We can all make a difference in this war on Covid:

1. Get vaccinated: Vaccinations are now available for people aged 38 and over, so do book an appointment if you are eligible and make sure you get your second dose. Nottingham is now using the national NHS booking system for appointments ? or you can call the NHS on 119. Data is starting to show that people who are now getting very poorly from Covid and needing hospital treatment are on the whole people who have not had a vaccination. Being vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your family.
2. Take regular tests for Covid-19: you can do these in your own home, twice a week, to confirm that you are free from the virus. I can?t stress how important this is. You can have Covid-19 ? and spread it to others without knowing, even if you have been vaccinated. The free test will either give you reassurance that you are Covid-free or otherwise alert you to the presence of the virus and allow you take action immediately. There?s a list of where you can pick up the test kits here: Asymptomatic Testing in Nottingham
3. Follow the roadmap rules: Our city is reopening now, but we must still continue to follow the rules ? and we must always think about ?hands, face, space?, whether we are in a shop or on public transport.

Let?s keep going ? if we all work together we can continue to enjoy more freedoms.

It has been a long, difficult period for many of our local businesses, as well as local residents who have complied with the tough but necessary restrictions. From today there will be a further easing of restrictions but while this is undoubtedly very welcome, we must make sure it is done in ways that don?t run the risk of increasing the spread of Covid.

Changes from today include:

For further information on what Step Three of the Government Road map means can be found here? COVID-19 restrictions: what you can and cannot do

Although we have all been looking forward to the lifting of further restrictions, it has to be said that this does come at a time where the Covid rate is rising slightly in Nottingham and a variant of concern is present across the city. I cannot stress enough the need to precede with caution. Covid safety arrangements are in place throughout the city, in venues and on public transport. Find out more here

Untaxed vehicles can often be unroadworthy, in a state of disrepair, without a valid MOT and sometimes be uninsured. They can cause a nuisance and bring down the quality of our local environment.

The week of action will see officers from the City Council?s Parking Regulation and Compliance Team working alongside DVLA officers, who will be on the road in vehicles specially equipped with automatic number plate recognition cameras. The cameras can rapidly check the registration details of any vehicle against DVLA?s records, to find out if it is being used on the road without the correct tax. The teams will be able to take immediate action by clamping or impounding any untaxed vehicles.

The aim of our week of action is to reduce the unlawful use of untaxed vehicles as well as improving the quality of life of those living in the communities we serve. Find out more Week of action against untaxed vehicles in Nottingham

Active Nottingham leisure centres see the long-awaited return of fitness classes and organised indoor sports for adults from today, Monday 17 May. From Aerobics to Zumba, swimming lessons to tennis coaching; whatever you?ve been missing during lockdown, get back to class in a COVID-secure way.

All eight Active Nottingham leisure centres continue to meet all safety requirements of social distancing, maximum capacities and increased cleanliness and hygiene, so everyone stays safe as we take Step 3 together.

Head to activenottingham.com/reopening to find out more, book or join.