STAFFING levels across the county's care homes are being hit hard by a 'significant' increase in Covid infections.

Coronavirus is spreading much faster through care homes than ever before during the pandemic, public health officials say.

And because current rates are not declining as quickly as hoped, Dorset Council says, this is having a huge impact on staffing levels across Dorset's care sector.

Yesterday the Daily Echo reported how one care home in Swanage, Wordsworth House Care Home, was struggling after a large percentage of its residents and staff tested positive for the virus.

Rachel Partridge, assistant director of public health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole councils, said: "Unfortunately, due to the high number of cases of Covid-19 in our communities we are also seeing an increase in the number of outbreaks in care settings across Dorset.

"We are working closely with those settings and key partners to monitor the situation and provide advice and support wherever it’s needed."

Care homes are under increased pressure with the increased requirements of infection control, Covid testing and supporting the rollout of vaccinations, a Dorset Council spokesman said.

The council says it is working with the sector, through organisations such as the Dorset Care Home Association, to ensure support and guidance is in place.

Regular calls are taking place between the council and care homes to see if additional help is needed.

The council is also providing 24/7 emergency support.

Ms Partridge said: "Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been working with the care sector, local health partners and local authorities to ensure all necessary measures are in place to protect care home residents and staff.

"These measures are set out by national government guidance and include ensuring good access to personal protective equipment and infection prevention and control training.

"In addition, care homes are able to carry out routine testing for staff and residents to identify and isolate positive Covid cases.

"I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge all the hard work and care that is being given daily during these really challenging times."

Meanwhile, Cllr Laura Miller, portfolio holder for adult social care and health at Dorset Council, said it was not just a statutory duty, but also a "moral duty" to safeguard all residents and staff in care setting across the county.

She added: "I am acutely aware that each resident is an individual person, many with families and loved ones, and our teams always have this at the forefront of everything they do in keeping people safe.

“As this is something that impacts that on the lives of residents, their families and loved ones, and staff in care settings, I don’t feel it is appropriate for me to comment on individual care homes. "They will continue to receive the high level of support they need and deserve at this time.”

Anna Knight, chairman of the Dorset Care Homes Association, described the current situation as a "terribly difficult, upsetting and challenging time" for the care sector.

She said: "We are working as hard as we possibly can, with the support of our local authority and health colleagues to ensure that our residents and staff remain as safe as possible by implementing the highest level of infection control prevention measures.

"There are many homes with open situations in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole which clearly evidences just how virulent this virus is.

"We are working harder than we have ever worked before to try and keep Covid-19 at bay.

“Our residents and families are relying on us to look after their loved ones and we are determined to continue to 'rise to the challenge.'

"All the care teams in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole are working as hard, as carefully and as professionally as they can.

"They need as much kindness, support and positivity as we can give them to help them carry on with their outstanding work.

"I am proud to be part of the care sector and even prouder of my colleagues."