Coronavirus cases have risen across Dorset over the past week.

Public Health Dorset reports that there are 2,259 cases in the last seven days in the Dorset Council area, compared to 2,092 on December 17, and 3,177 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 2,493 on December 17.

The seven day case rate per 100,000 of the population in the Dorset Council area is 594.8, compared to 550.8 on December 17, and 800,3 in the BCP Council area, compared with 628.0 on December 17.

There are currently 75 people with Covid-19 in Dorset hospital beds, compared to 83 on December 17.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "Case rates have risen sharply in England over the past week and we are now starting to see this in our local data as cases have risen in both council areas this week. Locally we have had high case rates for a number of weeks driven by the Delta variant, but we know that Omicron is more transmissible and we are seeing the impact of this in our local situation.

"Hospital admissions have remained relatively stable, but we know that there is a time lag between cases rising and the impact on hospitalisations, so we will continue to monitor the trends over the coming days and weeks.

"It's really important that we all take steps to reduce the spread and protect ourselves and others. The vaccination programme is expanding quickly to offer everyone eligible a booster before the end of the year. We're also urging anyone who hasn't had their first or second dose to take up the offer.

"Vaccination alone will not stop the spread of the virus; we also need to continue with public health measures. Test regularly, particularly before gatherings or meeting others. Get plenty of fresh air when you're meeting others, by meeting outdoors or opening doors and windows. Wear a face covering in indoor or crowded spaces. As the festive period approaches, consider the risks as with high infection rates you are much more likely to catch Covid-19. Avoid mixing unnecessarily, as this could mean having to miss the things that are most important to you.

"If you have any symptoms of Covid-19, self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test."

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