A MAP shows potential coronavirus hotspots across the country, showing which areas have a higher risk of infection.

Oxford University’s online tool found that Poole, East Dorset, Christchurch and Purbeck had the highest risk of hospitalisation from coronavirus in the area.

However, it is worth noting the R rate for the South West is currently 0.6-1.1, with the virus growing by -6 per cent to 1 per cent a day.

The Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science project has been calculated using data known to correlate to vulnerability to coronavirus.

You can view the map here.

This includes factors such as age, social deprivation, population density, ethnicity and hospital capacity.

The dashboard features a map down to a ward level showing the risk of hospitalisation per 1,000 people based on age and hospital capacity.

The map showed some areas of Poole as red, meaning 11 or more people per 1,000 were hospitalised with coronavirus.

These included Sandbanks, Canford Cliffs and Lilliput.

Bournemouth Echo:

In Bournemouth, the map showed less than eight people were hospitalised per 1,000 for most areas.

However, Southbourne and West Cliff were red.

Ferndown, West Moors, Wareham and Wimborne were also all red.

On the contrary, however, most of Bournemouth, Alderney, Boscombe and Pokesdown had a hospitalisation rate of less than eight per 1,000 people, with some showing a rate of 4.8 people per 1,000.

Bournemouth Echo:

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils, said: “Cases of Covid-19 in the Dorset and BCP Council areas have been and remain very low in comparison with other areas in England.

“However, it’s really important that we don’t become complacent as lockdown measures are eased.

“In order to keep the risk of transmission low, it is critical that everyone continues to follow social distancing and handwashing measures, especially as people begin to get out and about more.

“Take hand sanitiser with you if you’re heading out and remember to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and keep your distance from other people.

“I would like to remind anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus to self-isolate and book a test immediately either online or by calling 119.

“Using the NHS Test and Trace system is key for keeping infections down in Dorset, so please do follow instructions to self-isolate if you are identified as a close contact of a positive case.”