Vaccinations have been in the news a lot this week: you may have seen headlines about a shortage of vaccine supply in the UK, as well as questions rasied over the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccination. The NHS has assured us that the vaccine is safe and that no one should be put off from coming forward for their Covid jab. It?s vital that as many people as possible get protected from this terrible virus ? and vaccinations are the only way to achieve this. We have also been reassured that people who have already been given appointments for their second vaccine dose will have those appointments honoured. The NHS is confident it will meet its target of vaccinating all over-50s by mid-April.

As a council, we are supporting the NHS to make sure that no one from the priority cohorts is left behind. It is vital that we ensure people in their 60s, 70s and 80s are still being encouraged to book their vaccination at one of the many sites across the city ? as well as carers, people who are clinically vulnerable and those with learning difficulties. If you know someone from these categories, please help them to book their vaccinations ? the relevant links are all on this local NHS webpage: www.nottsccg.nhs.uk/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-in-nottingham-and-nottinghamshire

Next Tuesday it will be a year since we went into the first national lockdown, a year which has been the most difficult in our recent history. Our lives have been radically changed by the Covid-19 pandemic and sadly we have lost over 600 of our citizens to the virus. We plan to mark this by lowering the flag on the Council House and observing a one-minute silence from 12 noon. In the evening we will light up the Council House and Wollaton Hall in rainbow colours to look to a more hopeful future and everyone will be encouraged to join in from home by lighting a candle in their window or doorstep.

And throughout the day, on My Nottingham?s social media channels, we?ll be asking you to share your local ?Covid heroes? ? those people who have made a positive difference to others lives over the last year.

I?d like to thank the people of Nottingham for everything they?ve done to keep each other safe. I?m incredibly proud of the way Nottingham people have pulled together through a really challenging time ? and we need to keep going. The falling infection rates give us real hope a year on from the first lockdown. I?m confident that the city has many strengths which will allow us to adapt and thrive post-Covid. See more here

An online rally takes place tomorrow to mark the United Nations Anti-Racism Day. The World Against Racism Online Rally from 1pm will involve people taking the knee?across the country, with a?live link-up?to events taking place around the world. A?national online rally?will take place at 5pm with internationally known speakers from Britain and around the world. You can join the event by booking here ? https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/144644055263

In Nottingham we are showing our support for the Anti-Racism Day by lighting up the Council House purple. There are other events taking place that I would encourage people to take part - click here for information.

Census 2021 Day is this Sunday and you will be receiving a letter from the Government with an individual code explaining how to complete the form online. I would urge you to fill it in as it provides vital, up-to-date and accurate information about all the people and households in England. It only comes around once a decade, and not only is completing it a legal obligation, but the information will help organisations like the City Council make decisions on planning and funding public services, including transport, education and healthcare. Ten minutes to complete the form will help us make sure we get the funding we?re entitled to in order to deliver the local services that people need.?See more here