BOURNEMOUTH, Christchurch and Poole’s Covid case rate continues to fall – but Dorset’s has risen slightly, according to latest weekly data. 

In an update on Friday, April 16, Public Health Dorset said the rate across the conurbation had fallen to just 12.1 compared to 21.5 the previous week.

The rate is below the south west and England average of 13.8 and 28.0 respectively.

In the wider Dorset area, the rate has risen from 12.4 to 15.3.

Bournemouth Echo:

A Public Health Dorset spokesperson said: “We expect to see small fluctuations week-on-week whilst we have relatively low transmission. The number of COVID-related hospitalisations and deaths also remains low.”

The number of cases across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch has almost halved after falling from 85 to 48.

Meanwhile, Dorset saw cases rise from 47 to 58.

The number of patients being treated in Dorset hospitals remain at seven for the second week running.

There has been just one Covid-related death in Dorset’s hospitals this month which was recorded on April 6.

The spokesperson added: “With restrictions easing, it's great that we can all do more of the things we enjoy. Please remember that you should only meet outside where the risk of transmission is much lower, and you still need to keep your distance from anyone who isn't in your household or support bubble.

“If we all play our part now, we can help make sure that the government's roadmap for easing restrictions can continue as planned.”