With the situation with coronavirus changing day by day. Here's an overview of how things currently stand in Dorset.

Has there been any major developments in Dorset this week?

Dorset currently is in the 'medium' tier 1 category for restrictions. This means pubs, cafes and restaurants must abide by a 10pm curfew. The rule of six also applies indoors and outdoors. 

Officers were called to deal with large parties at university accommodation over the weekend. One person was arrested and a further 12 were reported for breaching coronavirus rules.

Last week, Public Health Dorset issued an 'amber' alert in response to a rise in the number of cases recorded across the county. The health authority for BCP Council and Dorset Council usually provides a weekly update on the figures and the situation in the county on a Thursday afternoon. 

Dorset Council will give an online update on Covid in Dorset and answer residents' questions at 5pm on Thursday, October 22. 

Director of Public Health Dorset Sam Crowe will give a briefing on the latest number and rate of COVID-19 cases in Dorset, and the arrangements in place to mitigate spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, the chief executive of Dorset Council Matt Prosser will give details of how schools, care homes and council services are responding to the situation and planning for the coming weeks.

How many cases have we had so far?

The BCP Council area has recorded 2,512 cases overall since the start of the pandemic. The figure is 1,345 for wider Dorset.

How many people are in hospital?

Last week, there were 13 patients in hospital in Bournemouth and Poole with three in intensive care.

Seven were at Royal Bournemouth, including three in intensive care, and six at Poole, with none in intensive care.

Have we had any more deaths?

Four people have died with the coronavirus at Poole Hospital in the past week. The deaths occurred on October 14, 15, 16 and 17. Figures released by NHS England reveal there have been a total of 54 deaths there since the start of the pandemic.

The numbers at the Royal Bournemouth, Dorset County Hospital and the Dorset Healthcare University Trust remain at 68, 24 and 16 respectively.

Are we about to go into Tier 2?

Tier 1 restrictions are reviewed every 28 days. The secretary of state will review Tier 2 areas at least once a fortnight.

Bournemouth Echo:

What else have I missed?

Cases of coronavirus have been reported at a number of schools across the area including Parkstone Grammar, Twynham School, Corfe Hills School, Bournemouth School for Girls, The Purbeck School and Springdale. Some pupils at St Luke's have been sent home to self-isolate after "an adult linked to the school" tested positive for coronavirus.

Are any schools closed?

Not at the moment but Parkstone Grammar has moved remote learning on Tuesday, October 20, following an increase in cases. 

What about other places?

No other places are closed at this time.