Coronavirus cases have begun to increase again across Dorset.

Public Health Dorset reports there are 1,071 confirmed cases in the last seven days in the Dorset Council area, compared to 969 on July 30, and 2,025 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 1,843 on July 30.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 of the population in the Dorset Council area is 282, compared to 256 on July 30, and 510.1 in the BCP Council area, compared to 466.2 on July 30.

There are currently 42 people with Covid-19 in hospital in Dorset, compared to 36 on July 30.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "After a short period of seeing case rates fall in our local area, they have begun to increase again over the past week. At 510.1 per 100,000, the BCP Council case rate is above the England average of 283.7 and the South West average of 307.2. Dorset Council's case rate is also rising and is now 282.0. The number of people in hospital in Dorset with Covid-19 continues to rise slowly, and sadly we are seeing a small number of Covid-related deaths.

"With increased mixing without restrictions in place following Step 4 of the Government's roadmap, a rise in cases is to be expected.

"Our data shows that cases are higher in our younger population and this is most likely due to them being partially or unvaccinated against Covid-19. Whilst the risk is lower for younger people, there is still a chance you could become seriously unwell or suffer from long term impacts of Covid-19, so it's really important that younger people take up the offer of the vaccine.

"Although restrictions have been lifted, there are small things we can all do tot help protect ourselves and loved ones:

• If you can, meet outdoors where the risk of transmission is much lower

• Keep wearing a face covering in crowded spaces

• Do regular rapid tests to check you're not infectious

"If you develop any symptoms of Covid-19 you should get a PCR test, even if you think your symptoms are mild. You and other members of your household must self-isolate whilst you wait for the result."

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