Coronavirus cases continue to fall in Dorset, but have risen slightly in the Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area.

Public Health Dorset reports there are 47 confirmed cases in the last seven days in the Dorset Council area, compared to 108 on April 1, and 85 in the BCP Council area, compared to 68 on April 1.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 of the population in the Dorset Council area is 12.4, compared to 28.5 on April 1, and 21.5 in the BCP Council area, compared to 17.2 on April 1.

There are currently seven Covid-19 patients in hospital beds in Dorset, compared to four on April 1.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "The Dorset Council case rate has fallen this week, whilst the case rate for the BCP Council area has risen slightly. We expect to see small fluctuations week-on-week whilst we have relatively low transmission. The number of Covid-related hospitalisations and deaths also remains low.

"From today, anyone in England who does not have symptoms can get regular rapid lateral flow tests to check for coronavirus. By testing more people, we can identify and isolate more asymptomatic cases, meaning the virus has fewer chances to spread.

"The government has announced that on Monday, England will move to stage 2 of the roadmap for easing restrictions. This means more businesses can reopen, including non-essential retail, gyms, hairdressers, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality. You should continue to minimise the amount that you travel where possible, and stick to the rule of six or two households when meeting others outdoors."