Thank you to everyone for playing their part in keeping Covid-19 rates stable. I know it can be hard with the rules changing, but we have to keep making sure we?re all doing everything we can to take care of ourselves and others during these ever-changing times.

From today, Government advice has changed again for self-isolation. The new rules are, if you test positive for Covid-19 you will be able to leave self-isolation after five full days (if you have two negative tests).?

I know everyone will be eager to leave self-isolation as soon as they can, but we must work together to help stop the spread of Covid-19 by ensuring we follow these important rules:

• The day you get your first positive test is day 0, so your isolation period is five full days after that
• A lateral flow device test should be taken on day five, if the result is negative, a further test can be taken at least 24 hours later, on day six?
• Assuming this is also negative, and you do not have symptoms, such as a temperature or sore throat, you can leave isolation.

I must stress, if you are still positive on your lateral flow tests, you must stay in isolation until you have had two consecutive negative tests taken on separate days or have isolated for the full ten days.

More information can be found at the Government link by clicking here.

Please remember to log the result of your lateral flow, whether positive or negative. Positive results can be logged online or by calling 119. Negative results can also be logged online.

The Covid-19 pandemic has presented significant economic challenges and the council has supported local people and businesses, administering around ?100 million of Covid Business Support Grants ? such as ones just released for leisure and hospitality businesses impacted by Omicron (see below) - and ?40 million of business rates relief, and providing skills, training and job support to over 3,000 local unemployed people.

At the same time, we have been working with key local businesses, educational institutions, public sector organisations and One Nottingham to develop a bold vision for the city?s economy post-Covid as an inclusive, green, creative and digitally enabled city.

This Economic Recovery and Renewal Plan is presented to our Executive Board tomorrow for adoption and sets out a clear strategic framework that will underpin the council?s efforts to secure economic growth funding. It is a realistic but hopeful document which bodes well for the prosperity of our city and the prospects of local people. Find out more

Businesses in the hospitality, leisure or accommodation sectors which have been impacted by the Omicron variant?are now able to apply for?additional support through Nottingham City Council. These one-off grants of ?2,667, ?4,000 and ?6,000 per premises,?are based on rateable value.

To apply, eligible businesses will need their business rates account number and Companies House number (if applicable).

An additional small grant has been allocated for other affected businesses, which is discretionary and requires evidence of lost sales due to Omicron and current restrictions.?

This grant is intended for supply chain businesses, businesses without a rates account and other affected businesses such as personal care, which are not covered by the Omicron Hospitality & Leisure Grant.

For information about these grants and additional support for businesses, please visit: Coronavirus Covid-19 Business Grants

The deadline for applications to these two schemes is 21 February 2022.

Today is ?Blue Monday? ? the third Monday of January which is considered to be one of the most depressing days of the year due to post-Christmas debt, cold and dreary winter days without much chance to get out of the house and of course, ongoing anxiety and uncertainty around Covid.

Due to the cost of living crisis, energy, food, rent and childcare bills are skyrocketing, which will make this year very difficult for many people. As the cost of living rises steeply, with energy bills expected to rise around ?700-800 this year - now is the time to get on top of your money and bills if you're struggling, or even if you're not! You can get help and advice on setting a budget, bills, debt and much more here

Mental health problems can affect anyone, any day, not just on Blue Monday. To get your personalised and easy-to-follow NHS action plan, complete the Mind Plan quiz.??