The average number of coronavirus infections fell below 1,200 a day on Wednesday, continuing the strong downward trend.

The public health agency reported 1,040 new cases, 26 fewer than on Tuesday and 39.3% lower than last Wednesday’s figure. The numbers tend to be higher on Wednesday and Thursday because people are less willing to be tested at the weekend.

In the last seven days an average of 1,179 cases have been confirmed per day, equivalent to the figure on September 15 when fewer tests were available. The positive test rate has declined to 5.1%.

There are currently 605 coronavirus patients in hospital, 40 fewer than on Tuesday, while the number of people being treated in intensive care declined by 11 to 239.

The RIVM also reported another four deaths, bringing its total to 17,719. The statistics agency CBS has concluded on the basis of death certificates that 27,056 people had died from coronavirus infections by the end of February 2021.