FEWER than 40 people in Dorset have tested positive for coronavirus, according to the latest figures.

Data released by the Government show 32 cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to 4pm on Thursday, December 3.

In the Dorset Council area, 14 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed. Since the start of the pandemic, 3,269 people have tested positive.

The number of recorded coronavirus cases in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole increased by 18 over the last 24 hours.

Public Health England figures show that 7,305 people have now tested positive for Covid-19.

The health body is now including Pillar 2 tests – those carried out by commercial partners – alongside Pillar 1 tests, which are analysed in NHS or PHE laboratories and which made up the first stage of the Government's mass testing programme.

Across the UK, the number of recorded cases increased by 14,878 over the period to 1,674,134.

The fresh cases in Dorset were among the 81,371 recorded across the South West, a figure which rose by 611 over this period.

Cumulative case counts include patients who are currently unwell, have recovered and those that have died.