It is concerning although not altogether surprising that nationally we are seeing a rise in cases of Covid-19. Today in a bid to help get on top of this the Government announced a change in national policy - social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday, with some exemptions. This change has only just been announced and more detail will follow but it should noted that the new guidance covers ?social events? and will not at this time effect schools, workplaces etc? More information on the new policy, how it will be enforced, exemptions and what you need to do will shortly be released by the Government and shared in our next update and across all our communication channels.

Although at less than the national average rate, Nottingham too is seeing an increase in cases in the city.? 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

• Regular hand washing
• Wearing a face covering
• Keeping your distance
• Get a free test if you have symptoms (call 119)
• Limiting the number of people we meet with socially

Every two weeks the city council holds an Outbreak Control Engagement Board, which is chaired by myself. This is a public-facing board and is live streamed on the council?s You Tube channel. If you can?t watch live then previous meetings can be viewed here at any time - Outbreak Control Engagement Board. It is the Board?s role to have an oversight of the local picture in relation to COVID-19 and the plans that are in place to both prevent and manage outbreaks. We feel it is really important that this discussion takes place in public. Each meeting starts with an overview of the current situation, before exploring specific topics or areas of interest. At yesterday?s meeting we discussed the return of students to our local schools and universities, as well as the importance of the upcoming flu vaccination campaign. The next meeting will be 22 September and will be live streamed from the council?s You Tube channel.

To meet the needs of our diverse city we have put together a range of help and advice on Covid19 that is available in different languages and formats on the council?s website.

Thank you to everyone who is following the public health guidance and helping to keep Nottingham safe.

Nottingham City Council has always been committed to the promotion of walking and cycling, with some great facilities already in place and even more in the pipeline. We have also been working on temporary measures to make it even easier for people to get around the city by foot or bike and maintain distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

We want to hear your ideas to help Keep Nottingham Moving Safely by making our streets even better for those walking and cycling and to encourage more people to do so. Whether it's suggestions on how to create better social distancing such as pinch points which need addressing, a new cycle route, or inspiration for creating quieter residential streets, we want to hear your ideas.

https://keepnottinghammovingsafely.commonplace.is/

With the epidemic ongoing, this year will see the NHS stretched even further than it usually is over winter. Many people this year will advised to get a flu jab and I would encourage all that qualify the vaccination to get one. Flu, and complications associated with it, cause 8,000 deaths on average a year in England so having a vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and those around you and help to reduce the strain on our local NHS and social care services. Find out more NHS: Flu vaccine overview

As we stay at home more? than usual we are all looking for activities to entertain ourselves and our families. Tonight, Nottingham?s most musical family the Kanneh-Mason?s are giving a free online mini-concert. To find out more and to book for the event visit House of Music ? book launch ? with Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason and her musical family (online)