Positive coronavirus tests in the Netherlands increased for the fifth day in a row to 1,545, more than 300 higher than Sunday’s figure.

The seven-day average, which was around 600 in the middle of last week, was up to 979 on Monday, according to the RIVM’s corona dashboard.

Cases have been rising steeply since the start of the month, partly as a result of ‘test for entry’ positives being included in the system. Monday’s case total was 178% higher than the figure recorded a week ago.

The tests were introduced as a pre-condition of reopening nightclubs and other venues where social distancing rules and masks do not apply.

But the positive test rate, which does not include ‘test for entry’ cases, also went up to 4.9%, well above the seven-day average of 4.1%, which is also rising.

Another 11 patients were recorded as being in hospital, bringing the number up to 236, of whom 110 are being treated in intensive care. Hospital numbers tend to increase at the start of the week because patients are less likely to be discharged over the weekend.