Multiple areas in Dorset have reported low numbers of coronavirus, as data suggests the spread of Covid-19 is declining. 

An interactive map, which uses Public Health England data, shows how many people have tested positive for the virus in each area of the county over the seven-day period up to Sunday, February 13. 

Public Health England breaks down the numbers of coronavirus cases into neighbourhoods called 'Middle Super Output Areas' (MSOAs), which are smaller than council wards and based on population rather than geographical area.

The interactive map, which can be found through this link, allows users to type in their postcode and see how many cases were reported in their area and if it has increased or decreased from the week before. The darker the colour on the image, the more positive test results have been recorded.

The map highlights which areas of the county have three or more confirmed cases of the virus and colour co-coordinates the areas by how many cases they have.

Bournemouth Echo: The varying levels of coronavirus cases in Dorset according to Public Health England.The varying levels of coronavirus cases in Dorset according to Public Health England.

In the seven days up to Sunday, February 13, Dorset reported 950 cases. The case rate compared to the UK average is near the national average, which has been steadily increasing in recent weeks.  

A majority of areas in Dorset have reported either slight or large decreases of new coronavirus cases.Note: This article includes the most recent data available at the time of publication.

The following areas in Dorset have reported five cases or fewer in the seven days up to Sunday, February 13:

  • Beaminster, Maiden Newton & Halstock- Suppressed (meaning there are less than three cases)
  • Bridport North - Suppressed 
  • Bridport South & West Bay - Suppressed 
  • Burton Bradstock & Chideock - Suppressed 
  • Yetminster, Bradford Abbas & Longburton - Suppressed 
  • Sherborne - Suppressed 
  • Corfe Castle & Langton Matravers - Three cases 
  • Lyme Regis, Charmouth & Marshwood Vale - Three cases
  • Milborne, Winterborne & Okeford Fitzpaine - Three cases 
  • Overmoigne, Broadmayne & Winterbourne - Three cases 
  • Somerford - Three cases 
  • Sturminster Marshall & Crichel - Three cases 
  • Weymouth West - Three cases
  • Blandford Outer & Tarrants - Four cases 
  • Child Okeford & Iwerne Minster - Four cases 
  • Gillingham - Four cases
  • Merley - Four cases
  • Wyke Regis - Four cases 
  • Bearwood - Five cases 
  • Charlton Down, Cerne Abbas & Puddletown - Five cases 
  • Colehill - Five cases
  • East Southbourne & Hengistbury Head - Five cases 
  • Kinson East - Five cases 
  • Talbot & Branksome Woods - Five cases
  • Wareham, Sandford & Holton Heath - Five cases  

The following 10 areas in Dorset confirmed the most cases in the last week:

  • Newtown - 20 cases
  • Westbourne - 20 cases
  • West Cliff - 20 cases
  • Boscombe West -23 cases
  • Poole Town - 23 cases 
  • East Cliff - 24 cases
  • Canford Heath East -25 cases
  • Springbourne & Queen's Park - 25 cases
  • Central Bournemouth - 36 cases
  • Underhill & The Grove - 37 cases  

The updated 'R rate' for the South West, including Dorset, has decreased to between 0.6 - 0.9, which is on par with the latest R number range for the UK of 0.6 - 0.9.

The Government says an R value between 0.6 and 0.9 means that, on average, every 10 people infected will infect between six and nine other people.

The current growth rate in the South West is set at -7 to -3. The size of the growth rate indicates the speed of change.

A growth rate of -7 per cent indicates the epidemic is shrinking faster than a growth rate of -6 per cent.