Dorset still only has three cases of the Covid-19 virus, Dorset Council said in a statement on Friday 13.

All of these are in the Bournemouth-Christchurch-Poole (BCP) area.

‘These cases are all well and self-isolating at home. Public Health England have been in contact with all those who had close contact with the confirmed cases of COVID-19,’ the council said.

It added: ‘If you have not been contacted by Public Health England as a close contact of a confirmed case, you do not need to take any action at this time.’

Dorset Council says that people only need to contact NHS 111 online service if:

• you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• your condition gets worse
• your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

‘Please do not go to your doctor or a hospital. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus   Local authorities and NHS services have been working hard to make sure robust business continuity plans are in place to protect all critical services,’ continued the statement.

‘In response to COVID-19, we want to reassure you that all agencies in Dorset and nationally are working together to take all the necessary steps to contain and delay the virus and to ensure we are well prepared for any potential spread.’

Dorset Council said the county, like the rest of the country, is now in the ‘delay phase’ of the national COVID strategy, which means schools will continue to be open unless advised otherwise by Public Health, and gatherings and events can continue.

People with minor flu-like symptoms should stay at home in isolation for seven days. Testing will now only focus on those in high-risk groups with severe symptoms. There is still a clear focus on good hygiene and putting preparations in place for if the situation changes and disease becomes more widespread.

The council said: ‘The Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils will be updated of any confirmed cases that occur in either council area.

‘In line with the Government’s Coronavirus action plan – which sets out measures we need to put into place – we now have a Dorset multi-agency co-ordination group. This group brings together all agencies including councils, public health, NHS services and other public sector groups.’

There is more information about coronavirus at nhs.uk/coronavirus.

Public Health England has published information and advice on coronavirus COVID-19.

National Government advice at www.gov.uk/coronavirus where you can find specific guidance documents for schools, transport workers, social care and community care settings and information for businesses and employers.

‘We’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low to moderate and that we are working with NHS colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and make sure the people of Dorset are protected as much as possible,’ added the council in its statement.

‘Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.’