PUBLIC health chiefs have advised that taking "sacrifices" now will help prevent an even larger Covid spike across BCP and Dorset Council regions in January.

Sam Crowe, director of public health for BCP and Dorset Councils, said an increased infection rate among people over 60 was putting "increased pressure on already stretched NHS services".

He gave the comments shortly after it was announced that the BCP area would be moving to the Tier 4 restrictions from Thursday, December 31, and the Dorset Council region would move into Tier 3.

The whole of the county had previously been in Tier 2 measures.

Mr Crowe said: “The number of positive cases of Covid-19 across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area has risen significantly over the last week. Tier 2 measures are just not enough to stop the virus spreading.

“Our infection rates have risen in people over the age of 60 which is putting increased pressure on already stretched NHS services. Making sacrifices now means we could prevent an even larger spike in January.

“It is essential, now more than ever that everyone follows the rules for Tier 4 to help drive infections down. Until the vaccine is rolled out wider, we must do all we can to suppress the virus by staying at home unless for essential journeys. Remember; hands, face, space and ventilating your home are simple measures we can all do that will make a difference.”

Tier 4 regulations instruct everyone to stay at home, which means residents must not leave or be outside of their homes, except where they have a specific purpose or a ‘reasonable excuse’. Exceptions include work, where people cannot work from home, education and childcare, and essential activities such as shopping for food or medicine, and for exercise.

Councillor Nicola Greene, BCP Council portfolio holder for Covid resilience and public health, said: “I know this news will be very difficult for very many people, but coronavirus is deadly and it continues to spread in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. We must all now stay at home as much as possible. Only by doing our bit, as individuals, can we collectively turn the tide on the spread of the virus, reduce the worrying pressure on our health services, and ultimately save lives.

“We must not lose sight that this is what these restrictions are about – saving lives by reducing the spread of the virus. We must all therefore comply with the restrictions in place now. The more we do so, the greater chance we have of reducing the R rate, meaning less people catching coronavirus, less people becoming seriously ill, and fewer people dying from its effects.

“We know our local businesses have been suffering greatly in recent months, and would urge them to visit our website for details of our grant schemes. We will also be pressing the government for further information on funding and support available to support our economy, in particular our retail and hospitality sectors.”

In a separate statement given on the situation in the Dorset Council area, Mr Crowe said cases had risen "rapidly" over the past week.

In Tier 3, people must not mix indoors or outdoors in hospitality venues or private gardens, the rule of six applies in outdoor public spaces. Restaurants, cafes and bars must also close and can only provide a take-away service.

Councillor Spencer Flower, leader of Dorset Council, said: “With case numbers rising rapidly, further action now will help to contain the spread of the virus here in Dorset. I’m afraid there’s no room for complacency here, we all need to continue to play our part to protect people’s lives and our NHS.

“As ever, I’d like to thank people for all they are doing as a very difficult and unprecedented year draws to a close. I know moving into Tier 3 will be hard for many residents and local businesses but, with the vaccine now being rolled out, I sincerely hope it won’t be too long before we can return to some form of normality.”