“We have started to see case rates level off and decrease marginally, but until we see a significant reduction in cases our hospital admissions are likely to remain high” say Public Health Dorset as the latest update for the country has been published.
The BCP Council area now has the 20th highest infection rate (793.8 per 100,000) of all local authorities across the UK. This is still much higher than the average rates for England (484) and the South West (331.5).
In Dorset there were 1,175 cases in the last 7 days, compared to 1,261 in the previous update on the 15 January 2021.
There has been an increase in COVID-19 patients in hospital beds in Dorset up to 552 from 452 in the previous update.
Hospital admissions have continued to increase. NHS services in Dorset are experiencing unprecedented and extreme levels of demand. There are now more than four times as many COVID patients in Dorset hospitals than at the peak of the first wave in April. Sadly we are also seeing COVID-related deaths continue to rise.
The single most important thing you can do to help is stay at home as much as possible. Book a test and self-isolate with your household if you develop any symptoms.
Up to 17th January, 68,693 doses had been administered to people in Dorset.
