We?re approaching the first weekend since Nottingham moved into Tier 3 restrictions for Covid-19. Most of our city?s shops are now open and I would urge people to shop safely and to follow the best practice around ?Hands, Face, Space?. We are better able to welcome people back if we stay within the guidelines.

People can travel to places that are open, but should reduce the number of journeys they make, and walk or cycle if possible. If you are using public transport by following just a few simple steps we can massively reduce our chance of spreading Coronavirus when travelling

• Wear a face covering on public transport
• Wash your hands before/after travelling
• Keep as much distance away from others as you can
• Use contactless options to pay for your ticket
• Avoid busy times and routes - East Midlands Railway and NCT have apps available that show busiest routes

Find out more about what travel operators and partners in the city are doing to keep you safe when travelling on public transport and what you can do: Nottingham Transport - Coronavirus

Please also remember, anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 ? such as a fever, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell ? should isolate from others immediately and book a test by calling 119. Our ambition remains that we should all work together as a city to stick to the rules and ensure that cases of Covid-19 continue to fall. If the infection rate continues to fall it gives us a chance of possibly moving into Tier 2 before Christmas.

The Coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on our local economy and jobs but there?s positive news as many of Nottingham?s small independent retail and hospitality businesses are managing to stay open and operate in new and different ways.

This is providing a much-needed boost to the economy and offering shoppers essential household items and services, as well as a large range of festive gifts and experiences.

Ahead of Small Business Saturday tomorrow (5 December) and Black Pound Day, which aims to encourage shoppers to explore Nottingham?s vibrant and important black-run businesses, the message this December is that local independent shops are still open for business, and shoppers are encouraged to seek them out.

With a large number of shops providing a safe and well-managed environment for shoppers, with hand sanitiser, PPE, one-way systems and limits on how many people can enter the shop, shoppers wanting to spend their money locally can do so in confidence. Many independent retailers are also offering online ordering or a click and collect service, either online or by phone.

This week Lord Mayor Rosemary Healy officially switched on Nottingham?s Christmas Lights. Lights across our communities will be switched on across Nottingham?s neighbourhoods in coming days.

If you?re looking for ways to get Christmassy, and celebrate safely, head to www.mynottinghamnews.co.uk/christmas for lots of useful info including:

• Covid-secure events, like the ?Christmas at Wollaton? Lights Trail
• Christmas activities, like creating your own Winter Windowland display
• How to help others less fortunate this Christmas
• And of course, the coronavirus guidance for safer Christmas celebrations

The festive season at Newstead Abbey starts this weekend with a programme of outdoor and Covid secure activities including Storybook Festive scenes and a Storybook trail plus craft stalls and a Caf? & Deli kiosk for takeaway purchases. Find out more Newstead Abbey Christmas