The Netherlands has postponed a further easing of lockdown measures until at least May 18 as Covid-19 infections remain high and hospitals are struggling with large numbers of coronavirus patients, the government said.

“We are passing the peak of the third wave. But the decline (of the infection rate) is not strong enough yet”, health minister Hugo de Jonge said.

The Netherlands eased its lockdown slightly last week, as a night-time curfew was lifted and bars and restaurants which had remained shut since mid-October were allowed to serve small groups outdoors between noon and 6pm, Reuters reported.

Small audiences have also been allowed to attend concerts, theater shows and soccer matches in recent weeks in an effort to see how events might safely be reopened.