The Director of Public Health for Dorset, Sam Crowe in his latest video update has said it feels like we’re over the worst of the pandemic but COVID-19 is still here, so we must remain vigilant.
In the message, he details the current situation in Dorset in relation to coronavirus and thanks everyone for following the rules which has helped keep the rate of infection down across the county.
“Very low numbers of cases”
Sam Crowe said:
“Currently, we’re luckily experiencing very low numbers of cases, so we’re averaging about one new positive case a day in each of the councils (Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council), which is great news and it does feel like we’re over the worst of the pandemic now.
“First of all, thank you, because I think the fact that so many people have adhered to the public health guidance on social distancing, hand washing, staying at home as much as possible over the past few weeks has really meant that we’ve all played out part in limiting the impact of the pandemic, which had been great.”
Not out of the clear yet
As lockdown eases and further restrictions are lifted on Saturday 4th July 2020, Sam Crowe says that it is good to see more businesses and workplaces start to reopen but we are not out of the clear yet. He says:
“Obviously we’re now in a phase where we’re starting to open up. We’re starting to see more and more businesses and workplaces open up, which is great news. I know that it has been very frustrating for people, particularly those of you who have been cooped up without access to good outdoor space. But as we open up it’s still really important that we remember we’re still living with the virus.”
Manage any local lockdown
One of the responsibilities of Public Health Dorset is to manage any local lockdown if there is a new coronavirus outbreak, as has happened in Leicester.
While it’s hoped that this will not occur anywhere in Dorset, including Swanage, Sam Crowe says plans are being put in place to cope with an increase in local cases if it was to happen. He added:
“One of the things the public health team is doing with both councils (Dorset Council and BCP Council) is developing outbreak management plans that set out how we respond to the first signs of any increase in local cases, so we’re being very, very vigilant looking for the early increase in cases.
“I’d also ask the public to do the same – please continue to play your part. You’ve all done fantastically well in following the guidance. It is still important that we remember that the virus is still here so please continue to wash your hands. Please limit the amount of time that you spend in contact with other households and do keep adhering to the government guidance whenever you can.”
