COVID-19 Update from BCP Council

Following the government's latest COVID-19 update on October 12th, BCP Council give an update on local restrictions and what the news means for locals in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The Prime Minister has set out a three tiered system of local COVID Alert Levels in England: medium, high and very high.

The “medium” alert level - which includes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole - consists of the current national measures, which came into force on 25 September. This includes the rule of six, and the closure of hospitality at 10pm.

You can find more information about the local COVID-19 alert level 'medium' here, a full list of COVID-19 alert levels by area here and weekly COVID figures by BCP Council here.

We must act now to avoid more restrictions

That's the message from Sam Crowe, the Director of Public Health for Dorset Council and BCP Council:
“We are classed as a medium risk area, having experienced a low number of cases over the last few months.

"However, we have seen a significant increase in case numbers and case rates in recent weeks, particularly in the Bournemouth area.

“Whilst these have so far been mostly contained within household bubbles, specific workplaces and education settings, if the current rate at which cases are rising continues, we are at risk of the virus spreading more widely amongst people, known as community transmission. To prevent this, people must follow the rules.

“If you are showing symptoms or have been identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 you must self-isolate and not leave your house for any reason at all other than to be tested.

“While there is no immediate need for increased restrictions like we’re seeing in other areas, it is vital we all follow all the guidelines otherwise we will start to see stronger measures here.”

Cllr Nicola Greene, BCP Council portfolio holder for Covid resilience, schools and skills added: “People across the BCP area have done a great job so far and I’d like to thank all those who’ve taken their responsibilities seriously. However, we have seen cases recently where people are not following the advice and unfortunately passing COVID-19 on to other people.

"I urge everyone to do your bit to help keep your family, friends and local communities safe. Follow the rules so we can avoid having to take further action and can instead continue to enjoy the relative freedoms of doing normal things safely.”