MEDICAL figures remain optimistic about their response to move Dorset into Tier 1 and ensure coronavirus cases continue to fall.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Thursday morning (November 26) that Dorset will be in the 'high' tier category when lockdown ends on Wednesday, December 2.

Both Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council will be under the Tier 2 restrictions, despite being in Tier 1 category pre-lockdown.

This is despite the rate of infection in Dorset Council currently stands far lower than the national average.

A number of senior figures from Public Health Dorset and councillors from Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council held a joint briefing where they explained why Dorset was in Tier 2, what is needed to enter Tier 1 and what can cause coronavirus cases to fall. 

Here are seven things we learned from the briefing.

1) Why Dorset is in Tier 2 despite being in Tier 1 pre-lockdown

Health leaders in Dorset previously said they were aiming for the county to come out of the national coronavirus lockdown in Tier 1, but this wasn’t the case.

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils, said that while residents may have been “surprised or disappointed” about the Tier 2 announcement, he explained a number of factors were considered.

The five factors used to determine tiers include case detection rates in all age groups, case detection rates in the over 60s, the rate at which cases are rising or falling, pressure on the NHS, and the positivity rate.

Mr Crowe explained that Dorset has been placed in Tier 2 due to its high cases among over 60s and coronavirus patients in Dorset hospitals.

He noted that cases among the over 60s “is high but it is coming down” and approximately 140 to 155 people were in Dorset hospitals with coronavirus.

2) How Dorset aims to go from Tier 2 into Tier 1

While there was “disappointment” from Dorset Council leader Spencer Flower about the county being in Tier 2, health figures said there is a plan to get Dorset into Tier 1.

A key factor in reducing coronavirus cases across Dorset is limiting social mixing and meeting other households and ensuring people do not come into contact with people over 60-years-old.

Alongside this, the number of coronavirus patients in hospitals would need to fall. 

Mr Crowe added that the public must continue to wash their hands, follow social distancing, and wear face masks.

He said: “As hard as that is, we have to do all we can to stop Covid from spreading to older age groups.

“As infection rates come down, we have to observe social distancing as much as possible, remember the importance of hand hygiene, and above all, wear face coverings and masks in enclosed spaces.”

If infection rates continue to fall, Public Health Dorset will be optimistic that they can enter Tier 1 in mid-December.

3) Government took ‘cautious’ approach into placing Dorset into Tier 2 – amid fears both council areas were ‘lumped together’

Fears had been raised by residents that the separate Dorset Council and BCP Council areas were “lumped together” despite the differing case rates in both areas.

But Sam Crowe pointed out that a number of areas across the South West had been placed in Tier 2 despite low case rates.

Graham Farrant, Chief Executive for BCP Council, said that there had been a “sweeping approach” across the South West.

Aiden Dunn, executive director for corporate development at Dorset Council, said: “It is not something we are able to negotiate and it is determined by the Government.

“Our populations, where they live and work are across the boundaries and the community meets together.

"I do not think it is a surprise to be in the same category, both councils are trying hard to work and get down to Tier 1 as soon as possible."

4) Lockdown ‘pretty effective’ in decreasing coronavirus cases in Dorset

A series of graphs were displayed and explained by Mr Crowe, which showed low case numbers following the first lockdown and during the Summer.

He noted a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in September and explained that a lockdown was needed to reduce contact with others as much as possible.

Citing a graph showing a decline of cases in both council areas during the second lockdown, he said: “You can see just how quickly cases have begun to fall as we have had that second national lockdown which has been pretty effective in reducing social mixing and infection rates.”

5) Residents urged to follow national guidance on traveling during Christmas

Council figures urged people to follow the national guidance on traveling around Dorset and into other counties during the festive period.

Travel restrictions across the four countries and between tiers will be lifted from December 23 to December 27, where people can meet with other households for their ‘Christmas bubble’ of up to three households.

Graham Farrant urged people to “be reasonable”, before adding: “Follow the national guidance and keep thinking about those things and do as much self-isolating as you can before you mix with those groups.

“It’s a controlled lifting of boundaries and I hope people respect that during this period.”

People are urged to not meet with anyone outside of their Christmas bubble during the five-day Christmas period where restrictions have been lifted.

6) Public Health Dorset won’t ‘get drawn into debates’ about coronavirus amid rise of misinformation about pandemic

Public Health Dorset, who has been praised by residents for sharing regular updates on coronavirus pandemic in the county, will continue to share “accurate information about our response” and not get "drawn into debating alternative views".

It comes as social networks have joined with the Government to combat misleading information about coronavirus.

False claims, which have been widely debunked, claim the coronavirus vaccine will implant trackable microchips into people or may alter peoples’ DNA.

Sam Crowe said: “I understand that people have strong views, and are frustrated.

“Our job is to try to provide accurate information about our response, and not get too drawn into debating alternative views.”

7) Covid marshals in Dorset ‘very welcome’ after being deployed

Covid marshals, who advise and support public and businesses on following social distancing measures, have been warmly received.

Seven marshals have been deployed in the BCP Council area, with another six marshals set to hit the streets.

Nicola Greene, cabinet member for Covid Resilience and Public Health at BCP Council, said “they have been very welcome” in the area and added, “we are getting better and making sure they are helping businesses.”

Aiden Dunn revealed that four Covid marshals are working within the area and added they are working alongside police officers. 

Mr Dunn said: “It is all about residents trying to do the right thing. The Police are issuing their fines but we are doing the Dorset way of being supportive of our communities unless they overstep the line.”