The number of positive coronavirus tests in the Netherlands surged upward on Thursday, the eighth day in nine that the number of infections has risen.

In total, 8,793 positive tests were registered with the public health institute RIVM in the 24 hours to Thursday morning, up over 2,200 on Wednesday’s figure.

The RIVM said there are no technical reasons, such as a computer error, to explain the spike, as has happened in the past.

A spokesman told broadcaster NOS a relatively large number of tests were carried out and the percentage of positive tests remains unchanged. Nevertheless, ‘it is a worrying total’, the spokesman said.

Prime minister Mark Rutte has warned that tougher measures to control the virus are on the cards unless the number of infections comes down.

There was also a marginal increase in the number of new admissions to hospital, but fewer people were transferred to intensive care wards. In total, 1,648 are being treated in hospital for coronavirus, of whom 469 are in IC. More patients are still being discharged than admitted.

The head of the national acute care network, Ernst Kuipers said earlier this week he expected the numbers to rise over the Christmas period. ‘That means a heavy workload for hospital staff over the holidays,’ he said.