More than 7,000 positive coronavirus tests were reported in 24 hours for the first time since July 19, according to latest figures by the public health agency RIVM.

The number of patients in hospital increased by 10 to 859, while 200 people are being treated in intensive care. In the last seven days patient numbers have risen by 32%.

The test positivity rate climbed to 15.7%, close to the peak of 16.7% during the last wave in July that followed the reopening of the nightclubs. The average number of cases per day has risen by 57% in the last week to 5,916.

Another 113 people were admitted to hospital with Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, while 21 patients were transferred to intensive care.

The RIVM also reported another 17 coronavirus-related deaths. The average number of deaths per day has doubled in the last week from six to 12.