Cases of Coronavirus missed in Dorset due to national 'technical glitch'
Close contacts are being followed up.
Cases of Coronavirus have been missed in Dorset due to a technical glitch with the national system.
A glitch with an Excel spreadsheet is being blamed for 16,000 missing cases of coronavirus across England.
The data didn't reach NHS Test and Trace for up to a week, meaning people weren't told they needed to self-isolate.
It means some areas have far higher infection rates than first thought.
The county's Director of Public Health says they're working quickly to follow up any close contacts here.
In a statement Sam Crowe told Greatest Hits Radio:
""We are aware that some cases were not picked up in the national test and trace data we use to monitor and manage cases of COVID-19 in our local area. This data is just one of the measures we use to locally manage any outbreaks.
"These figures have now been added and I want to reassure people we are working quickly to follow-up on any close contacts making sure they get the support and advice that they need.
"Dorset continues to have a lower number of cases than the national average but, any rise in cases is obviously concerning to us.
"Through our Dorset COVID Health Protection Board we are working closely with businesses and organisations in various sectors such as care, tourism, hospitality and manufacturing to make sure preventative measures are in place to keep the public safe.
"I'd like to emphasise that everyone can do their bit to limit the impact of COVID on our communities. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate immediately and book a test, they should stay two metres away from anyone not in their household, regularly wash their hands and wear a face covering in all enclosed spaces."