ALMOST 40 cases of Covid-19 were recorded in Dorset in seven days, latest figures have revealed, as the county sees a “small rise” in the number of cases.

Data released by Public Health Dorset, 28 positive cases were confirmed in the BCP Council area in the seven days between August 26 and September 1.

The Dorset Council area recorded nine during the same period.

The previous seven days, the BCP Council area had nine cases and the Dorset Council area recorded 12.

However, the health watchdog said despite the rise in cases, the south west remains the region least impacted by Covid-19 and other locations are “seeing a bigger impact”.

Public Health Dorset said: “In Dorset we are seeing a small rise in numbers of cases of COVID-19, as are many areas in England. The South West remains the region least impacted by COVID-19 and most areas in the South West are seeing a bigger impact than we are locally.

“We are very grateful for the support of everyone in our communities in following government guidance and keeping our risk of community transmission low, and we are urging everyone to keep this up in the coming weeks and months.”

Meanwhile, the case rate per 100,000 of the population in the BCP Council area has risen from 4.3 during August 15 and 21 to 5.3 from August 22 to 28.

In the Dorset Council area, the rate has fallen from 3.2 to 2.7.

Both rates are still below the 6.5 average in the south west and 12.8 for England.

In a video update released on social media, Jo Wilson, Head of Programmes at Public Health Dorset, said: “Cases of coronavirus remain low in Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils.

“We have started to see a small increase in cases which is in line with what we are seeing nationally and it’s a reminder that we need to continue to remain vigilant and follow the government guidelines.

As schools welcome back pupils, Ms Wilson urged members of the public to play their part in ensuring transmission rates remain low in schools by staying two metres apart from anyone not in their own household, avoiding large gatherings and continuing regular hand washing.