In line with the national trend, Public Health Dorset data shows that cases have risen in the Dorset Council area. Although numbers are now higher, the increase does seem to be levelling off. Public Health Dorset continue to monitor all of the data to understand the current picture.
In the period 22-28 Sept 2020 there were 29 cases in the Dorset Council area a rise of 11 compared to the period 16-22 September.
Case rates, per 100,000 of the population, for the period (22-28 Sept) in the Dorset Council area was 7.7 a rise of 2.1 compared to the previous period (12-18 Sept).
Public Health Dorset are continuing to see positive cases in a number of care homes identified through routine whole care home testing. These are monitored closely working with partners in adult social care, NHS Dorset CCG and the care homes themselves to ensure all necessary measures are being taken.
A local care home visiting policy is in place. This was reviewed alongside the local picture at the Health Protection Board earlier this week. Care homes were asked to review their own visiting policies, ensuring they continue to follow best practice guidance, but the Board felt that on balance visits to care homes could continue. This will be reviewed at the Board each week.
Day services may remain open in line with national guidance and risk assessment, with further review each week.
A number of schools in the Dorset Council areas have reported positive cases. Public Health Dorset continue to work closely with any affected schools and Public Health England South West to ensure any necessary measures are taken. Affected schools communicate directly with parents and carers regarding any changes to school provision. Any close contacts of cases are contacted and advised to self-isolate. Members of the school community do not need to self-isolate and should not get tested unless specifically directed to do so.
A case of Coronavirus has been confirmed at Dorchester Middle School, which remains open as of 1st Oct, here is a statement: Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils said: “We are aware a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Dorchester Middle School. The school 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 case have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14-days. Contacts of the confirmed case should get tested if they go on to develop symptoms. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 14-days.”
Westfield Arts College Special School in Weymouth remains open, update posted on 30 September. A member of staff has tested positive and a small group of students and staff are being asked to self isolate. Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils said: “We are aware a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Westfield Arts College Special School in Weymouth. The school 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 case have been notified and advised to self-isolate for 14-days. Contacts of the confirmed case should get tested if they go on to develop symptoms. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 14-days.”
