Infection rates have started to increase across Dorset after cases were falling.

Public Health Dorset reports there are 1,615 confirmed cases in the last seven days in the Dorset Council area, compared to 1,387 on March 4, and 1,781 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area, compared to 1,529 on March 4.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 for the Dorset Council area is 425.2, compared to 365.2 on March 4, and 448.6 in the BCP Council area, compared to 365.2 on March 4.

There are currently 80 people with Covid in Dorset hospital beds, compared to 74 on March 4.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "After a sustained fall in case rates across Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council over the past few weeks, infection rates have started to increase in both areas. Cases have been rising across all age groups. However, with fewer people testing these numbers are unlikely to provide the complete picture.

"The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 has risen slightly this week from 74 to 80.

"Although the legal requirement to self-isolate has now ended, the public health advice remains the same. We urge anyone who tests positive or has Covid symptoms to continue to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. This will help to protect other people who may be more vulnerable to the virus."

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