Covid cases continue to increase across Dorset.

Public Health Dorset reports there are 262 confirmed cases in the Dorset Council area, compared to 199 on June 25, and 584 cases in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 474 on June 25.

The seven-day case rates per 100,000 of the population in the Dorset Council area is 69.2, compared to 52.6 on June 25 and 147.7 in the BCP Council area, compared to 119.9 on June 25.

There are currently nine people in hospital with Covid-19, compared to five on June 25.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "In line with the national picture, cases of Covid-19 have continued to increase across Dorset over the past week. The case rate for BCP Council is now 147.7, below the England average of 160.2 but above the South West average of 129.0. Dorset Council's case rate is 69.2, below both the England and South West averages.

"Case rates are much higher in younger age groups compared to older age groups.

"As restrictions eased following Step 3 of the Government's roadmap, social mixing has increased giving the virus more chances to spread, particularly in indoor settings where it is more likely to be transmitted. Data also shows that the Delta variant, which is now the dominant strain of Covid-19 in the UK, is more transmissible than previous variants, meaning it is more likely to be passed on to close contacts.

"Over 1 million doses of the vaccine have now been given in Dorset, and thanks to the vaccine rollout we are seeing a significant weakening of the link between an increase in cases and the number of people becoming seriously unwell and requiring hospital treatment. The best way to protect yourself from serious illness caused by COVID-19 is to get two doses of the vaccine. All adults can book their vaccination appointments now.

"The coronavirus vaccine is effective at preventing serious illness in most people, but there's still a chance you could catch or spread Covid-19 even after you've had two doses. For that reason, it's important you also test yourself regularly using free lateral flow tests to make sure you're not unknowingly infectious. You also need to remain vigilant for any Covid symptoms and self-isolate and book a PCR test even if you think your symptoms aren't that bad. By getting vaccinated and getting tested, we can all keep doing the things we enjoy."