The Chief Medical Officer today (Monday 9 March) has confirmed that three residents from the Dorset area have been confirmed as having contracted Coronavirus (COVID-19). One acquired the virus through a case outside of the county and the other two following overseas travel. PHE is contacting anyone who has been identified as have had direct contact with those affected – you don’t need to do anything yourself.

• Following these confirmed cases in Dorset, our Director of Public Health, Sam Crowe, has issued the following statement on YouTube: youtu.be/5vMRZbdtlC0
• In addition, following LGA best practice examples, we’ve published additional information on our website – www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/News/News-Features/COVID19/Coronavirus-Covid-19.aspx
• Bournemouth University has issued the following in liaison with Public Health Dorset: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/students/coronavirus-news

Public Health states that the risk to the general public remains low. Good hygiene is the best prevention and the public should be advised to wash hands regularly and thoroughly and cover mouths and noses with a tissue if coughing and/or sneezing.

If you have recently been to one of the affected areas and are feeling unwell, you should phone the NHS 111 helpline for further advice straight away – please don’t go to your doctor or a hospital. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

You may also find this NHS 111 online test a useful reference point.