Four new coronavirus deaths have been recorded in Dorset hospitals in the latest 24-hour period, while 156 new cases were also recorded across the county, latest official figures show.
NHS England figures show 72 people had died in hospital at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust as of 5pm yesterday.
That was an increase of four compared to Tuesday, when there were 68.
Of the deaths reported, one was recorded at University Hospitals Dorset Trust, and three at the former Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which merged with The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on October 1.
The number of recorded coronavirus cases in Dorset increased by 156 over the last 24 hours, official figures show.
Public Health England figures show that there were 41 new cases in the Dorset Council area and 114 new cases in the BCP area.
The rate of infection in the Dorset Council area now stands at 500 cases per 100,000 people, far lower than the England average of 1,420.
Across the UK, the number of recorded cases increased by 23,065 over the period to 965,340.
Dorset's cases were among the 39,454 recorded across the South West, a figure which rose by 1,171 over the period.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here