A total of 2,718 positive coronavirus tests were registered with public health institute RIVM in the 24 hours to Friday morning.

This is above the weekly average of 2,338 but the figures have been distorted by computer problems all week, and the true picture is difficult to establish. Last Friday there were more than 2,900 positive tests.

Regional health organsation GGD GHOR said the disruption is due to system updates, which are taking longer than planned in some cases, broadcaster NOS reported.

Meanwhile, the number of hospital patients with coronavirus has been going down slowly for the past four days. In total, 196 coronavirus patients are currently being treated in intensive care and 450 are in ordinary wards. This is the lowest number in two weeks, according to the national patient coordination agency LCPS.

Over the past seven days, 565 people have been admitted to hospital with the virus, or an average of 81 a day. That, officials say, is the lowest level in three weeks.

Prime minister Mark Rutte and health minister Hugo de Jonge will announce on Friday evening what further coronavirus measures, if any, are to be relaxed from later this month.