Coronavirus
The latest news about the coronavirus pandemic and how it is affecting Swanage and Purbeck.
Deaths due to Covid drop sharply in Swanage for March Following February’s peak, the official ONS figures of deaths due to Covid-19, show that in Swanage and across Purbeck, the worst was over by March 2021. 
Swanage starts to come back to life as Covid rules ease As part of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, shops selling non-essential items, outside hospitality venues and hair salons have now reopened. 
Swanage Coastguard warning as lockdown eases Following the relaxation of Covid rules, people will be allowed to take part in outdoor activities as long as they minimise travel or ‘stay local’ from Monday 29th March 2021. 
Swanage 40 to 49 year olds offered Covid jabs Swanage Medical Practice says it’s now sending out invites to its patients aged 40 to 49 years to get a Covid jab. 
Deaths due to Covid doubled in Swanage in February Confirmation that the UK’s second wave of the coronavirus pandemic was Swanage’s first wave, has been backed up by February’s official figures of deaths due to Covid-19. 
Swanage reflects one year on since the start of lockdown As part of the National Day of Reflection, a minute's silence will be held at 12 noon and in the evening, buildings across the UK will be lit up in ... 
Supermarket vouchers for Dorset families struggling over Easter Food vouchers worth £30 are to be distributed by Dorset Council over the Easter school holidays to support children in Dorset including Swanage. 
Help for parents as children in Swanage go back to school Dorset Council is offering support to parents and carers whose children are anxious about returning to the classroom this week, after an extended time away from the school environment. 
Covid testing site to be set up in Swanage Residents will be able to get tested for Covid-19 in Swanage from this week, while asymptomatic testing is now operational in Wareham. 
Swanage care home residents vaccinated as visiting restrictions eased Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage says that 100 percent of its residents have now received their first Covid-19 vaccination and the home is currently Covid-free. 
January – worst month for Covid deaths in Swanage The Office of National Statistics has published the latest information on the number of deaths due to Covid-19. 
Free PPE for Swanage’s unpaid carers Dorset Council is now providing those with caring responsibilities access to free masks, aprons, face shields and gloves. 
No roadmap to Swanage for tourists until after Easter Swanage’s tourism sector won’t be back in action until well after Easter under the four step plan out of lockdown. Cabs for jabs offer from Dorset Council Dorset Council, along with Public Health Dorset, is offering support towards the cost of a taxi to get to a local vaccination centre for those who couldn’t otherwise afford to ... 
As half term holiday looms, authorities warn against travel to Dorset Dorset Police have revealed that they’ve issued more than a thousand fixed penalty notices since the start of the pandemic, amidst a stern warning to “explore from your door”. 
Swanage outdoor centre makes all staff redundant due to Covid Allnatt Outdoors has shut its centre in Swanage and on the Isle of Wight, making all of its 24 members of staff redundant after losing 97 per cent of its ... 
Nearly 5,000 people vaccinated against Covid in Purbeck The roll out of the Covid vaccine is continuing well with a total of 4,784 patients having successfully received the first dose of their jab at Wareham Hospital hub. 
Urgent appeal as pandemic impacts staffing at local hospitals Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust that runs both Swanage and Wareham Hospitals is making an urgent appeal for volunteers to help support its NHS staff. 
“Covid-19 is spreading much faster” and impacting care homes says Dorset Council 40 percent of all residential care homes in the Dorset Council area including Wordsworth House in Swanage, are currently impacted by Covid-19. 
Dorset Police warn of scam Covid vaccine emails Swanage residents have reported receiving scam emails offering vaccines - and Dorset Police are urging people to watch out for these fraudulent messages claiming to offer it for a charge. 
Crisis in Swanage care home as residents and staff get Covid Wordsworth House Care Home in Swanage is appealing for more qualified staff to come to their aid after 34 residents and 30 staff tested positive for coronavirus. 
