Residents are being asked not to attend Dorset County Hospital unless it's an emergency as the site is 'extremely busy'.

DCH says you should only go to A&E for serious or life-threatening situations.

The hospital has been very busy in recent weeks and has issued a warning amid worries that hospitals across the UK could become overwhelmed if they were to run out of available beds.

DCH's Twitter account put out this message this morning: "Our hospital remains extremely busy this weekend. Please only attend our Emergency Department for serious or life-threatening situations.

"Don't forget that MIUs in #Dorset and Weymouth's UTC are here for you seven days a week. Call 01305 762541 or visit http://dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/miu"

Hospitals across the county are currently witnessing a 'spike' in coronavirus admissions, with the latest figures showing more than 200 people being admitted to Dorset hospitals in the space of a week.

The Dorset Council area has seen 1,221 residents test positive for coronavirus in the past seven days, with a rolling rate of 322.6 cases per 100,000 people.

The current government advice if you believe you have coronavirus symptoms remains the same. Residents are asked to book a test at their nearest coronavirus testing site and to isolate along with anyone in your household until you receive a test result.

If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, feel breathless, or your symptoms get worse and you're not sure what to do, you should call the NHS online coronavirus service on 111.

Meanwhile, if you're unwell generally and not sure whether you should go to a minor injuries unit visit 111.nhs.uk

You will answer questions about your main symptom and find out when and where to get help, and get a call back from a nurse, if you need one.

Alternatively, give 111 a call.

Colds and flu, aches and pains, and skin conditions can be dealt with by visiting a pharmacy.