COVID infection rates are continuing to increase across the BCP and Dorset Council areas - but hospitalisations have decreased by almost a quarter.

However, public health authority Public Health Dorset said the number of Covid-related has “continued”.  

A Public Health Dorset spokesperson said: “COVID-19 infection rates have continued to increase over the past week in Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

“This follows an upward trend across the south west region and England, but both council areas remain above the regional and national averages.

“The number of people in hospital in Dorset with COVID-19 has decreased to 79, but we will continue to monitor the trend over time as we know there can be fluctuations due to admissions and discharges. We have continued to see a number of deaths related COVID-19.”

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Public Health Dorset said in an update on Friday that the case rate per 100,000 across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for the seven days to December 4 was 683.1, compared to 609.1 the previous week.

Meanwhile, the rate for Dorset was 600.1, comparable to 570.8 the previous week.

Both of these are above the south west and England average of 582.3 and 501.5 respectively.

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The number of infections in the BCP Council area has grown from 2,418 to 2,712 and from 2,168 to 2,279 in Dorset.

Across Dorset, there are currently 79 patients in hospital with Covid which has fallen from 103 compared to the previous week.

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The Public Health Dorset spokesperson added: “Locally, we are asking everyone to consider the risks and do what they can to reduce transmission of COVID-19. The vaccination gives you good protection against serious illness, but we know that it doesn't always stop you from catching or spreading the virus, so it's important to keep taking other measures. 

“Take a rapid lateral flow test regularly, especially if you're meeting others. Get plenty of fresh air by meeting outdoors or keeping doors and windows open.

“Wear a face covering in indoor spaces, making sure it covers your mouth and your nose. If we all play our part now in stopping the spread, we can help prevent the need for further restrictions.”