Tier 3 restrictions and guidance must now be followed, in a bid to reduce the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable people.

In Tier 3 people must not mix indoors or outdoors in hospitality venues or private gardens, the rule of six applies in outdoor public spaces. Restaurants, cafes and bars must also close and can only provide a take-away service.

For full details of what the Tier change means, please refer to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert

Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils, Sam Crowe, said, “The number of positive cases of Covid-19 across the Dorset Council area has risen rapidly over the last week. Tier 2 measures are not enough to stop the virus spreading.

“Our infection rates have risen in people over the age of 60 which is putting increased pressure on already stretched NHS services. Making sacrifices now means we could prevent an even larger spike in January.

“It is essential, now more than ever that everyone follows the rules for Tier 3 to help drive infections down. Until the vaccine is rolled out wider, we must do all we can to supress the virus by staying at home as much as possible. Remember; hands, face, space and ventilating your home are simple measures we can all do that will make a difference.”

Leader of Dorset Council, Cllr Spencer Flower, said, “With case numbers rising rapidly, further action now will help to contain the spread of the virus here in Dorset. I’m afraid there’s no room for complacency here, we all need to continue to play our part to protect people’s lives and our NHS.

“As ever, I’d like to thank people for all they are doing as a very difficult and unprecedented year draws to a close. I know moving into Tier 3 will be hard for many residents and local businesses but, with the vaccine now being rolled out, I sincerely hope it won’t be too long before we can return to some form of normality.”

BCP Council area is now in Tier 4. This includes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.