COVID-19

Public services across Dorset are working together to keep the public safe and informed during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Our ask to all residents, businesses and students in Dorset is to ‘do your bit’ and stay alert to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Our governance

We have dedicated working groups that meet regularly to tackle the biggest challenges we face. This includes making sure we look after our most vulnerable residents, that vital infrastructure is maintained, our key workers have what they need, and we are doing everything we can to minimise and delay the spread of the virus.

This is overseen by the Strategic Coordination Group (SCG) which is chaired by Dorset Police Chief Constable James Vaughan.

James said: “We are facing an unprecedented public health situation in this country and it’s imperative at times like these for public sector agencies and partner organisations to work together to deal with this challenge.”

Local outbreak management

The Dorset COVID Health Protection Board monitors and responds to any potential coronavirus outbreaks in Dorset.

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Councils, will chair the Board, which will look at the number of cases in the county and where they are, monitoring for any rises and patterns.

As Director of Public Health, Sam Crowe is also responsible for managing local outbreak management plans for both council areas, which set out how local agencies will identify, respond to and contain any local outbreaks.

Our plans set out how we will prevent potential outbreaks, and where this is not possible, minimise the spread of COVID-19 infection across the Dorset Council and BCP Council areas. Working in partnership is crucial to help prevent the spread of the virus and respond quickly.

Our partners

A wide range of emergency services make up the LRF including: Dorset Police, British Transport Police, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Other key agencies include Dorset Council, BCP Council, NHS England (South West), NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, Public Health England (South West), Highways  England, Environment Agency, The Met Office and Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government.

The Dorset LRF also works closely with central government and the military to support the national fight against coronavirus through dedicated liaison officers.

Advice and updates

Public Health Dorset publish regular updates on the latest situation in Dorset you can find this and all other information you need to know on their website: https://www.publichealthdorset.org.uk/your-health/protecting-your-health/coronavirus-information.aspx

Both local authorities in Dorset offer help and support to those who don’t have family, friends or a support network to help get the things that they need. If you or someone you know needs support get in touch with your local authority:

Dorset Council - https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emergencies-severe-weather/emergencies/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19.aspx

BCP Council - https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/News/News-Features/COVID19/coronavirus-covid-19.aspx

For full information about national guidelines go to gov.uk/coronavirus

For NHS advice go to nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/