It is vital that everyone in Nottingham plays their part to stop the spread of the virus locally by continuing to follow the latest rules and guidance, which includes:

• Wash your hands
• Wear a face covering
• Keep your distance
• Get a free test if you have symptoms (call 119)

Wearing a face covering is particularly important as COVID spreads by droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking. The best available scientific evidence is that, when used correctly, wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets, helping to protect others.

There are a number of new places that the Government has said face coverings must be worn. A full list of when to wear a face covering can be found on the Government website.

Lockdown has inevitably affected many people?s mental health and the easing of lockdown brings its own anxieties. Just as we are all taking steps to keep ourselves physically well during this crisis, it is just as important to look after our own mental health. Loneliness and isolation can be an issue at the best of times and not being able to see friends, family and work colleagues has made that worse for many people.? Though things have started to re-open, some may feel less positive about those changes as they feel unprepared and stressed by the new rules. The infection rate is still a source of anxiety for many people who may feel frustrated when people seem to not be following the guidance correctly.

If you know someone who you suspect might be struggling right now, something as simple as reaching out and giving them a call can be very helpful. You can also contact charities like Mind who provide lots of help and advice on mental health and signpost to other helpful services.

Information about local services in Nottingham can be found on the AskLion website.

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the first twelve days of our Carbon Neutral 28 Day Challenge. Our carbon neutral challenges are fun, may save you money and will reduce your carbon footprint. ?It?s also a great opportunity to raise awareness of the city?s ambition to be the first carbon neutral city in the UK by this date. Over the 28 days we?re building partnerships with local organisations and citizens so that the ambition becomes city-wide. Today?s Challenge is led by the Nottingham Forest Community Trust who are asking people to come up with their own green football chant. Next up

• Upcycling with local studio Vintage at Albert (Wednesday 13^th)
• Speedy showering with NCC?s water project officer (Friday 14^th)
• City-wide litter pick with Clean Champions (Thursday 20^th)
• Electronics treasure hunt with Boots and BITC (Friday 21^st)

Follow the 28 day challenge via Twitter, Newsletter or Online

From Friday 14^th August the Nottingham Arboretum will be hosting a Garden Bar and Bandstand, providing a platform for many local artists as well as an opportunity for pop-up food outlets, including those from the Nottingham Street Food Club. Entry is free for everyone and there will be plenty of space to ensure social distancing can be adhered to. Visitors will be required to check-in on entry to register with the NHS Test & Trace register. ? We hope this will give people a taste of festival season in a safe, local and socially-distant setting this summer. Find out more here

Buildings in Nottingham were lit up red last night in order to draw attention to the arts, entertainment and events industry which is struggling due to the COVID crisis. Nottingham has a very rich and diverse arts, entertainment and events industry with world class venues like the Royal Theatre, Motorpoint Arena and Rock City to name just a few places. Though many places have started to re-open now, lots of venues are still unable to put on shows due to social distancing rules. The Government needs to put in place appropriate financial support to help these venues though the current pandemic and subsequent social restrictions so cities like Nottingham don?t lose their cultural heart and people are still able to enjoy them once we are through this crisis.