Health bosses say Covid-19 cases in Dorset 'like nothing we've seen before'

Covid-19 cases have risen again across the county.

The steepest rises have been seen in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole where case rates are both higher than the South West region and the average for England.

Hospital admissions are also continuing to rise and Public Health Dorset say its not like anything we have seen before.

Dorset County Hospital was caring for more than four times as many coronavirus patients on Tuesday (January 12) as at the peak in April during the first wave, figures reveal.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned there was a "very substantial" risk of intensive care units being overwhelmed by the current wave of Covid-19 cases, as the number of patients in hospital with the virus reached a record high nationally.

NHS England data shows 79 people were being treated for Covid-19 at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust by 8am on January 12.

That was over four times more than the peak of 18 reported during April last year.

Public Health Dorset say:

"It remains crucial that if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, you must self-isolate at home immediately with other members of your household and book yourself a test.

"You must all stay at home whilst you wait for the result to prevent possibly spreading the virus to others.

"The health and care system in Dorset has been working extremely hard to deliver the COVID-19 vaccination programme to local people.

We are delivering the vaccine in line with the national guidance which means those people who are most at risk will be invited first.

"The NHS will get in touch when it's your turn to be vaccinated, please don't contact your GP or local hospital to seek a vaccine."