Coronavirus cases have continued to rise quickly across Dorset over the past week and are higher than at any other point during the pandemic.

Public Health Dorset reports that there are 4,521 cases in the last seven days in the Dorset Council area, compared to 2,974 on December 31, and 5,584 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 4,329 on December 31.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 of the population in the Dorset Council area is 1,190.1, compared to 783.1 on December 31, and 1,406.6 in the BCP Council area, compared to 1,087.9 on December 31.

There are currently 74 people with Covid-19 in Dorset hospital beds, compared to 55 on December 31.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "Case rates have continued to rise quickly over the past week across Dorset Council and BCP Council, and remain higher than at any other point during the pandemic. Infection rates are very high across the country.

"In Dorset we have started to see hospitalisations related to Covid-19 rise, up to 74 from 55 in a week. Our hospitals and other critical services are also under increasing pressure due to staff absences related to Covid-19. The number of deaths related to Covid-19 has remained relatively stable and continue to be much lower than during previous waves of the pandemic.

"Testing remains key to stopping the spread and protecting others. If you have any symptoms of Covid-19, you must get a PCR test and self-isolate whilst waiting for the result. Lateral flow tests should be used by anyone without symptoms, particularly before meeting others - if you get a positive test, you must log the result and follow self-isolation guidance. Most people no longer need to get a PCR test to confirm a positive lateral flow test.

"Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness caused by Covid-19. As well as people getting boosted, it's been great to see people in Dorset coming forward for their first and second doses in recent weeks, and we'd urge anyone who hasn't yet had their jabs to come forward. There are plenty of opportunities to get vaccinated in Dorset."

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