Tier 2 restrictions for BCP Council area discussions taking place

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole could move into Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions as cases in the area rise.

Dorset's director for Public Health says conversations are currently taking place due to the changing situation.

But, Sam Crowe also stressed any decision would be made by the government, not local authority leaders.

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils said:

"Because of the changing situation, discussions are taking place with the regional director of public health and council chief executives across the South West.

"Any decision on moving to different tiers will come from central government."

It's thought a decision could be made within the next few days.

It comes after 91 people tested positive for the virus in over 24 hours yesterday. That's compared with 49 in Dorset.

Public Health England figures show that 1,782 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Tuesday (October 27) in Dorset, up from 1,733 the same time on Monday.

The rate of infection in Dorset now stands at 101.7 cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days that's lower than half the national rate of 217.1. Since the start of the pandemic, Dorset's case rate is 470.8, compared with the national rate of 1,381.8