DORSET will learn this week whether a rise in coronavirus cases will cause the county to move Tiers or remain in Tier 2.

Both Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas have been at the Tier 2 level since the end of the second lockdown in early December.

While there has been dismay from senior council figures, businesses and residents, the Government said the county, like others, will be judged if it can move into another Tier after two weeks.

Public Health Dorset previously said Dorset is in Tier 2 because coronavirus cases have not fallen enough to make the county move into a lower Tier, as the county's hospitals "remain under pressure".

Medical figures have warned people not to be complacent and said Tier 2 will help to tackle rising cases and patients with coronavirus in Dorset hospitals.

When will the Tiers be reviewed and what factors are assessed?

Dorset Echo:

The Government said a formal review will take place on Wednesday, December 30 with an announcement of areas moving Tiers to follow in the coming days.

Decisions are made based on the following criteria:

  • cases numbers in all age groups
  • cases numbers specifically in the over 60s
  • rates by which cases are falling or rising
  • infection rates per 100,000 people
  • the projected pressures on the NHS

What is the case rate in Dorset?

Dorset Echo:

Cases in both Dorset authorities have been low post-lockdown and much lower than the national average, but positive tests in the area have suddenly increased towards the end of December.

Dorset's coronavirus infection rate has soared to 116 per 100,000 people – but it has almost trebled in recent weeks from a rate of around 40 per 100,000.

The figures, for the seven days to Wednesday, December 23, are based on tests carried out in laboratories - pillar one of the Government’s testing programme - and in the wider community, pillar two.

The case rate for Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole is 212.5 per 100,00 people.

Why the Government placed Dorset in Tier 2

Dorset Echo:

Written statements published following health secretary Matt Hancock's announcements showed the Government's reasoning for Dorset being in Tier 2 at the last Tier review in mid-December.

A statement reads: "There is a stable picture across Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The overall case rate (56 per 100,000) is broadly stable.

"Case rates in the over 60s are relatively low (44 cases per 100,000) but increasing across the area.   

"The recent increases in epidemiology indicators and their current level do not justify allocation to Tier 1.

"In the Dorset STP admissions (sustainability and transformation partnerships) are stable and occupancy is below the national average."