AN OUTBREAK of coronavirus has occurred in an area of West Dorset – as cases surge by 600 per cent in the area.

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 Monday, December 28, 2020.

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:

In the seven days up to Monday, December 28, 2020, Bridport North has reported 21 cases in the area, an increase of 18 on the seven days before. Public Health England say this is a 600 per cent increase of positive tests in the area.

Bridport North, which covers the town centre, northern sections of the market town and Bradpole parish, currently has the highest active coronavirus cases in the Dorset Council area, with Yetminster, Bradford Abbas and Longburton area reporting 20 active cases.

Its rolling case rate, which stands at 320.7, compared to the England average is above average.

It also has the highest rolling case rate in Dorset Council area, with nine areas in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area reporting higher figures.

Bridport North has reported relatively low cases of Covid-19 throughout the pandemic, as West Dorset MP, Chris Loder, previously referenced in a passionate speech in Parliament in mid-December.

Dorset Echo:

Bridport South and West has reported five cases while nine people have tested positive for coronavirus in the same seven-day period.

Looking across the map, cases in areas around Dorset have increased as both Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas report a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Latest data shows 603 people tested positive for coronavirus across the Dorset Council area in the seven days up to December 28, 2020. In the wider BCP Council area, 1,237 new cases have been confirmed in the same time period.