Coronavirus cases continue to rise across Dorset, although the rate of increase has slowed in some areas.

Public Health Dorset reports there are 581 confirmed cases in the Dorset Council area, compared to 365 on July 9, and 979 cases in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 936 on July 9.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 of the population in the Dorset Council Area is 153.4, compared to 96.4 on July 9, and 247.6 in the BCP Council area, compared to 236.8 on July 9.

There are currently 17 people in Dorset hospital beds with Covid-19, compared to 14 on July 9.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "Cases of Covid-19 continue to rise across the county, although the rate of increase in the BCP Council area has slowed with a smaller increase that we have seen in recent weeks. Case rates in both the Dorset Council and BCP Council areas are below the average rates for the South West and England. We are seeing cases increase across all age groups, but the majority of infections continue to be amongst younger people.

"Restrictions will be lifted on July 19 but this does not mean that the pandemic is over, and the recent rise in cases locally is a reminder of that. With Covid-19 circulating in our communities, getting vaccinated is the best way you can protect yourself from serious illness caused by the virus. Everyone can access free rapid tests and by doing these twice a week you can also protect people around you by regularly checking you aren't infectious.

"The risks from Covid-19 have not disappeared so it's important to consider situations carefully and make informed choices about the things we can all do to keep ourselves and others safe. Hands, face, space and fresh air remain critical to preventing the spread of the virus, and you should also consider individual risks like clinical vulnerabilities and vaccination status.

"Finally, if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, even if they're mild you must book a PCR test and self-isolate whilst you wait for the result. Self-isolation rules remain in place so if you are a close contact of a positive case you must continue to isolate for the full period."

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