I was delighted to join Nottinghamshire Police and Councillor Barnard to clap for our carers outside Cherry Trees care home in Bestwood last night. We applauded from the car park to show our thanks and appreciation to our staff who are caring for vulnerable people. Last week I was joined at the Oaks in St Ann?s by Councillor Barnard and it is wonderful to hear the applause from nearby streets and the Little John Bell, which seems to reach across the whole city. Thank you to all of those who are keeping things going, be mindful of those who are continuing to work hard in restrictions.

We?ve been working with citizens who have requested help during the coronavirus pandemic, with vital food supplies being delivered across the city so far. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise and thank the many council employees and volunteers who have pulled together, helping out in their communities, setting up and supporting this brand new service, or the many staff who have taken on different duties to keep vital services going.

Our Customer Hub service is available to those who are in the Government?s shielding programme (please make sure you?ve registered for this if eligible) and to anyone else who needs support with accessing food supplies and prescriptions.? Please do call the customer hub if you or someone you know needs support, or if you want to volunteer to help on 0115 915 5555 or complete an online form at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/coronavirus

The pandemic is having a staggering impact nationally and we know local businesses are being particularly affected. These businesses are a huge part of our city and they provide tens of thousands of people in our city with jobs, livelihoods and opportunities. Grant funding to help businesses through this time has been available by Central Government for local councils to administer. So far, we have paid out over ?36 million to local businesses and over 85% of those who have submitted their application having now had their grant.

We know that over ?27 million has so far not been claimed by eligible businesses. Eligible businesses who have not been in touch so far will be contacted by the council and invited to make an application.

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. Further information including business eligibility for these grants can be found here Covid-19: Updates for businesses

With the lockdown still in place many households will be wondering what to do this weekend. I?d recommend you try our online Staying HOME resources. This fantastic resource has been made possible with help from partners across the city, as well as national organisations and covers the following areas:

• Keeping the kids busy
• Activities and hobbies
• Education and Learning
• Health and Wellbeing
• Art, music and theatre
• Support in your community

I?m sure you?ll find something here to ensure you and your family stay happy and safe at home this weekend. Please visit Staying Home for more information.

Please remember to only go outside for your daily exercise with members of own household, to stay two meters away from others at all times and to regularly wash your hands. These measures really do help protect the NHS and save lives. Find out what you need to do to help stop the spread of the virus Government Guidance - Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can?t do.

I know that staying home throughout this crisis is frustrating but I want to ask that we all take a moment to reflect on those who are still working hard to keep us safe and continue to provide goods and services in our moments of need. Among those who deserve respect and courtesy are shop staff who are continuing to work hard in trying times.

Watch a video plea from key workers.