CORONAVIRUS is continuing to spread across Dorset, as some areas report outbreaks of Covid-19. 

An interactive map, which uses Public Health England data, shows how many people have tested positive for the virus in each area of the county over the seven-day period up to Sunday, January 10. 

Public Health England breaks down the numbers of coronavirus cases into neighbourhoods called 'Middle Super Output Areas' (MSOAs), which are smaller than council wards and based on population rather than geographical area.

The interactive map, which can be found through this link, allows users to type in their postcode and see how many cases were reported in their area and if it has increased or decreased from the week before. The darker the colour on the image, the more positive test results have been recorded.

Dorset Echo: The varying levels of coronavirus cases in Dorset according to Public Health England.The varying levels of coronavirus cases in Dorset according to Public Health England.

The map highlights which areas of the county have three or more confirmed cases of the virus and colour co-coordinates the areas by how many cases they have.

Varying levels of coronavirus have been reported across Dorset according to Public Health England's data. 

In the seven days up to Sunday, January 10, Dorset reported 4,800 cases. The case rate compared to the UK average is near the national average, which has been steadily increasing in recent weeks.  

Note: This article includes the most recent data available at the time of publication.

The following 10 areas in Dorset confirmed the least cases in the last week:

  • Bridport South and West Bay - Seven cases
  • Bridport North - Nine cases
  • Beaminster, Maiden Newton & Halstock - 10 cases 
  • Southwell & Weston - 10 cases
  • Wyke Regis - 11 cases
  • Child Okeford & Iwerne Minster - 12 cases
  • Sturminster Newton & Stalbridge - 12 cases 
  • Weymouth West - 13 cases
  • Burton Bradstock & Chideock - 14 cases
  • Underhill & The Grove - 15 cases 

The following 10 areas in Dorset confirmed the most cases in the last week:

  • Queens Park - 92 cases
  • Oakdale East - 99 cases 
  • East Howe & Ensbury Park - 100 cases
  • Springbourne & Queen's Park - 102 cases
  • Poole Town - 120 cases
  • Newton - 122 cases
  • East Cliff - 123 cases 
  • Central Bournemouth - 144 cases 
  • Penn Hill - 145 cases
  • Boscombe West - 149 cases

The updated 'R rate' for the South West is now between 1.2 - 1.5, which is higher than the latest R number range for the UK of 1.2 - 1.3.

The current growth rate in the South West, including Dorset, is set at +4 to +7, meaning that new infections are growing between four per cent to seven per cent every day.