Confirmed coronavirus cases have continued to rise with the most people in Dorset hospitals we've seen this year.

Public Health Dorset reports there are 5,093 confirmed cases in the last seven days in the Dorset Council area, compared to 3,268 on March 18, and 4,287 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 3,045 on March 18.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 for the Dorset Council area is 1,341.0, compared to 860.5 on March 18, and 1,079.9 in the BCP Council area, compared to 767.0 on March 18.

There are currently 182 people in Dorset hospital beds with Covid-19, compared to 131 on March 18.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "Confirmed case rates have continued to rise over the past week. Case rates for Dorset, BCP and the wider South West region are significantly above the England average.

"We've also seen a rise in the number of people with Covid-19 in hospitals in Dorset - the highest we've seen so far this year at 182. However, due to high prevalence in the community, it is likely that some of these people will be in hospital primarily for other reasons.

"Infection rates are at very high levels in our communities, so you should keep taking steps to reduce the spread of the virus. By taking public health precautions, you can help to protect those who are most vulnerable and reduce pressure on essential services."

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