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 compared to the rest of England.
For the week, 22nd to 28th September 2020, there were 29 reported cases of COVID-19 in the Dorset Council area and 78 in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) area.
This compares to the previous week 16th to 22nd September 2020 when there were 18 reported cases of COVID-19 in the Dorset Council area and 48 in the BCP area.
Three people in hospital in Dorset with COVID-19
However on Thursday 1st October 2020, across the whole of Dorset, there were three people in hospital with COVID-19. This compares to last week, when on Thursday 24th September 2020, there were two people in hospital with COVID-19 in Dorset.
Across the south west of England on Thursday 1st October 2020, there were 34 coronavirus patients in hospital and two on a ventilator. This is the lowest number in an English region.
The highest number of COVID-19 patients in England is in the north west, where there are 662 people in hospital, with 89 on a ventilator.
“Our data shows that cases have risen”
A Public Health Dorset spokesperson said:
“In line with the national trend, our data shows that cases have risen in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and Dorset Council areas. Although our numbers are now higher, the increase does seem to be levelling off. We continue to monitor all of our data to understand the current picture.”
Coronavirus cases at Bournemouth University
It was also revealed that students at Bournemouth University have tested positive for coronavirus. The Public Health Dorset spokesperson added:
“We are aware of a number of Bournemouth University students who have tested positive for COVID-19. We are working closely with Bournemouth University and Public Health England to identify and respond to any confirmed cases.
“Anyone who is a close contact of the positive cases has been contacted and asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
“At the moment the number of cases amongst students in Bournemouth is low compared to elsewhere in the UK but we will continue to work with local partners to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.
“The university has implemented a wide range of public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission, but we need everyone to play their part.”
Further information
Read Public Health Dorset’s latest weekly coronavirus data
