Cases continue to increase across Dorset but remain lower than the England average.

Public Health Dorset reports there are 365 confirmed cases in the Dorset Council area, compared to 262 on July 2, and 936 cases in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 584 on July 2.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 of the population in the Dorset Council area is 96.4, compared to 69.2 on July 2, and 236.8 in the BCP Council area, compared to 584 on July 2.

There are currently 14 people in Dorset hospitals with Covid-19, compared to 9 on July 2.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "As cases continue to rise nationally, we have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases over the past week across Dorset. Dorset Council's case rate remains below the averages for the South West and England. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council's case rate is higher that the South West average but below the England average.

"Hospitalisations have increased over the past few weeks but the number of people requiring hospital treatment for COVID-19 remains at a much lower level compared to when we were experiencing similar case rates in previous waves. This shows that the vaccination programme is having a significant impact on the number of people becoming seriously unwell. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and all adults can get their vaccine now.

"The Government has set out plans for step four of the roadmap and the lifting of remaining restrictions. The final decision on whether this will go ahead on July 19 will be made by the government on Monday, July 12. For now, you must continue to follow the existing rules like the rule of six indoors and wearing a face covering in indoor settings."

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