 nursing homes recorded at least one infection in the last two weeks, up from 163 a week ago.