Coronavirus cases remain low but have slightly risen in the Dorset Council area.

Public Health Dorset reports there are 58 confirmed cases in the last seven days in the Dorset Council area, compared to 47 on April 9, and 48 cases in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 85 on April 9.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 of the population in the Dorset Council area is 15.3, compared to 12.4 on April 9, and 12.1 in the BCP Council area, compared to 21.5.

There are currently seven patients with Covid-19 in hospital beds in Dorset, the same number as reported on April 9.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "The BCP Council area case rate has fallen this week, whilst the case rate for the Dorset 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.

"With restrictions easing, it's great that we can all do more of the things we enjoy. Please remember that you should only meet outside where the risk of transmission is much lower, and you still need to keep your distance from anyone who isn't in your household or support bubble. If we all play our part now, we can help make sure that the government's roadmap for easing restrictions can continue as planned.

"Regular testing is another key part of living safely with Covid-19. Rapid testing is now available to all adults in England who don't have any symptoms. It's really important that as many people as possible take part to help break chains of transmission. Even if you think you don't need it, you could have Covid-19 without knowing. Regular testing helps minimise the risk of you spreading the virus to others. You should take part even if you've been vaccinated, as there's a chance you could still catch and spread COVID-19."