It?s back to work and school for many Nottingham people this week and I?d like to thank everyone for continuing to play their part in our city?s response to Covid-19 over the festive period. And a huge thank you to all those people who worked over Christmas and New Year serving Nottingham.

No one imagined when the virus was first detected in 2019 that we would now be entering our third year of living with Covid. It has not been easy, but we have all shown that by working together and taking precautions, we can find ways to adapt to life with coronavirus. As the number of cases rises, we can all help to reduce the impact ? especially on more vulnerable people in Nottingham. We must continue to think about ?Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air? in our everyday lives. It is still better to meet people outside or in well-ventilated areas. If you do mix with others indoors, such as in shops and on public transport, then you must wear a face covering.

And I can?t emphasise the importance of testing enough; one in three people who have the virus show no symptoms. Please take a rapid lateral flow test before you go out to meet with others to be confident you are Covid-free and to help reduce the spread of the virus in busy places. You can find the tests in our city libraries and pharmacies. Find out more about local availability and order the testing kits here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing.

Find out more about

• Booking a vaccine
• What do if you have symptoms
• How to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus
• Advice people at higher risk from coronavirus

Did you know 52% of all trips under five miles are made by car? The start of the New Year is a good time to form new habits, or rediscover lapsed ones. Walking to school is a simple and effective way to improve your child?s health and reduce the impact of harmful emissions both to the planet, and the air we breathe.

Over the last few years the City Council has been working to reduce the amount of harmful emissions in our city, particularly outside school gates. The School Streets programme which is now outside 11 schools is designed to make the roads outside schools safer, preventing vehicles from accessing the roads immediately outside school gates, removing harmful air pollution from car exhausts, and in turn encouraging people to walk, cycle, scoot or ?park and stride? to school instead. Find out more www.transportnottingham.com/projects/safer-school-travel/ ??

Today is the twelfth day of Christmas, traditionally the day where we take down our Christmas trees and pack away our decorations. If you had a real tree this year and are wondering what to do with it, the council can collect and recycle it for just ?5. Your tree will be recycled and the chippings used in Nottingham parks and open spaces. We?ll start recycling trees from tomorrow. Please remove all decorations and lights from your tree beforehand.

Book now ? slots fill up quickly! www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/christmastreecollection

This week we have our final scheduled budget consultation meeting for the year ahead. ?It will take place online this Friday 7^th January from 9.15am to 10.15am. Find details of how to sign up and book your place here. It?s your chance to hear about our budget proposals and join in the conversation.

Our online budget survey is currently open and closes on the 10th January, find out more and have your say here Nottingham City Council 2022/23 Budget.

Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far.

Supporting young people in Nottingham who are at risk of long-term unemployment and to help them start their careers is a priority for the council. Nottingham Jobs is the local lead for the Government?s Kickstart scheme which aims to create high quality job roles for local residents aged 16 to 24 who are on Universal Credit.

There are vacancies available right now in the following areas:

• Play & Youth Services
• Social Media
• Graphic Design
• Administration
• Website Design
• Health & Social Care
• Sales
• Recruitment...and more!

If you or someone you know is eligible for the Kickstart scheme please talk to the Nottingham Jobs team who can help you,?meet employers, get advice and find work. Job seekers can also Join Nottingham Jobs at a virtual event on Microsoft Teams, 10am to 12pm on Wednesday 12^th January.

If you can't make the session, or you're unable to use Teams don't worry, you can contact Nottingham Jobs on 0115 876 4508 or visit the Nottingham Jobs Kickstart page.