We?re seeing more cases in the city of Covid-19, especially in the under 30 age group, which mirrors the rise in positive cases nationally. It?s really important that we do all we can to stop the spread of the virus especially if we are to reach Step Four on the roadmap of unlocking our city.

There are three things that we can all do to keep our city safe:

1. Get vaccinated ? if you are over 18 you can now walk in, without appointment, to any vaccination centre to get your jab. This really is the best protection against Covid-19. To find local sites and opening times visit Where to go for your Covid-19 vaccination appointment. The King?s Meadow site in Lenton Lane is open this week from 8am to 8pm and there is free parking. You do not need to book.
2. Get tested ? we should all take a regular home test for Covid-19, even when we don?t have symptoms. Find out how where you can pick these up here
3. Hands, Face, Space, Fresh air ? even after being vaccinated, we should continue to follow the guidelines on washing hands, wearing a face covering when needed and keeping space between people not in our household.

Let?s work together to reach the end of the roadmap so we can get back to a normal life in Nottingham.

Managing the impact of Coronavirus on the city?s economy and job market is a priority for Nottingham City Council.?We?ve accessed various Government grants to help local business through this uncertain and worrying time. To date, ?10m of the discretionary grant fund has already been paid out to local businesses.

Local businesses affected by step four Coronavirus restrictions can apply for grants ahead of the extended deadline of Thursday 8 July 2021. We are particularly encouraging applications from hospitality businesses which have been unable to fully reopen, or which remain closed and businesses in related supply chains.

Grants are also available to Nottingham based companies with specific employee training requirements and Nottingham based skills and employment support organisations which deliver training and qualifications to help unemployed residents secure jobs are also encouraged to apply.?

Find out more about the Discretionary Grant and how to apply.

I share the concern of the Federation of Small Business that the recent delay in lifting Covid restrictions may put extra financial pressure on already struggling businesses. Extra Government help to bridge the gap until 19th July would I?m sure be greatly welcomed here in Nottingham.

It?s great to hear the announcement from Nottingham Jobs initiative Nottingham Works that they have provided support to over 6,000 unemployed young people aged 16 to 29. Launched in 2016 the project enabled over 58% of participants to get an offer of employment, education or training upon completing the project.?

Nottingham Works has now come to an end and a new initiative Nottingham Works 4You was launched in April this year to support young people aged 16 to 24 to find education, work or training. Find out more by calling Nottingham Jobs on 0115 876 4508 or visit the Nottingham Works 4 You webpage.

In addition Way2Work continues to support people aged 16 to 50+ living in Nottingham and surrounding areas.

At a time when more young people than ever are facing real challenges to finding suitable jobs and training opportunities, it?s very positive to know that projects like this are able to make such a difference.

After months of being closed, from this Saturday visitors will be able to once again enjoy being inside Wollaton Hall.

As well as being one of the country?s finest Grade I listed Elizabethan buildings, underground caves and a Natural History Museum can be found at the hall. Over the last year the exhibition galleries in the Natural History Museum have been transformed and this summer will see the arrival of the 12 metre T. rex skeleton as part of the Titus: T. rex is King exhibition.

Find out more about the hall and grounds and What?s On over the summer https://wollatonhall.org.uk/