Dorset has seen sharp increases in COVID-19 cases over the past week, in line with the South West and national picture.

According to figures released on October 22, confirmed cases in the Dorset Council area have risen from 1,323 to 1,956, and the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) area saw an increase from 1,061 to 1,621.

This means the current case rate per 100,000 people is 515.0 in the Dorset Council area, up from 348.3, and 408.3 in the BCP area, compared to 267.3 last week.

This compares to the current national average case rate of 465.

The number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals across Dorset has also jumped from 39 to 53.

A spokesperson for Public Health Dorset said: "We have seen significant increases in COVID-19 cases across the county this week.

"Both the Dorset Council and BCP Council areas have seen sharp rises along with the wider South West region.

"Hospitalisations have also increased by a third over the past week. Case rates are highest amongst school-aged children, but we are seeing cases rise in all age groups."

As a result of the increases, Public Health Dorset is asking residents to take the following advice:

KNOW their level of risk has changed as a result of rising cases, and there will be an increased chance of mixing with someone who is infectious.

ACT by taking measures to prevent airborne spread, this includes choosing to meet outdoors wherever possible and when indoors keep doors and windows open and maintain space between yourself and others.

PROTECT by testing regularly to check you're not unknowingly infectious and getting vaccinated if you haven't already done so.

Hear more about the local situation from Sam Crowe, director of Public Health for Dorset Council and BCP Council in the video below:

Directors of Public Health in the South West have also taken the step of writing to schools to provide guidance around some additional measures to prevent the spread of the virus in schools, including ensuring good ventilation, reducing mixing and large gatherings, and wearing face coverings when moving around in indoor spaces.

COVID cases in the Dorchester area

Coronavirus cases have also increased across the Dorchester area, except in Dorchester East, according to the latest figures.

In the seven-day period up until October 19, there were 56 confirmed cases in Dorchester West & Poundbury, an increase of 15 on the previous week and resulting in a case rate per 100,000 people of 443.0 – a little below the national average of 465.

But Dorchester East saw cases drop by 24 – 22 less than the previous week – and it now has a case rate of 268.5 per 100,000.

The surrounding areas of Charlton Down, Cerne Abbas & Puddletown had 105 confirmed cases (increase of 38), and Owermoigne, Broadmayne & Winterbourne had 65 (increase of 17).

You can find out more details on COVID case numbers in your local area at coronavirus.data.gov.uk