Infection rates start to rise again across Dorset after a fall in case rates in the past few weeks.

Public Health Dorset reports there are 3,015 confirmed cases in the last seven days in the Dorset Council area, compared to 2,524 on January 21, and 3,521 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 3,049 on January 21.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 of the population is 793.9 in the Dorset Council area, compared to 664.6 on January 21, and 886.9 in the BCP Council area, compared to 768.0 on January 21.

There are currently 61 people in Dorset hospital beds with Covid, compared to 68 on January 21.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "The significant fall in case rates that we have seen over the past few weeks has now tailed off and infection rates have started to rise again since last week's update. However, case rates for Dorset Council and BCP Council remain below the national and regional averages. Case rates are highest amongst children across both council areas.

"There are currently 61 people in Dorset hospitals with Covid-19 - much lower than this time last year. We know the vaccine helps to prevent serious illness and death caused by the virus, so we continue to encourage anyone who hasn't yet had theirs to book an appoint or find a walk-in clinic.

"Plan B measures have come to an end this week but it is important to remember that we are still living with the virus - case rates are high locally so there is still a risk you could catch Covid-19. Consider the risks and follow public health advice to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy. Testing, isolation, ventilation and hygiene measures are all key ways you can help stop the spread."

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