Another 7,134 positive tests for coronavirus were reported on Monday, the first time since November 6 that the number has been above the 7,000 mark.

The average number of cases in the last seven days has risen to 5,840, 22% higher than a week ago. Ministers will announce on Tuesday what measures will be in place over the Christmas holiday, but after six straight days of increases there is little scope to relax the current partial lockdown.

The number of patients being treated in hospital for Covid-19 increased for the fourth straight day to 1,660, 19 more than on Sunday. There are currently 470 coronavirus patients in intensive care, an increase of one.

Another 19 coronavirus deaths were recorded on Monday, below the weekly average of 47, while positive tests have been recorded during the last 14 days in 571 nursing homes, which is also below the average figure of 610.

A secondary school in Overijssel told its 1,400 pupils to study from home until the Christmas holidays after several pupils and teachers tested positive for the virus, RTV Oost reported.

The Carmel College Salland in Raalte has closed its campus to all VWO and Havo students – those preparing for university and technical college – but not the VMBO building, where infection levels are lower.