Covid-19 cases remain high across Dorset, but have slightly decreased in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch (BCP) Council area.

Public Health Dorset reports that there are 1,151 confirmed cases in the last seven days in the Dorset Council area, compared to 1,071 on August 6, and 1,915 in the BCP Council area, compared to 2,025 on August 6.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 of the population in the Dorset Council area is 303.1, compared to 282 on August 6, and 482.4 in the BCP, compared to 510.1 on August 6.

There are currently 37 people with Covid-19 in hospital in Dorset, compared to 42 on August 6.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: ""Covid-19 case rates remain high across Dorset. We have seen a small decrease in the case rate for BCP Council since last week, but it remains significantly above the averages for the South West and England. Dorset Council's case rate has continued to increase and is similar to the average rate for England.

"The number of people in hospital in Dorset with Covid-19 is lower than last week, although we do see day-to-day fluctuations due to admissions and discharges, so we will continue to monitor the overall trend closely. Sadly, we are seeing a small number of weekly deaths due to Covid-19, although deaths remain at much lower levels than in previous waves of the pandemic.

"Cases continue to be highest amongst the younger population in Dorset, many of whom are not yet fully vaccinated, but we are seeing cases across all age groups.

"Although restrictions have been lifted, high local case rates are a reminder that we are still living with Covid-19 and we all need to continue to consider the risks. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from becoming seriously ill, but there's still a chance you could catch or spread Covid-19 even if you're fully vaccinated. That's why it's important to test regularly and minimise the risk of transmission by meeting outdoors, letting fresh air in, wearing a face covering in crowded spaces and minimising contact where possible.

"If you develop any symptoms of Covid-19 you should get a PCR test, even if you think your symptoms are mild. You must self-isolate whilst you wait for the result, and continue to self-isolate if the result is positive. Guidance on self-isolation for close contacts of positive cases is changing from Monday 16 August, with exemptions for people who are double-jabbed and those under the age of 18 who will instead be asked to take a PCR test."

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