Cases have risen again across Dorset over the past week.

Public Health Dorset reports that there are 1,994 confirmed cases in the last seven days in the Dorset Council area, compared to 1,664 on November 12, and 2,283 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 1,923 on November 12.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 of the population in the Dorset Council area is 525.0, compared to 438.1 on November 12, and 575.1 in the BCP Council area, compared to 484.4 on November 12.

There are currently 75 people with Covid-19 in Dorset hospital beds, compared to 70 on November 12.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "After a short period of declining case rates, we've seen cases rise again over the past week across Dorset. Both the Dorset Council and BCP Council areas remain significantly above the average case rate for England, as well as above the regional average in the South West. Cases remain highest amongst school-aged children, but we are also seeing high rates in middle and older age groups. The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 across Dorset has also continued to rise.

"As we move into the colder months and the Christmas period, we must remember that the risks from Covid-19 have not gone away. If you're going to an event or gathering with lots of people or in an enclosed space, take a lateral flow test before you go to reduce the risk of passing Covid-19 on to other people. When meeting indoors, open windows regularly to let fresh air in and prevent airborne spread of the virus.

"Although we know that people who have been vaccinated can still catch and spread Covid-19, vaccination is still the best way to protect yourself from serious illness. We can see that in the data, as in previous waves we saw much higher hospitalisations when we were experiencing similar case rates. Please get your jabs if you haven't already done so, and take up the offer of the booster vaccine if you're eligible."

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