I am expecting to meet with Government this week, as they consider whether we should be placed under Tier Three restrictions. I will make it clear that we want a package that properly protects local people, businesses, jobs and education, whether it?s for Tier 2 or Tier 3, and will need to speak to the Government first about the details of this.

However, we have not waited for the Government to act against rising Covid cases in the city ? almost a week before Government finally placed us in Tier Two we issued clear advice about not mixing indoors with people from other households unless they are in your support bubble. This week once again we are taking the lead and are writing to supermarkets to ask them to reinstate an allocated hour for older and vulnerable people. We are considering other community facilities where this could also be reintroduced.

We have only just been placed in Tier Two and infection rates are coming down. I want to thank everyone for their ongoing efforts to follow the rules, stop the spread of the virus and help save lives and livelihoods.

It?s encouraging that the overall positive case numbers appear to be falling, but it is important to recognise there is a gradual increase in the over 65 age group who have tested positive, which could translate into more hospital admissions. Currently we remain in Tier Two and that still means observing Hands, Face, Space and the Rule of Six, as well as not mixing indoors with anyone not from your household or support bubble. If anyone believes they may have Covid symptoms, then it is important to self-isolate and arrange a test by calling 119.

We know from earlier this year that Nottingham people were great in stepping forward to help each other and especially their neighbours who may have needed extra help and support, and I know this is already starting to bubble up again. If anyone needs advice or support on how to help our more vulnerable citizens including those with underlying health conditions, you can call Nottingham City Council on 0115 915 5555 where our staff will be happy to help.

The Government has issued new advice for people who are clinically vulnerable. It is different to the situation in the first wave, when shielding measures were put in place locally with support from Government. While the full shielding measures are not in place, we want to reassure people that in Nottingham, the City Council is here to provide help and support. If you yourself are clinically vulnerable or you are keeping an eye on a neighbour or family member who is, then please do ask for help if you need it by calling 0115 915 5555. There is also lots of advice on our website at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/coronavirus

The main guidance for clinically vulnerable people remains: Meet as few people as possible, avoid non-essential travel, reduce trips to the shops and work from home if you can.

It?s the first day of half-term and our StayingHOME information portal is on hand to offer a huge amount of fun, online entertainment, that all the family can do from home. With activities from our own council teams, local partners and national initiatives too, there?s going to be plenty to keep everyone entertained. Many of the online resources linked to from this page are free to access and/or download. Venues and activities are operating under strict Covid-19 guidelines for everyone?s safety, which may mean that facilities may not always be available. Visit www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/stayinghome