No further Covid-19 deaths in Swanage for December The Office of National Statistics has published the latest information on the number of Covid-19 related deaths for every city, town and village across England and Wales. 
Bournemouth super vaccination hub starts – watch film to see inside Bournemouth International Centre will become more like Bournemouth ‘injection’ centre as it opens as the local mass Covid vaccination hub for Swanage residents and others across Dorset. 
“An extremely tough time” says Public Health Dorset As Dorset faces its highest levels of cases since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, we’re being told we've got to stick to the guidance. 
First of the over 80s in Swanage get Covid vaccine Among the first to receive the Covid vaccine in Purbeck were husband and wife, 89 year old John and 86 year old Shirley Abbott, who live in Swanage. 
More over 80s to get Covid vaccine in Purbeck as extra clinics planned As Covid vaccinations start at Wareham Hospital, there’s now new dates for more clinics but GPs are pleading not to be overwhelmed by enquiries. 
Sent back to Coventry – Police fine Durdle Door visitors Purbeck Police has issued penalty notices to a group that travelled from Coventry to visit Lulworth in Dorset, in breach of current Covid legislation. 
Beware: Scam texts promising vaccine Swanage residents should remain alert for fraudulent texts claiming to offer the Covid-19 vaccination. 
Lockdown 3 – Swanage takeaway and shops to get you through the worst sequel ever Here’s the list of the Swanage shops that are remaining open during lockdown to offer residents essential goods and food and drink takeaways. 
Wareham Hospital gears up for first Covid vaccine jabs as cases soar Plans to vaccinate the most vulnerable in Purbeck against coronavirus are well underway, as the date for the first clinic is announced. 
Dorset heads into third national lockdown as Covid cases soar All non-essential shops in Swanage to close, children out of school to the end of February 2021 and no travel “outside your local area”. 
Many Swanage residents split between tiers as stricter Covid restrictions announced Dorset Council area is moving to tier three, while BCP council area, with its higher number of cases, is moving to tier four. 
Dorset Covid cases double in a week and that doesn’t include Christmas impact As New Year's Eve looms, Public Health Dorset data shows that in the week leading up to Christmas, there was a “significant increase” in coronavirus cases in Dorset and hospital ... 
Rollout of Covid vaccine to start in Purbeck in January A date in the new year has been set for the start of the Covid vaccination programme for Purbeck residents and it'll be at Wareham Hospital. 
Purbeck Covid testing site to operate over holidays as cases increase With the number of coronavirus cases in the county increasing, testing centres will remain open across Dorset over Christmas and New Year. 
Dorset Covid cases low but heading in wrong direction The latest weekly coronavirus data from Public Health Dorset shows that cases have begun to rise across Dorset and the number of Covid-19 hospital patients has increased as well. 
Dorset stays in Tier 2 as hospitals remain under pressure The whole of Dorset will remain under Tier 2 Covid restrictions amid concerns about the level of coronavirus cases in the area. GPs in Purbeck get ready to roll out Covid vaccine The vaccination programme against Covid-19 starts to be delivered by GP practices across England this week, with Wareham Hospital expected to be Purbeck’s local hub. 
First people in Dorset receive the Covid vaccine The rollout of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19 has started at Dorset County Hospital - one of the first hospitals in the world to do so. 
Dorset County Hospital to start world-first Covid vaccination programme As one of the 50 chosen hospital hubs in England, Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester will start to roll out the Pfzifer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination to Dorset residents. 
Bank closures and Covid make managing finances difficult in Dorset Citizens Advice is warning that Dorset’s rural communities have been hit hard by bank closures - especially in the wake of the coronavirus lockdowns. 
End of lockdown marked in Dorset by fall in coronavirus cases and increase in Covid marshals Good news as Dorset sees a drop of Covid cases according to the most recent weekly data from Public Health Dorset. Hospital pressure adds to reason why Dorset Council area is in Tier 2 Dorset Council says its disappointed at moving into a higher tier but it’s not surprised, as information emerges about the lack of local NHS capacity. 
