For the second day in a row the number of positive coronavirus tests in the Netherlands has risen sharply, reaching 962 in the 24 hours to Friday morning, according to new figures from public health institute RIVM.

On Thursday 845 cases were reported, the highest figure in two weeks and 200 more than Wednesday. Last Friday, 648 new cases were reported.

The increases mean that over the past week the RIVM has received an average of 659 positive tests a day, barely changed from the 670 recorded a week ago.

In addition, half the coronavirus cases currently reported in the Netherlands are now thought to be down to the fast-moving Delta variant.

Two weeks ago, the Delta variant was found in 17% of positive tests sampled by the RIVM, broadcaster NOS reported.

‘We have to look at how the number of infections develops,’ RIVM spokesman Harald Wychers said.

‘Our model is based on hospital admissions where the trend is favourable. In addition, there have been a tremendous number of infections,’ he said. ‘Things look calm for the summer for the time being.’

Hospital admissions have fallen again and there are now 248 people in hospital, of whom 108 are in an intensive care ward.

Over 16 million doses of vaccine have now been administered in the Netherlands.