A RECENT "significant increase" in coronavirus cases across the BCP Council area has been described as a "serious" situation by the local authority.

As reported, there has been speculation the BCP area could be moved into Tier Two restrictions.

On Tuesday evening Public Health Dorset told the Daily Echo "no decision had been made".

This came after Sam Crowe, Dorset's director for public health, told the BBC a decision would be made in the next few days.

BCP Council leader Cllr Drew Mellor said such a move “had not been discussed”.

At present, BCP remains in the "medium risk" Tier One level.

An email sent to residents who subscribe to the local authority's updates, said a "significant rise" in confirmed cases had presented a "concerning situation" to be in.

It added that case numbers are particularly going up in the 18-30 age range, alongside more people in hospitals testing positive. 

The council communication said: "Our area is currently in Tier 1 – medium risk, which means that national restrictions apply.

"However, despite our figures remaining below the national average for England, fully-verified data published by Public Health Dorset shows that cases continue to rise locally.

"In fact, over the last few weeks, we have seen a significant rise in confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Dorset. This is a concerning situation to be in.

"Public Health Dorset is constantly reviewing the data and considering the options. Discussions are taking place with the regional director of public health and with council chief executives across the south west.

"This makes it increasingly important for us to all to do our bit to reduce the need for further restrictions – we must wash our hands, aim for 2m social distance and wear face coverings where required."

While coronavirus case rates and number of hospital deaths involving patients with the virus are released daily by national authorities, the council said other factors are taken into account when assessing the situation.

"The infection rate and case numbers are not the only factors in determining the risk level locally," BCP Council said.

"Other key considerations are the age groups affected by the virus and how seriously ill they are likely to become, and the way that the virus is spreading in our area. Is it self-contained within workplaces, age groups, households or premises? Or is it spreading widely through community transmission? What is the impact on hospitals admissions and the NHS?

"Our case numbers are continuing to go up particularly in the 18-30 age range and we are seeing more patients in our hospitals who are testing positive with Covid-19.

"The situation in Dorset is serious. We need everyone to do their bit and follow the guidelines otherwise we risk moving to a higher tier."

The council provided the following list of measures residents should follow to assist in limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

  • It is vital everyone limits contact with people outside of our household
  • Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 must self-isolate immediately and book a test
  • If you are waiting for a test result you and your whole household must self-isolate until you get the result
  • If you test positive or have been identified as a close contact, you must self-isolate
  • Self-isolating means you must not leave your home at all - do not go to work or school, do not go to the shops and do not leave the house for exercise

Anyone in the BCP Council area who needs help to self-isolate, can contact the local authority's Together We Can helpline on 0300 1237052 or visit their website.