In the seven-day period from 28 July to 3 August, there were just two cases in the BCP Council area and six in the Dorset Council area.

Public Health Dorset is to publish weekly updates to keep residents, businesses and partner agencies informed of the latest COVID-19 situation in the county.

From 24 -30 July case rates per 100,000 of the population were 1.8 in BCP Council area, 1.3 in Dorset Council, 4.5 in the South West and 9 in England.

There are a very small number of care homes with positive COVID cases in the county. These are being monitored closely and are all currently under control.

Public Health Dorset says the national estimate of R is below one, 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.

And just as a reminder, residents should:

1. Only meet one other household at a time indoors (that includes in places like pubs and restaurants).

2. Only meet in groups of up to six people from any households outdoors.

3. Stay two metres apart from anyone who isn’t in your household or support bubble.

4. Wear a face covering where required.

Rachel Partridge, assistant director of Public Health, said, “We are working really hard to respond to COVID-19 across our area. As part of our work with the Local Outbreak Management Plan, we want to keep residents informed about what’s happening in Dorset and any actions that need to be taken.

“I want to thank everyone for your continued hard work and patience around observing social distancing, really good hand hygiene, wearing face coverings and getting a test if you are becoming symptomatic with symptoms of COVID-19.”