ONE in twenty people tested positive for Covid in the BCP and Dorset Council areas, according to the latest weekly data.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows 5.08 per cent of people across the conurbation tested positive in the seven days to March 12.

Meanwhile, 1 in 20 also tested positive in East Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck, West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland at 4.79 per cent. 

The figures are calculated as an average over the seven days to March 12 and refer to infections among people in private households.

The estimates are based on sample sizes that are smaller than those used for the national and regional figures.

This means there is more uncertainty around the figures and caution should be taken when interpreting or ranking them, the ONS said.

In the south west, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly had the highest number of infections with one in 14 people returning positive results.

Cheltenham, Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury saw one in 15 test positive.

This was followed by Plymouth, South Hams and Torbay at 5.23 per cent or 1 in 19.

Across the UK, Sutton had the highest number of infections at 7.48 per cent, which is 1 in 13.