Today brings a welcome next step on the roadmap out of Covid-19. I?m pleased that the easing of restrictions which enables two households to meet outdoors is coinciding with a spell of brighter spring weather this week. We still have to stay safe and maintain social distance, but it?s the perfect opportunity for us to enjoy many of our city?s beautiful, green parks and open spaces.

As we start to return to outdoor activities and organised sport, we must also continue to follow the guidance on face coverings, social distancing and hand washing. The lockdown easing applies to outdoor locations only - indoor mixing of households is still not allowed ? and although the national message is no longer ?stay at home,? we must try to minimise the number of journeys we make. If we follow the guidelines and help to reduce the spread of Covid-19 then we will be able to progress further along the roadmap in future months.

Find out more and stay up-to-date with the latest Government restrictions (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do

One in three people who have the virus don?t know it, so it is important that we take advantage of regular testing for Covid-19. We have three asymptomatic testing centres in the city that offer free tests for Covid-19 without appointment, you can just drop in: Asymptomatic Testing Centres - locations and opening times. You can also collect home testing kits from these sites.

If you are showing signs of Covid-19 (loss of taste or smell, fever or new cough) then it is vital that you are tested. You can call the NHS on 119 and make an appointment to get a test safely at one of the specialist testing centres in the city:

• The Forest Recreation Ground (near to the vaccination centre)
• Newthorpe Street in The Meadows
• Duke Street car park in Bulwell
• Southglade Leisure Centre car park in Bestwood

You can find out more about what to do if you are showing signs of the virus and about getting a test here: NottCCG - symptomatic testing.

I?m pleased to see that five shops at the City Buildings have had their historic shopfronts restored, while two unused units have had their details reinstated and converted into entrances for the floors above. Thanks to grant funding from the Carrington Street Area Townscape Heritage Scheme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this scheme has not only helped to transform the Carrington Street area back into the impressive gateway it once was, but has also helped to preserve and uncover its rich history and character which otherwise might have been lost. Heritage-led regeneration is a great way to help safeguard the city?s historic character, boost tourism and create jobs.

A number of privately owned buildings in the Carrington Street area have benefited from the scheme, many of which are small, independent businesses. The improvements come as other significant developments are underway in the area to create a much greater welcome to the city.

Find out more: City gateway improved with restoration of iconic building?s shopfronts?

This week is the last week of our active travel fund consultation and we want to hear your thoughts. This range of projects, funded by a ?2m Government grant aim to make walking and cycling easier, encourage more sustainable travel, and support a green recovery from Covid-19.

You can find out more about each scheme and?have your say here.

The consultation will run until?Monday 5 April.?Responses will then be reviewed and schemes developed, with further opportunities to comment before they are delivered later this year.