The number of COVID patients in hospital has fallen to 505 – a drop of 31 on yesterday.

It marks a 12.7% drop on the 579 recorded last Tuesday and a 20.8% drop on 638 recorded the week before.

Meanwhile, there were 110 COVID patients in intensive care this morning.

That is 12 fewer than this day last week and 20 fewer than two weeks ago.

It comes as a range of new restrictions come into force today.

Nightclubs are no longer permitted to open and bars and restaurants must close their doors by midnight each night.

Hospitality venues are now allowed to seat a maximum of six people per table, with table service only. Strict social distancing must also be observed by customers.

Meanwhile, no more than four households – including the host – should gather in private homes over the coming weeks.

The restrictions recognise that some flexibility will be needed over Christmas.

People also now need a COVID cert to enter gyms, leisure centres, cinemas and theatres.