Covid-19 case rates in Dorset more than double in a week
They're highest among 15 to 24-year-olds
Covid-19 infections are continuing to rise in Dorset.
The latest figures show case rates have doubled in Dorset Council area and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole since last week.
BCP is now higher than the South West and England average rates.
Cases are highest amongst the young age groups - particularly the 15 to 24 year olds.
On their website, Public Health Dorset say:
"We know that these younger age groups are less likely to have protection against COVID-19 as many will still be unvaccinated. We aren't seeing the rise in cases have a significant impact on our hospitals yet. There are currently five patients in hospital with COVID-19 across Dorset.
"The situation has changed quickly in recent weeks - at the start of June case rates were around 5 per 100,000 in Dorset and 10 in BCP."
Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils said:
"We are aware that a number of schools in Dorset have received confirmed cases of COVID-19. These schools are working closely with Public Health Dorset, Dorset Council and Public Health England South West to ensure that all necessary measures are being met.
"All close contacts of the confirmed cases have been notified and need to self-isolate for 10 days. Contacts of the confirmed cases should get a PCR test. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 10 days."
The following schools have confirmed Coronavirus a case or cases and are following the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of their pupils:
o St Augustine's Catholic Primary School, Weymouth - 25th June (case)
o Hampreston CE (VA) First School, Wimborne - 25th June (Case)
o Sturminster Newton High School - 24th June (case)
o Yewstock School - 24th (Case)
o St Michael's Middle School, Wimborne - 23 June (cases)
o Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester - 22 June (cases)
o Ferndown Upper School - 22 June (cases)
o Queen Elizabeth's School, Wimborne - 22 June (cases)
o Upton Junior School - 20 June (case)
o Atlantic Academy, Portland - 16 June (case)
o The Purbeck School - 15 June (case)
o St. James' CE First School, Gaunts Common - 10 June (case)
o The Woodroffe School, Lyme Regis - 8 June (case)
o Bovington Academy - 6 June (case)