From Dorset Council:
System briefing on COVID-19 surveillance – current status
Key issues and information
Overall assurance statement | Currently BCP and Dorset Councils are experiencing low numbers of cases compared with many other Councils in England. The current risk of a second peak is currently considered LOW. |
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Cases in BCP Council in past 5 days | 5 (1.3 cases per 100,000; regional rate is 1.5 per 100,000) |
Cases in Dorset Council in past 5 days | 6 (1.6 cases per 100,000; regional rate is 1.5 per 100,000) |
Key messages and themes |
Local R number R number calculations cannot be accurately estimated for smaller populations below a regional level. Therefore we cannot share a reliable R number for Dorset. We use other surveillance such as information from Public Health England health protection team, and data from NHS Test and Trace to understand the incidence rate for COVID in Dorset. We will use this information to keep you updated on the current situation in the county. The national R number is published weekly and is currently between 0.7 and 0.9. The Government also publishes regional estimates now on the same page. This currently shows that the value for R for the South West is within the range 0.6 to 0.9. This does not change our current assessment of risk because of the low number of cases in our Councils and the South West compared with other regions. |
Key messages for schools | The national estimate of R is below 1, and current advice is that it is safe for schools to return as long as the guidance is followed to maintain social distancing and hygiene. |
Key messages for care homes | The number of outbreaks in care homes has fallen significantly with none in the past 7 days notified to Public Health England for BCP Council, and no outbreaks notified from homes within Dorset Council. |
Key messages for other settings | Overcrowding on beaches and at tourist hot spots across both Councils is a current concern due to lack of social distancing and anti-social behaviour. Multi-agency response stood up, key messages being delivered via Warning and Informing and with national and local media. |
SENT ON BEHALF OF SAM CROWE, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH
For up to date information about COVID-19 please see: