There have been coronavirus infections at 342 of the 648 Dutch secondary schools since August, according to research by Nieuwsuur and BD Dataplan. The figure is based on an analysis of public information and school communications.

Of the 342 schools, 44 had more than 10 cases of coronavirus and seven schools so far have closed for a time because of the outbreak.

How are Dutch schools dealing with Covid?

Schools in the north reopen next week after the autumn half term holidays, and a week later in the rest of the country.

The impact of coronavirus in schools is leading to more lessons being cancelled and pupils being sent home, according to teaching union CNV Onderwijs. But despite the problems, most teachers are keen to continue with physical lessons, the union said.

While the new lockdown included the closure of cafes and bars, and further restrictions on group sizes, schools were not affected. This, said prime minister Mark Rutte at the press conference, is because they are too important to close.