Find out what post-lockdown restrictions will mean for Dorset residents Public Health Dorset, along with the two councils that cover Dorset are to broadcast live to residents after the government announces what Covid Tier the area will be in after ... 
“Don’t squander four week break” warns Public Health Dorset, as Covid testing starts in Purbeck Purbeck is to get its own mobile coronavirus testing unit, as number of Covid cases begins to level off, after two weeks of lockdown. 
Fines issued for lockdown breaches as Dorset Police launches Covid patrols Dorset Police says it has issued 20 penalties since officers began a new patrol called Operation Tattoo last week to enforce coronavirus restrictions. 
More Swanage shops and takeaways to stay open through lockdown two This time in Swanage, shops selling essential goods and a good number of cafes and restaurants offering takeaways are remaining open - SEE LIST. 
Swanage mayor asks us to look out for our vulnerable as the town enters second lockdown The town is bracing itself as Swanage starts four weeks of lockdown, in a bid to reduce the spread of Covid that's threatening to overwhelm the NHS. 
Holiday over as Swanage prepares for four weeks of lockdown New restrictions in England to reduce the spread of COVID-19 mean that holiday makers and second home owners won’t be able to visit holiday destinations including Swanage. 
Covid marshals to be deployed in Dorset towns this weekend With a sharp increase in the number of cases of coronavirus across the county, Covid marshals are to start patrolling the streets of the main towns in Dorset. Half term not a break from Covid as Dorset hospital numbers rise The number of people in hospital in Dorset with Covid-19 has shot up over the past two weeks - reaching a total of 44. 
Public Health Dorset and Dorset Council to give live briefing for residents on Covid With coronavirus cases on the increase in Swanage and across Dorset, there's to be a live briefing this week on plans to tackle the pandemic. 
Parkstone Grammar School students to work from home after Covid cases at school The girls’ grammar school in Poole, attended by many children in Swanage has just announced that it’s to temporarily close for all staff and pupils. 
Family cat inspires traditional pub to launch new venture amid pandemic A historic pub near Swanage has diversified during the Covid-19 crisis and launched a delicatessens inside the 350 year old hostelry. 
Dorset Council says it’s getting ready for any further Covid increase as cases double in a week The leader of Dorset Council says it’s “reinvigorating” its multi-agency arrangements, as the number of COVID-19 cases double in a week. 
Government shells out £780,000 funding boost to keep Tank Museum on track through pandemic The Tank Museum at Bovington has been thrown a major lifeline, receiving a total of £780,000 as part of the UK Government's Culture Recovery Fund. 
£500 self-isolation payment and Covid welfare check rolled out by Dorset Council Swanage residents forced to self-isolate may be entitled to financial support, and will get a call from the council to check on their welfare. 
Swanage Railway gets over £200k in government COVID-19 recovery grant The heritage railway based in Swanage is to get a substantial cash payment to cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 “trend is concerning” says Public Health Dorset A sharp jump in the number of coronavirus cases in Dorset has prompted Public Health Dorset to say that we need to continue to be vigilant to prevent the spread ... COVID-19 cases increase in Dorset but numbers in hospital stay low The latest weekly figures for confirmed coronavirus cases in Dorset has increased for the second week in a row but the number of people in hospital has stayed remarkably low. 
Flu jab clinics have started in Swanage for the most vulnerable Amid the coronavirus pandemic, residents are being urged to ensure that they protect themselves from the flu with this year’s vaccine. 
How should new Covid rules be policed in Dorset? Views sought from residents The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset has launched a survey asking how Dorset Police should enforce the new ‘Rule of 6’. 
Back to school for St Mark’s after coronavirus closure The pupils and staff at St Mark’s CE Primary School in Swanage return to their classrooms after a two week closure due to a member of staff testing positive for ... 
