Public Health Dorset has reported a rise in coronavirus cases and hospital admissions in the county.

Published today (Tuesday, December 29), the most recent seven day case rate since the update on December 18 showed Dorset had 120.2 cases per 100,000 of the population, compared to 46 on December 18, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole had 218.8, compared to 86 on December 18.

In the last seven days, there have been 455 confirmed cases, compared to 174 on December 18, and 865 in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole compared with 340 on December 18.

There are currently 134 Covid-19 patients in hospital beds in Dorset, compared to 98 in the last update on December 18.

According to gov.uk, there had been no coronavirus-related deaths in Dorset since December 20 up until December 26, when the total number of deaths was 175. One death yesterday and another today has caused that number to rise to 177.

A spokesman for Public Health Dorset said: "In line with the situation across the wider South West region and England as a whole, we have seen a significant increase in our case numbers and rates over the last couple of weeks. We are also seeing a rise on hospital admissions.

"The Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas are under tier two restrictions, although a further review of tiers is expected in the coming days.

"To avoid the further spread of Covid-19 in Dorset, please limit your contact with people from outside your household and do not meet anyone you don't live with indoors. Please celebrate New Year's Eve safely at home with your household.

"If you develop any symptoms of Covid-19, self-isolate at home immediately with other members of your household and book yourself a test. You must all stay at home whilst you wait for the result to prevent possibly spreading the virus to others."