DORSET continues to report more Delta variant coronavirus cases as the county has reported the second-highest figure in the south west.

PHE’s weekly COVID-19 variant cases data shows that numbers of the Delta (VOC-21APR-02) variant in the UK have risen by 36,800 since last week to a total of 253,049.

This represents a 17 per cent increase. Of these, 45 are the Delta AY.1 sub lineage.

The Delta variant currently accounts for approximately 99 per cent of cases that are sequenced across the UK.

According to Public Health England’s latest figures, as of July 14, the total number of Delta variant cases in Dorset is 1,824.

Dorset, which includes both BCP Council area and Dorset Council, currently has the second highest number of Delta variant cases in the South West, while Bristol has the highest, and has reported 2,517 cases.

BCP Council area has reported 1,291 cases of the variant while Dorset Council has seen 533 cases of the Delta variant.

It means the number of Delta variant cases of coronavirus in the county has increased by 274, after 1,550 cases were reported last week.

PHE previously reported how BCP area had 1,100 Delta cases while Dorset Council area had 450 cases.

Plea to continue coronavirus testing and book Covid-19 vaccine jabs

Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency said: "Case rates are still high and rising, but it is encouraging that the increase in cases still does not appear to be associated with a similar increase in hospitalisations and deaths. This is testament to the continued success of the vaccination programme in reducing the incidence of severe disease.

"The best way to keep yourself and those around you safe is to get both doses of the vaccine as soon as you are eligible.

"However, while vaccines offer excellent protection, they do not completely eliminate risk.

"As we approach the end of restrictions, it is as important as ever that we continue to exercise caution. Take your free twice-weekly rapid tests and if you have symptoms, you should book a PCR test immediately and stay at home until you receive your result."

Total Delta variant cases in South West

Here is the list of cases for areas of the south west up until July 14, 2021.

Bath and North East Somerset 537

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 1,291

Bristol, City of 2,517

Cheltenham 444

Cornwall 1,384

Cotswold 172

Dorset 533

East Devon 151

Exeter 364

Forest of Dean 135

Gloucester 648

Mendip 112

Mid Devon 110

North Devon 94

North Somerset 589

Plymouth 427

Sedgemoor 164

Somerset West and Taunton 153

South Gloucestershire 930

South Hams 86

South Somerset 126

Stroud 283

Swindon 380

Teignbridge 162

Tewkesbury 404

Torbay 177

Torridge 69

West Devon 29

Wiltshire 945