‘Go back to basics’ warning after rise in COVID-19 cases in Swanage This week, there’s been a jump in the number of coronavirus cases in the Dorset Council area, while in Swanage, five people have tested positive for COVID-19. 
Closure of St Mark’s School – Public Health Dorset gives reassurance about COVID-19 in Swanage After a school staff member tested positive for COVID-19, the Director of Public Health Dorset, Sam Crowe has spoken to Swanage.News about stopping the spread of the virus in Swanage. St Mark’s Primary School to close after staff member tests positive for COVID-19 St Mark's CE Primary School in Swanage is the first school in Dorset since schools reopened in September, to shut due to a staff member testing positive for COVID-19. 
Swans’ first three league matches called off as player tests positive for COVID-19 In a bitter blow at the start of the Dorset Premier League season for Swanage Town and Herston FC, a first team player has got coronavirus. 
Extra coronavirus precautions for Swanage’s East Bar East Bar in the High Street has been deep cleaned and customers will have their temperature taken, after positive COVID-19 report in its vicinity. 
Small increase in COVID-19 cases in Dorset Public Health Dorset has released data that shows an increase of coronavirus cases in the Dorset Council area, compared to the previous week but the numbers still remain low. 
Temporary closure of Shell Bay Restaurant due to coronavirus A member of staff at the popular fish restaurant at Shell Bay in Studland has tested positive for COVID-19. UPDATE - RESTAURANT NOW REOPENED. 
Social distancing passing places installed on Swanage seafront Some parking spaces along Shore Road have been removed to widen the pavement, to allow people to pass each other at a safe distance. 
Latest COVID-19 death data for Purbeck released As a COVID Health Protection Board is created for Dorset to tackle any new coronavirus flare ups, the ONS issues new stats. 
Santa gives creative boost to Swanage school kids Funding including a donation from Rotary's Santa sleigh fundraiser, means 150 art goody bags are going to Swanage pupils to get them creative over summer. 
Three Swanage retailers star in COVID-19 films Videos made to show how shops and businesses in Dorset are adapting to the coronavirus pandemic have chosen to feature three shops in Swanage. 
Now only one new coronavirus case a day in Dorset Council area The Director of Public Health for Dorset says it feels like we’re over the worst but COVID-19 is still here - SEE VIDEO. 
Financial cost of Covid-19 to Swanage is over £500k The financial cost of the coronavirus pandemic to Swanage is likely to total over half a million pounds in loss of income to the town council. 
Social distancing signs get graphic in Wareham While Swanage has opted for discreet social distancing messages on its pavements, Wareham has plumped for a more eye-catching design. 
‘Leave Space’ signs to make Swanage safer A social distancing message has been sprayed onto town centre pavements to help keep the town safer from the spread of coronavirus. COVID-19 antibody testing has started in Dorset The much anticipated antibody testing programme has begun in Dorset, starting with NHS staff but it’s planned to be rolled out to more residents soon. 
Swanage starts to emerge from lockdown as shops and Institute Road reopen Residents are being urged to support their local shops as they start opening and the town centre roadworks are completed this week. 
Updated figures confirm three deaths involving COVID-19 in Purbeck Latest numbers from the Office for National Statistics give a full breakdown of the number of deaths involving COVID-19 for our local area for March, April and May 2020. 
Swans get cash from football Premier League to help beat coronavirus crisis With the footy season cancelled and no revenue, there’s at last some good news as Swanage Town and Herston FC gets £1,500. 
Swanage Railway’s plans to join mainline in “state of limbo” due to coronavirus A new film about Swanage Railway says the pandemic has left its finances in a dire state and plans to link to Wareham are on hold. 
South West has second highest coronavirus R rate in England The Director of Public Health for Dorset says the South West does have one of the highest R rates in England but it’s not that bad - SEE VIDEO. 
Share of half a million pounds up for grabs for Swanage travel infrastructure Swanage residents being asked how to spend a £577k grant to improve walking and cycling routes in Dorset to help social distancing. 
