As we approach the bank holiday weekend, it is vitally important that we continue to observe government instructions to stay at home and follow social distancing guidelines ? I know it has been tough and particularly at times when families would normally be celebrating together but staying at home really does save lives so thank you to all of you who continue to observe this.

In Nottingham, almost 5,000 extremely vulnerable people have so far been identified by the NHS as needing protective shielding measures and these people should have received a letter direct from the NHS or Department of Health and Social Care. The letters ask people to register their support needs on a Government hotline 0800 028 8327 or website: www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable?

The City Council is urging people to ensure that they have followed this advice and registered with the Government even if they do not currently need any support, it is still important to register.

We know that finding the right resources to help you and your families stay happy and healthy at home is challenging at the moment, and that is why today we have launched our StayingHOME online resource which we hope will provide a range of entertaining tools to keep you going. From keeping the kids entertained to keeping well, we?ve pulled together the best we can find to support you and your family during these difficult times. This fantastic resource has been made possible with help from partners across the city, as well as national organisations. This library of resources will keep growing over the weeks and months so please check by regularly. Please visit https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/stayinghome?for more information.

Nottingham City Council has begun to make grant payments to thousands of businesses as part of a huge package of support to local firms.

Around ?500,000 will be paid out in small business grants today with more to come over the following weeks. To pay grants, it is vital that those who have not already submitted an e-form for their grant do so as soon as possible to provide them with the support they are entitled to.? Businesses who have filled in the online e-form will receive their grant allocation shortly, and those who have not filled this in yet have been strongly urged to do so here via the City Council website.