THE number of new Covid cases across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has more than doubled in the last week, Public Health Dorset has said. 

The health authority said the county has seen a “significant increase” in case numbers and rates along with a rise in hospital admissions.

Bournemouth Echo:

Residents have been urged not to meet anyone they don’t live with indoors and to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home with their household.

Latest data shows 865 people tested positive for the coronavirus across the BCP area between December 17 and 23. The previous week 340 new cases were reported.

The case rate per 100,000 for the conurbation has also risen from 86.0 to 218.8 during the same period.

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 in hospital admissions.

“The Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas are under tier two restrictions (as at 29 December), 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.”

In wider Dorset, 455 new cases have been confirmed in the last seven days compared to 174 previously. The rate has more than doubled from 46.0 to 120.2.

Currently there are 134 Covid patients in hospital beds in Dorset, which is up from 98.

The whole of Dorset is currently in Tier 2, meaning high alert, which means people are unable to mix with other households indoors and the rule of six applies outdoors.

The next review of the Tier system takes place on Wednesday, December 30.