At 8pm tonight, we will once again clap for our carers, our wonderful NHS workers as well as all of our frontline staff, all of whom are providing critical frontline care to vulnerable people across our city, every day. It is truly vital to support those who need it most and to protect our NHS at this critical time. I know that our city and our citizens are relying on their skills, kindness and compassion every day and they deserve our recognition and thanks for all that they do. I also want to say thank you to all of the volunteers who are supporting those staying at home.

We are urging people to stay at home this Easter to prevent the spread of coronavirus and ease pressure on the NHS and other frontline services. I appreciate that at a time which would normally be a national holiday and a chance to get together with family and friends - it is a lot to ask that everyone stays at home but it is vital that you do so.

I know that many of you will be anxious or concerned about family and friends during this time, but the actions we have taken are absolutely necessary to help stop the spread of infection and save as many lives as possible.

But we have seen that the people of Nottingham have overwhelmingly done the right thing, with very few people in our streets and parks. People can use their local park for a short amount of daily exercise ? but they shouldn?t be seen as a destination for a day out. Also please try to limit household waste where you can and don?t dump rubbish, so that we can continue to make sure your bin is emptied every fortnight.

I would like to commend everyone who is taking the right approach and for the part you are therefore playing in the fight against the virus and protecting the NHS and other frontline services. Please don?t be tempted to change that approach just because it is Easter. We have launched a new web page providing a list of activities and fun things for the family to do at home over Easter at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/stayinghome.

I would like to also thank all our staff, from bin crews, street cleaners and Community Protection Officers to homecare workers, who will be working this Easter and beyond, for their dedication and hard work. Please know that the whole city appreciates all your valiant efforts.

I wish everyone a safe and restful Easter.