COVID infections rates are starting to fall again across Dorset – but health and care services are under “significant pressure”.

Local health authority Public Health Dorset said while there are fewer Covid patients in hospital compared to last year, the virus is adding to the “exceptional” demand.

A Public Health Dorset spokesperson said: “Following a rise in cases over the past couple of weeks, infection rates have started to fall again across Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Case rates in both council areas are above the national average for England but below the regional average for the South West. Infection rates remain highest amongst children and lowest amongst over 65s.”

“Whilst there are far fewer people needing hospital treatment as a result of COVID-19 compared to last year, our local health and care services are under significant pressure.

"Alongside exceptional demand and the usual pressures faced every winter, COVID-19 is adding to these pressures. Please continue to play your part by getting your jabs to protect yourself from serious illness, and taking precautions to reduce the spread of the virus.”

A total of 90 people are being treated in hospitals across Dorset for Covid, comparable to 92 previously.

Latest figures show there were 3,650 cases confirmed in the BCP Council area in the seven days to February 5, giving a case rate of 919.4 per 100,000 people.

During the same period there were 3,358 people with Covid across the wider Dorset area at a 1,027.2.

Previously, there were 4,503 cases in the BCP area and 3,692 in Dorset with rates of 1,134.3 and 972.1 respectively.