The 86-year-old man who was diagnosed with coronavirus at the start of the outbreak in the Netherlands has died, health board officials said on Friday.

The man was being treated in quarantine at the Ikazia Ziekenhuis in Rotterdam after his diagnose was confirmed last week. Officials do not yet know how he contracted the virus.

On Thursday the RIVM health board said the number of cases of coronavirus in the Netherlands had more than doubled to 82. The cause of the sharp rise is likely to be a ‘catch up effect’ as people who realise or suspect they may be infected come forward and register, health officials say.

The RIVM says anyone who has been in a high risk area within the last 14 days and who develops breathing problems or a cough should stay home and alert their family doctor.

European health ministers are currently meeting in Brussels to discuss efforts to stem the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, 15 Dutch tourists who had been stranded at a hotel in Tenerife have arrived back in the Netherlands after their quarantine was lifted. All will continue to be monitored for the next two weeks.

Local media also report that two school pupils, one in Amersfoort and one in Haarlem, have been diagnosed with coronavirus, both of whom were on holiday in northern Italy during the winter break.

Most of the Dutch cases can be traced back to Italy, where many families were skiing during half term. Both schools remain open.