Coronavirus cases continue to raise across Dorset, but are increasing steeper in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area.

A total of 241 people had died in Dorset within 28 days of a positive test as of January 14, according to gov.uk data.

In the seven days up to today (January 15) Dorset Council area had 333.2 cases per 100,000 of the population, compared to 309.4 on January 8, and BCP had 891.4, compared to 607.1.

Latest data up until today (January 15) shows there are 1,261 Covid-19 cases in the Dorset Council area, compared to 1,171 on January 8, and BCP had 3,524 cases, compared to 2,400 on January 8.

There are currently 452 Covid-19 patients in Dorset hospitals, compared to 272 on January 8.

The Public Health Dorset update can be found here.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "Cases have risen again across the county over the last week, although the increase continues to be steeper in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area. Case rates in the BCP Council area are now significantly higher than both the South West region and England average rates.

"Hospital admissions have continued to increase. The situation across Dorset is not like anything we have seen before and the most serious our local NHS services have faced.

"The single most important thing everyone can do is to stay at home.

"It remains crucial that if you develop any symptoms of Covid-19, you must self-isolate at home immediately with other members of your household and book yourself a test. You must all stay at home whilst you wait for the result to prevent possibly spreading the virus to others.

"The health and care system in Dorset has been working extremely hard to deliver the Covid-19 vaccination programme to local people. We are delivering the vaccine I line with the national guidance which means those people who are most at risk will be invited first. The NHS will get in touch when it's your turn to be vaccinated, please don't contact your GP or local hospital to seek a vaccine."