Hospitalisations and confirmed Covid-19 cases are falling across Dorset.

Public Health Dorset reports there are 555 coronavirus cases in the Dorset Council area, compared to 785 on February 5, and 989 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 1,462 on February 5.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 of the population is 146.6 in the Dorset Council area, compared to 207.4 on February 5, and 250.2 in the BCP Council area.

There are currently 269 Covid-19 patients in hospital beds in Dorset, compared to 386 on February 5.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "Confirmed cases and hospitalisations have continued to fall across Dorset, which shows that the national lockdown restrictions are having an impact.

"Whilst this is good news, it's important to remember that these figures have been falling from a very high level so there is still a way to go. For comparison, we still have higher case rates than when we went into the second lockdown in November.

"We really need every single person in Dorset to play their part in bringing cases down to a low level.

"The number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals has fallen to 269 from a peak of 552 on January 19. This is positive, but there are still many people needing hospital treatment and our health and care services continue to be very busy.

"Figures released by NHS England showed that almost one third of all patients who have needed hospital treatment for Covid since the pandemic began were admitted last month. Hospitals across the country treated a total of 242,307 patients who were confirmed to have Covid last year. That compares with 101,956 in January 2021.

"During the lockdown, we have the opportunity to work together to improve the situation in Dorset as much as we possibly can.

"Please continue to stay at home and only go out if it really is essential. Every time you leave your house unnecessarily, the virus gets more chances to spread.

"Follow the hands, face, space rules, even if you've had the vaccine, and please remember if you or anyone you live with develops any symptoms of Covid-19, you must all self-isolate at home. Only leave home to get tested and continue self-isolating until you get the result."