It has been a highly unusual time, but I have been pleased to see our city?s streets so empty, showing how well local people have responded to Government guidance around Covid-19 which has helped keep the number of local cases low. Now, we can start to welcome people back as we move carefully and safely forward to start to reopen Nottingham next week as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Following the Government?s announcement last month that all non-essential retail would be able to reopen from 15 June we have been working with the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), retailers and other local businesses to ensure the city centre and neighbourhood shopping areas can successfully start to reopen. We have also secured additional external funding to help local businesses with the cost of implementing these measures.

A range of measures are being put in place to enable people to move around public places safely and to support retailers with safe trading. This includes signage on pavements and outside shops to ask people to maintain social distancing, as well as encouraging people to keep left on pavements and pedestrianised areas. Local businesses have received reopening packs that contain social distancing floor stickers, facemasks and anti-bacterial hand gel.

As well as ensuring that local businesses can open and serve customers safely, we have also been planning and implementing improvements to public transport, walking and cycling and car parks to ensure that people can travel around the city safely too.

We will need everyone to continue to be responsible, patient and kind to one another. The effectiveness of the new measures will be monitored and further changes could be introduced if any issues emerge.

As much as many of us will welcome the reopening of Nottingham businesses, we must be mindful that things aren?t fully back to normal and we all need to bear in mind that the virus is still prevalent and so we need to proceed cautiously and above all safely.

Emerging out of lockdown will be an anxious time for many of us but there are actions we can take to look after our own and others? safety whilst out and about. Government advice states that we should:

• Keep a two metre distance from people who aren?t from our household where possible
• Wear a face covering when it isn?t possible to maintain a two metre distance
• Continue to regularly wash our hands
• Wear a face covering on public transport (mandatory from Monday)

Find out the latest Government Advice on Social Distancing

Last night the Council House was lit up yellow to mark Carers Week. I would like to say a big thank you to all of Nottingham?s carers, the commitment and dedication to helping others during this pandemic has been phenomenal. This year there is a particular focus on unpaid carers, many people look after family members, neighbours and friends but don?t consider themselves to be a carer. The stresses of current circumstances mean that more than ever, carers need to look after themselves as well as the person they care for.

If you are a carer or know someone who is, you may find the following support networks helpful.

• Nottinghamshire Carers Hub
• Carers UK
• Action for Young Carers (Nottingham)

Lastly this Sunday will mark the third anniversary of the devastating fire at the Grenfell tower block in west London, where 72 people lost their lives due to the blaze. Nottingham?s Council House will be illuminated green in memory of those who tragically died and our thoughts are with all those who were affected by the tragedy.