Durdle Door arch jumpers injured, watched by packed beach Durdle Door beach evacuated as two rescue helicopters went to aid several people with serious injuries, who’d jumped 60 metres off the arch into the sea - SEE RESCUE PHOTOS. 
Day trip to Dorset? “Please think twice” says Dorset Council In a personally worded appeal, Dorset Council’s Leader has asked people not to visit Dorset for now and car parks and loos will remain closed for the time being. 
More government clarity required says RNLI The RNLI says it's currently “seeking further clarity” about the easing of lockdown measures, to keep our coast a safe place to visit. 
Seaside towns like Swanage still waiting for new lockdown guidance A Dorset Council councillor has expressed her concern for seaside areas following the Prime Minister's speech about the easing of lockdown restrictions. 
Swanage Lifeboat rescues tourists, during clap for key workers While Swanage residents were preparing to clap at 8 pm, the lifeboat crew rescued two people from Slough who had been cut off by the tide at Old Harry. 
Revealed – Dorset Council’s crisis response to COVID-19 In Dorset Council’s first online Cabinet meeting, the true extent of its fight against coronavirus in Dorset has been detailed, including its battle for PPE. 
Latest figures confirm two deaths involving COVID-19 in Purbeck New numbers from the Office for National Statistics show that we are living in the region with the lowest coronavirus death rate - SEE MAP FOR ENG AND WALES. 
Travelling 100s of miles to see the sea, not tolerated says Dorset’s Chief Constable Dorset Police has actually issued over double the number of fixed penalty notices for lockdown breaches, than previously reported. 
Summer dog beach ban not enforced but dogs must be on leads Details of the arrangements for dogs on Swanage's main beach from 1st May have been posted up on the seafront. “High availability” at the coronavirus drive-through testing centre in Poole More Swanage residents can now get tested for coronavirus at the drive-through test facility at the former Creekmoor park and ride. 
Do not visit Dorset, as over a 100 police fines issued This weekend, police officers will be patrolling Purbeck to prevent non-essential travel to beauty spots and can fine those who don't comply. £54m spending on pandemic leaves Dorset Council’s finances “uncomfortable” Dorset Council says it’s expecting to spend an additional £54m on coping with the coronavirus crisis. 
Poole to have drive-through coronavirus testing site by next week A drive-through coronavirus testing facility is due to open at the former Creekmoor Park and Ride in Poole. 
Swanage sews over a thousand face masks in two weeks Locals have created over a thousand face masks for volunteers and care home staff, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. 
“How badly has your business been affected?” asks Visit Dorset Swanage businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector are being asked to say how much the pandemic has been impacting them. 
Locals given option to donate Co-op reward cash to coronavirus fund The Swanage Co-op is giving local residents the chance to donate their reward money to the Co-op Members’ Coronavirus Fund. 
Local charity #Willdoes gives cash boost for those struggling with mental health The organisation, Dorset Mind Your Head, is to get £5,000 from the Swanage-based charity #Willdoes. 
Sandbanks Ferry to stop operating until further notice The Sandbanks Ferry Company has just announced that it’s to withdraw the service because it's no longer economically or environmentally viable at this current time. 
Swanage claps for carers and everyone else too! This evening, Swanage came out to clap for carers and everyone else who is helping get our community through the coronavirus crisis. 
23 fixed penalty notices issued for lock down violation in Dorset Dorset Police have confirmed they’ve issued 23 fixed penalty notices so far, since the introduction of the law to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Ferry hours reduced as travel restrictions bite The Sandbanks Ferry will finish operating on a daily basis at 7.10 pm for the foreseeable future, starting from Tuesday 14th April 2020. 
Clap for our community! Swanage residents were out on the streets last night, alongside firefighters, clapping in support of key workers and NHS staff. 
Police night patrol as Swanage residents fear bank holiday visitors Dorset Police is telling people not to travel as ‘Dorset is closed’ this Easter, to prevent the spread of coronavirus. 
