This weekend Nottingham once again proved that we are determined to do the right thing and to do our bit to help limit the spread of the virus. I was really pleased to see so many people out and about in the city wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport.

Covid-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected; this is one of the reasons why the virus is so difficult to contain. By wearing a face covering, we are protecting others and we are being protected when others wear theirs.

As the lockdown restrictions are eased it will be vital that we follow the guidance to keep ourselves and others safe, so that we can continue to get back to doing the activities that we enjoy and to opening up the economy.

Lockdown restrictions and the school summer holidays will certainly bring another set of challenges for many families across the city. Following on from the success of the Nottingham StayingHOME online resource we?ve refreshed the activities to help families stay happy and healthy in and outside the home this summer.

Visit StayingHOME this summer for inspiration to keep the family active and entertained. 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.

The pandemic has sadly halted many of the city?s summer events and it is disappointing not to be hosting the beach in Old Market Square. However I am really pleased that we have been able to secure additional funding from a Government scheme and from the European Regional Development Fund to develop an Al-fresco dining area in the square. From Friday, people will be able to buy items in nearby cafes, coffee shops and restaurants, which they can then consume in the Square.

Find out more Al-fresco dining area to give city-centre businesses a boost

Summer can be an expensive time for families and this summer many families will be facing added pressures brought on by the pandemic. Keeping the children entertained and fed can really add up when the schools are closed. If you or anyone you know is worrying about the summer and household finances there is help available

• Advice on household finances - The Ask Lion website has put together a page of information to help people manage their finances over the outbreak ? Financial Help and Well-being during COVID-19 and to highlight local organisations that can help people who are experiencing financial difficulties.
• Food Banks and Social Eating projects - Visit nottinghamcity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/food to see a full list of what is available in each area
• Welfare Rights - The Council?s Welfare Rights Service offers free, confidential and impartial advice and advocacy on claiming benefits and tax credits and tackling household debt. Contact the on 0115 915 1355 Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:50 pm or email [email protected]

Harvey Hadden Sports Village, Nottingham Tennis Centre, Southglade Leisure Centre and Clifton Leisure Centre opened today for the first time since the lockdown. It was great to welcome back many of our regulars. A huge amount of preparation has taken place over the past few months to get ready for reopening with a host of changes in place to ensure public safety. There will be a phased reopening and the other centres will open in due course. Further information on the staged reopening and safety measures in place can be found at Active Nottingham Stay Safe . Please familiarise yourself with any new safety measures, available facilities and opening times before your first visit.