Everyone in Nottingham faces a choice this weekend. You could take the view that it?s a chance for one last blow-out before the Government imposes tougher restrictions next week. I urge you not to be tempted to do that. I implore everyone to take the safe and sensible choice and stay at home.

We simply cannot afford to see the number of people contracting this virus go up any further than it already has. We all have a responsibility and as I have said before, if you aren?t taking active steps to be part of the solution, then you are part of the problem that?s facing our city. Nobody should kid themselves that they are somehow immune to it ? you are not, and not only that but you also run the very real risk of spreading it to other people who may be badly affected or even killed by it.

I?m immensely frustrated and angry with the Government for leaving Nottingham hanging this weekend without any extra protection against the alarming spread of the virus in our city. But that means that for the time-being, it?s up to us to do something about it. I hope that people will stick to their social bubbles and not mix with other households, as well as continuing to observe the Government?s Hands, Face, Space messages and Rule of Six.

You can see some more of my thoughts on approaching this weekend and beyond in this video ? and you will be able to see more of this interview on today?s ?Notts TV ?Ey Up Notts? programme.

Care homes are being advised to restrict visiting to exceptional circumstances only. If you are a carer or relative, please contact the care home to ask about their specific restrictions before you visit. We know how hard this will be for everyone but unfortunately this is one of a number of steps we have to take to ensure we are protecting those most at risk of Covid-19.Community Protection Officers will continue their patrols

Our Community Protection Officers working with the police will be out in force over the weekend and beyond, dealing with anti-social behaviour, carrying out Covid compliance checks on food, retail and licensed premises, working on our transport network on trams, taxi ranks and bus interchanges and providing a visible presence around the city, including neighbourhood shopping areas. Issues Community Protection can deal with can be reported here, while issues for the police can be dealt with by calling 101.

I?d like to thank our officers in Community Protection for their ongoing, tireless dedication to keeping people safe in our city. They support the police with a reassuring visible presence that also helps to deter people breaking the rules, with an approach of advising and engaging with people to encourage compliance with Covid guidance. They also help those shielding, helping the vulnerable and working with local businesses.