THE number of people testing positive for Covid-19 in the last 24-hour period in the BCP area has risen to its highest since the pandemic began.

According to Department of Health and Social Care data, some 332 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the 24-hours up to 4.13pm on New Year's Eve.

This also means that for the first time since the pandemic started the total number of people testing positive for Covid within the BCP area has eclipsed 10,000, with the current total standing at 10,027.

Meanwhile, in the neighbouring Dorset Council area the daily rate has also risen to its highest to date, with 115 new cases recorded in the same 24-hour period.

Since March, 4,689 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Dorset Council area.

The number of cases in the BCP area over the latest rolling seven-day period is 984, with a rate of 248.9 per 100,000 of the population.

In Dorset 523 cases have been confirmed in the last past seven days.

The case rate is 138.2 per 100,000 people.

In the New Forest there were 77 new cases. The total in the district since the pandemic started is 2,753.

A total of 304 cases have been seen in the past seven days for the New Forest, where the case rate stands at 168.8.

These figures come as the BCP Council area moved into Tier 4 restrictions, with Dorset Council moving into Tier 3.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has also called for people to act responsibly and celebrate New Year's Eve at home.

Mr Hancock said: "With our NHS under pressure we must all take personal responsibility this New Year’s Eve and stay at home.

"I know how much we have all sacrificed this year and we cannot let up.

"Over 600,000 people have now been vaccinated and we are close to beating this virus.

"Now more than ever, we need to pull together to save lives and protect our NHS.

"If we continue to do our bit by staying at home, we can get through this together."

Under Tier 4 people can only meet one person from another household outside in a public space.

All non-essential shops and businesses must close including, personal care and indoor entertainment venues.

People are also not allowed to enter or leave Tier 4 areas and residents must not stay overnight away from home.

The New Forest has also been moved to Tier 4.