THE director of Public Health Dorset urged people to continue following social distancing rules, despite the shorter, more rapid increase of coronavirus cases in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Coronavirus cases have increased in Dorset recently, but the rates are lower than most places in the country, and Public Health Dorset are continually monitoring the data.

Director Sam Crowe said: “Whilst in Dorset we have mostly seen low case numbers since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak in March, in line with the national trend, our data shows that cases have been rising in both the Dorset Council and BCP areas in recent weeks.

“On top of an overall gradual increase the BCP area has seen a shorter more rapid increase, which latest case numbers suggest is showing signs of dropping back down. We continue to monitor all our data to confirm if this is a temporary change.

“Although we do still have lower case rates than other areas of the country, the increase in cases locally serves as a reminder that we must all continue to follow social distancing and self-isolation measures.

“This means keeping your distance from anyone you don’t live with, not meeting in groups of more than six and avoiding hugging or shaking hands with others.

“It is also vitally important that anyone who has symptoms or a positive test result or has been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, follows the rules by completing their self-isolation period and not leaving their home or having visitors.

“We are continually monitoring local and national data along with government announcements to understand the impact of COVID-19 on our communities and health and care system.”