We?ve heard a lot this week about the new variant of Covid-19 called Omicron. I?m sure that you, like me, will be worried about increasing cases leading to further restrictions or even another lockdown.

The best thing we can all do is to take action now to reduce the spread of the virus:

• Be confident you don?t have Covid-19: take a rapid lateral flow test before you go out to mix with others, such as Christmas parties or big shopping trips. That way, you won?t be spreading Covid without realising ? especially if you don?t have symptoms. You can order a stock of lateral flow tests to be delivered to your home here.
• If you feel unwell, make sure it?s not Covid-19: get a PCR test and isolate while waiting for the results. If it comes back positive then you can continue to isolate. If it?s negative then you have the peace of mind that you have ruled-out the virus. You can book a PCR test here.

I know this is a lot for us all to have to think about at what is already a busy time in the run-up to Christmas, but it is so important. Please take care of yourself and each other this winter.

Around the city, there is a very seasonal atmosphere as people are starting to think about their festivities and enjoy the events on offer. The beautiful Nottingham Castle Advent Countdown Clock projection changes daily on the Gatehouse and can be seen any time between 4pm - 8pm.

On Sunday, Chanukah, the Jewish eight-day wintertime festival of lights comes to a close with a small ceremony on the steps of the Council House. The menorah which has been on display in the square will be lit at around 5pm. Notts Chabad will be joined by the Sheriff of Nottingham to mark the occasion. The public are welcome to attend.

The illuminations at Christmas at Wollaton continue with the weekend sessions almost sold out. Aside from Storm Arwen which forced closure of the trail last Saturday, the event runs in most conditions including Sunday's snow which added further magic to the experience. Our best advice is to wrap up warm, look for the midweek or twilight slots and have a magical time.

Keep up to date with the city?s events at www.whatsonnottingham.com

If you are starting your Christmas shopping, then Nottingham is known for its fantastic independent retail sector. It?s Small Business Saturday tomorrow with stores participating throughout the city. Most of the small businesses in Nottingham are run by just one person or a very small team, so you can get a personal one-to-one experience with unique products that you won't find anywhere else.?

Also don?t forget that our Woodthorpe Plant Shop is selling Christmas Trees and plenty of other festive goodies, with this weekend being one of their Festive Family Weekends.

Many people in Nottingham who are pregnant or have a child under four are missing out on ?Healthy Start? grocery vouchers to buy things like milk, fruit and vegetables. Only 70% of people who should be getting them in Nottingham, are claiming them ? and it?s worth ?4.25 a week if your child is over one, or ?8.50 a week if they?re under 1. That means at least ?6,183.75 worth of vouchers are going unclaimed in our area each week.

You can get them if you receive:

• Child Tax Credit (only if your family?s annual income is ?16,190 or less)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker?s Allowance
• Pension Credit (which includes the child addition)
• Universal Credit (only if your family?s take-home pay is ?408 or less per month from employment)

Apply now ? https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply/

Tomorrow the annual service for the bereaved will take place at Wilford Hill Southern Cemetery and Crematorium, with a few changes in place to take account of the pandemic.

The crematorium chapels will be open to the public from 10.30am to 2pm, rather than a formal service, instead visitors are invited to come at any time between these hours to sit, reflect and pay their respects to their loved ones in their own time.

This service is often an important milestone for people who are bereaved, and many tell us of the comfort they find through attending. This year, we wanted to find a way to allow as many people to do this as possible, while feeling comfortable and safe. More here

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