Another 2,794 coronavirus cases were reported on Wednesday by the public health agency RIVM, taking the seven-day average to its lowest level since October 3.

On average 3,351 cases were recorded per day in the last week, a 28.2% decline from the previous week’s figures.

The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital fell by 63 to 1,618, of whom 559 are in intensive care, 20 fewer than on Tuesday. In the last week an average of 116 people have been admitted to hospital with coronavirus, including 26 in intensive care.

Another 10 deaths were recorded on Wednesday, against an average for the last seven days of 13. The number of nursing homes reporting new infections in the last 14 days has fallen in the last week from 134 to 106.

More than 8.6 million vaccine doses have now been given, with almost 35% of the population estimated to have received their first dose and 13.5% fully vaccinated.

People born in 1971 who are not on the priority list have been able to book a vaccine appointment online since Wednesday morning and will start receiving their invitations in the post at the end of the week, health minister Hugo de Jonge said.

Vanaf vandaag komen de eerste veertigers aan de beurt voor vaccinatie. Iedereen die geboren is in 1971 kan nu een prikafspraak maken. Dus zegt het voort! 👉 https://t.co/Gymdf4GlTA pic.twitter.com/XMijDMcbrT

— Hugo de Jonge (@hugodejonge) May 26, 2021

De Jonge also said all the indications were that the next stage of the government’s reopening plan could go ahead on June 5. Museums, theatres and cinemas will then be able to take time-slot bookings and restaurants can serve up to 30 customers indoors.

The maximum number of house guests will be raised from two to four and bars could also be opened on a limited basis, NOS reported. The details will be confirmed after Friday’s cabinet meeting.