Dorset Council area moved into Tier 3
The new restrictions start from tomorrow (Thursday 31st December)
Last updated 30th Dec 2020
The Dorset Council area is being moved to Tier 3, very high alert.
The announcement has been made by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock in the House of Commons.
The new restrictions will come into force from the start of tomorrow Thursday 31st December.
What does that mean?
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has been moved into Tier 4.
In line with the situation across the wider South West region and England as a whole, there has been a significant increase in our case numbers and rates over the last couple of weeks.
7 day case rates per 100,000: 120.2 (compared to 46.0 on 18 Dec)
Confirmed cases in last 7 days: 455 (compared to 174 on 18 Dec)
We are also seeing a rise in hospital admissions.
The government say evidence shows the new strain of COVID-19 is increasing in the South West, Midlands and parts of the North West.
Public Health Dorset say on their website:
"To avoid the further spread of COVID-19 in Dorset, please limit your contact with people from outside your household and do not meet anyone you don't live with indoors.
"Please celebrate New Year's Eve safely at home with your household."