The end of the Government?s roadmap out of Covid-19 is approaching on Monday 19 July ? a time when all restrictions will be lifted. I know this will be a welcome return to ?normal? life after 18 months. However, for many, reaching the end of the roadmap will be a time of uncertainty and anxiety ? especially as the rate of the virus continues to rise in the city and the country as a whole.

I would like to offer a word of caution: let?s continue to be careful. Just because restrictions are lifted, it does not mean that we are free from the threat of this virus. Please consider continuing to wear a face covering when you are in shared indoor spaces or on public transport. Wearing a face covering is not so much about protecting ourselves but about making others feel more confident and comfortable. I will continue to wear my own face covering in these circumstances to help protect others.

Let?s start to think now about what we will continue to do after 19 July. Please continue to take regular tests for Covid-19, even when you don?t have symptoms. Getting vaccinated will also remain the key way we can protect ourselves from the virus.

It was great to see our wonderful Nottingham Castle on the BBC One Show earlier this week. The programme treated viewers to an excellent film about the community project to bring back a rare flower to our city.

The wildflower in question is called the Nottingham Catchfly which owes its name to its presence within the Castle grounds in the 1600s.? It?s also the county flower of Nottinghamshire.

Now, Nottingham Catchfly plants have started to be replanted at Nottingham Castle after a nearly two-hundred-year absence, thanks to a year-long project involving volunteers from across the city.

If you missed The One Show you can catch up with Monday?s episode featuring Nottingham Castle here: The One Show: Monday

Find out more about the Nottingham Catchfly project at: www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk

The pandemic has been a testing time for us all, especially for those facing financial pressures. I am pleased that we have been able to secure funding for two schemes that will help Nottingham?s 14,700 pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals this summer.

Supermarket e-vouchers ? Once again supermarket e-vouchers for ?15 will be available for each week of the summer holidays. They will be sent out through schools before they break up for summer. ?

Holiday Activity Clubs - We?re also providing Holiday Activity Clubs to pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals this Summer. These clubs will provide FREE outdoor activity sessions and packed lunches during the holidays. Find a session near you www.asklion.co.uk/funandfood

For families that are not eligible for Free School Meals some Holiday Club places will be available on a first come, first served basis. Please visit the website for details.

We are committed to making sure no child goes hungry, especially as families are still facing the impacts of the pandemic. Find out more Free School Meals vouchers and Holiday Clubs this Summer!?

We are expecting the city centre to be very busy with people enjoying the match and it is essential everyone does so in a safe and sensible way. If you are watching with others at home, remember the rule of six or two households. If you are watching in a pub, please book your table and stay with your group without mixing with others and wear a face covering when you move around the venue. Do please consider taking a Covid-19 test before going out. This will be a momentous evening for English football ? please take every precaution to keep yourself and others safe

On Wednesday after England?s win against Denmark the City Council?s Cleaning Team was in Market Square until the early hours of the morning, cleaning up litter left by fans celebrating. I?m very grateful for their dedication to keeping Nottingham clean, please remember to be considerate to those who will have to tidy up any mess and please treat our public spaces with respect. Whatever the result on Sunday I am sure we are immensely proud of what England have achieved in this tournament. I wish them all the best ahead of the final.