Rules about dogs on Swanage beach relaxed Dorset Council is relaxing the restrictions that prevent dogs being walked on beaches during the warmer months, while the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing. Dorset Council starts paying out emergency cash to businesses The first government grants in response to the coronavirus crisis are now being paid out to businesses in Dorset, including Swanage. ‘Stay at home’ message getting through say Purbeck Police Most tourists who were planning to visit Swanage for Easter, have stayed at home to prevent the spread of coronavirus. 
Plea for anyone in Swanage who can sew, to make face masks Swanage Community Coronavirus Response Facebook group is calling on anyone handy with a sewing machine to help make masks for their volunteers. 
Don’t let bonfires cause heated rows with neighbours, warns council With the Swanage tip closed this weekend, Dorset Council is appealing to gardeners not to annoy their neighbours by lighting bonfires. 
Catch it, archive it, catalogue it – Capture Dorset’s history in the making People in Swanage and across the county, are being sought to keep a diary about the impact of coronavirus on their community. Continued rise in coronavirus cases in Dorset Council area The latest UK Government figures show that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Dorset Council area now stands at 45. 
Swanage Coastguard tells climbers not to stretch emergency services Following reports of people climbing along the Jurassic Coast, Swanage Coastguard warns people must stay at home. 
Police stopping tourists driving into Swanage for weekend Purbeck Police are actively stopping motorists and turning them round, if they haven’t got a good reason to travel into Swanage. 
Swanage’s Mayor sends his thanks to ‘our lovely town’ The Mayor, Mike Bonfield has sent a warm message of thanks to residents for their help during the coronavirus crisis. 
Swanage’s Minor Injuries Unit now only available by appointment In response to the coronavirus crisis, the Minor Injuries Unit at Swanage Community Hospital will no longer allow people to just turn up. 
Institute Road reopens as Swanage roadworks suspended Dorset Council is suspending the town centre roadworks, after UK workers were told to stay at home, to reduce the spread of coronavirus. 
Tourists asked to stay away from Swanage Swanage Town Council has asked tourists and second homeowners to not visit the town, to protect residents from coronavirus. Key volunteers sought to help Swanage fight coronavirus The Swanage Community Coronavirus Response group has launched an urgent appeal for more volunteers to help support the vulnerable. 
Swanage’s coronavirus response plans coming together to support the vulnerable Hundreds of community-spirited volunteers across the town are coming forward to offer extra neighbourly support to the vulnerable. Last day at school for most, as coronavirus cases rise in Dorset Council area Children told to stay home as number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Dorset Council area rises to seven. 
Coronavirus crisis closes Swanage Library Swanage Library, along with all libraries across Dorset, is set to close at the end of Friday 20th March 2020. 
National Trust to close Corfe Castle Corfe Castle, the scene of many battles, is to close “until further notice” as a result of the UK Government’s coronavirus advice. Dorset Council launch coronavirus newsletter for residents A coronavirus newsletter is being sent out via email by Dorset Council to keep people updated about latest developments. 
Swanage Railway postpones gala in latest blow to local economy The Swanage Railway Diesel Gala and Beer Festival, due to take place in April, has been postponed following coronavirus advice. 
Swanage community spirit steps up to fight coronavirus impact Famous for its community spirit, the town is currently drawing up plans and going online to tackle the challenge of coronavirus. 
The Mowlem to close “until further notice” Due to the Government’s coronavirus advice that people should avoid theatres, the Mowlem in Swanage has announced that it's closing from Thursday. 
Dorset County Hospital treating second confirmed coronavirus case in Dorset Council area As the Swanage community prepares to face the challenge of coronavirus, a second case has been confirmed in the Dorset Council area. 
First case of coronavirus confirmed in Dorset Council area It's been officially confirmed that a resident in the Dorset Council area has tested positive for coronavirus.