There has been a "small increase" in cases across Dorset over the past week.

Public Health Dorset reports that there are 1,274 confirmed cases in the last seven days in the Dorset Council area, compared to 1,235 on October 1, and 888 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 857 on October 1.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 of the population in the Dorset Council area is 335.4, compared to 325.2 on October 1, and 223.7 in the BCP Council area, compared to 215.9 on October 1.

There are currently 38 people with Covid-19 in Dorset hospital beds, compared to 29 on October 1.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "Case rates in both the Dorset Council and BCP Council areas have seen small increases on last week, but on the whole remain relatively stable. Dorset Council's case rate is similar to the England average but above the South West average, whilst BCP Council's rate is below both the regional and national averages.

"The number of Covid patients in hospital beds has increased since last week, but we do see fluctuations day to day so we will continue to monitor the trend over time.

"Although we continue to see Covid-19 circulating in the community, the number of people becoming seriously ill or dying after contracting the virus is much lower than during previous waves. This demonstrates that the vaccine is having a significant impact on protecting people against Covid-19.

"Whilst people who are vaccinated can still catch the virus, they are much less likely to become seriously unwell as a result of it. It's not too late to get your vaccine if you haven't had yours yet, book an appointment or find a walk-in clinic near you."