THREAD: Case rates have continued to decline over the last week, and we'd like to thank everyone who has played their part in this by following the lockdown rules. Rates are still high which means it is too early to relax or become complacent.

@DorsetCouncilUK @BCPCouncil

In comparison, at the end of the second lockdown on 2 December, case rates in the Dorset Council area were around 40 cases per 100,000 and they were around 70 per 100,000 in the BCP Council area.

The number of patients in hospitals across Dorset with COVID-19 has started to fall, but from a very high level. Our local health system continues to be very busy and any increase in cases could cause pressure to quickly increase again. Sadly, deaths have continued to increase.

Please continue to follow the rules - it really does make a difference. We are still in a national lockdown so only leave home for essential reasons.

Read more in our weekly update: https://www.publichealthdorset.org.uk/your-health/protecting-your-health/latest-updates-on-covid-19-in-dorset.aspx