More than a third of Dorset Police control room staff at home due to Covid-19
They're either self-isolating or have symptoms
Dorset Police is the latest employer to be hit by staff having to self-isolate after being pinged by the NHS Test and Trace app.
They've told us more than a third of their control room staff are currently not in work due to being told to self-isolate, with some of them also at home with Covid-19 symptoms.
Dorset Police say they're under increasing pressure with 999 calls up more than 20 per cent compared to last week.
There has also been an 11 per cent increase in calls to the police's 101 service.
A spokesperson for Dorset Police told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"Significant work has been undertaken to mitigate the impact this is having on our service and many of those who are isolating are able to work from home and respond to non-urgent calls to service that are made via our digital channels.
"We are asking the public to help us further by using our online non-emergency channels where possible rather than calling 101. Anyone calling 101 may have to wait some time before speaking to a call handler as our 999 service must remain our priority.
"Please remember, only dial 999 in an emergency - when life is threatened, people are injured, offenders are nearby, or immediate action is required.
"We would like to thank the public for their understanding and patience at this challenging time."