MORE than 65 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the Dorset Council area in the last 24 hours.

According to the latest data published on the government website, a total of 68 new cases have been confirmed in Dorset.

This brings the total number of cases in the council area to 1,594. The area now has 304 current cases of Covid-19 and an infection rate per 100,000 people of 80.3.

Meanwhile, in the BCP Council area, 151 people tested positive for coronavirus in the last 24 hours.

This brings the total number of cases in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area to 3,030 - there have been 615 cases reported within the last week, with an infection rate of 155.6.

Elsewhere, the New Forest have had a further 26 new cases bringing the area's total to 981. Just 136 cases have been reported in the most recent seven-day period and the infection rate is 75.5.

A further 185 people, who tested positive for Covid-19 have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 31,743.

Date of death ranges from April 6 to October 23 2020, with the majority being on or after Tuesday October 20.