How coronavirus cases have risen in Dorset over June

The emergence of the Delta variant has been cited as a reason why coronavirus cases have suddenly increased in recent weeks in Dorset.

In the seven days leading up to June 29, Dorset reported 1,099 Covid-19 cases across its two local authority areas. Dorset Council area reported 312 cases while BCP Council area recorded 787 cases.

Compare these figures to the four weeks prior, the seven days leading up to June 1, where 59 cases were reported in the county.

Just 26 cases were recorded in the Dorset Council area while 33 people tested positive for coronavirus in the BCP Council area.

According to Public Health England’s interactive map, seven areas in Dorset reported more than three coronavirus cases in the seven days leading up to June 1.

VIEW BELOW: The difference in active coronavirus cases in Dorset between June 1 and June 29

Compare this to four weeks later, only nine areas of Dorset have less than three coronavirus cases.

Public Health England breaks down the numbers of Covid-19 cases into neighbourhoods called 'Middle Super Output Areas' (MSOAs), which are smaller than council wards and based on population rather than geographical area.

The interactive map, which can be found online, allows users to type in their postcode and see how many cases were reported in their area and if it has increased or decreased from the week before.

Over this four-week period, the case rate per 100,000 people for Dorset Council has increased from 6.9 to 82.4 while the case rate in the BCP Council area increased from 8.3 to 199.1.

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Data from Public Health England also shows how these coronavirus cases were predominately amongst younger age groups, with the 20 to 24 age group having the highest rolling rate throughout June.

On June 1, the rolling rate for 20 to 24 year olds in Dorset Council area rose from 6.4 on June 1 to as high as 351.2 on June 22, before gradually declining towards the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the rolling rate for the same age group in BCP Council area rose from 15 on June 1 to 700.4 on June 30.

Active Covid-19 cases across Dorset in the seven days leading up to June 29, 2021 according to Public Health England

Public Health Director for Dorset, Sam Crowe, previously said that many of the cases locally were linked to social mixing indoors, which had been expected once regulations were relaxed.

He added that testing, more vaccinations and continuing to follow social distancing rules, would help reduce the numbers of coronavirus cases.

A statement released by Dorset Council said: "Cases are highest amongst younger age groups and we know that these younger groups are less likely to have protection against COVID-19 as many will still be unvaccinated or have only had one dose.

"Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against becoming seriously ill if you catch COVID-19.

“All adults can book their appointments through the national booking system or by calling 119."

Active Covid-19 cases across Dorset in the seven days leading up to June 8, 2021 according to Public Health England

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive at UK Health Security Agency said: “Cases across the UK continue to rise and it is incredibly important that we do not forget to be careful.

"The best thing we can do to protect ourselves and the people we love is to get the vaccine if eligible, get tested twice a week and practice “hands, face, space, fresh air” at all times.

“Although cases are rising, we are not seeing a proportional rise in the number of people who are being admitted to hospital. The data suggest this is testament to the success of the vaccination programme so far and clearly demonstrates the importance of getting both doses of the vaccine.

"Come forward as soon as you are eligible. It will help us to break the chain of transmission, and it will save lives.”