Public Health Dorset is urging residents to continue staying at home if they test positive for Covid-19 or display symptoms of the virus.

There is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test following a Government announcement.

However, the public health advice remains the same and anyone who has symptoms or a positive test result should stay at home and avoid contact with other people to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Sam Crowe, Director of Public Health for Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said: “The latest national announcements signal a new phase of the pandemic as we learn to live safely with Covid-19 but it’s important to remember that the virus has not gone away. Whilst we’re in a much better place now, there are still risks, particularly for those who are more vulnerable to the virus, and we need to remain cautious for a while longer.

Those who test positive will continue to be advised to self-isolate for five full days and then follow the guidance until they have received two negative test results on consecutive days.

At present, anyone who develops symptoms can continue to get a free PCR test by booking online or calling 119. The government has announced that from April 1 it will no longer provide universal symptomatic or asymptomatic testing for the public in England.

Vaccination appointments and walk-ins are still available at clinics across Dorset. Find out more here: https://www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk/vaccinations/