Face coverings will no longer be mandatory in places like shops and on public transport from Thursday. This follows the lifting of some of the Covid restrictions that were introduced before Christmas. However, as we move from Plan B restrictions to Plan A restrictions, I would urge people to think twice before throwing off all protection.

Face coverings are an effective way of helping to reduce the spread of viruses. A person wearing a face covering is less likely to pass on airborne Covid particles to another person ? and even less so if the other person is also wearing a face covering. When face masks are worn alongside regular testing and getting vaccinated, we are able to keep Covid in check.

I?m pleased to see that Covid rates are falling in Nottingham ? but they do still remain much higher than we?d like. So, I?ll still be wearing my face covering on public transport and in enclosed public spaces from Thursday. It?s a simple act that shows my commitment to keeping other people safe. We all have a part to play in protecting each other so let?s keep going: let?s continue to take care of each other.

I?m pleased to report the City Council has been awarded ?93,000 to develop a pilot scheme that will help people lead more active, healthier lives. We were one of several places to express interest to the Government in becoming a national pilot area for active travel social prescribing. Through social prescribing, people are referred to free services and tailored support to help them do more walking and cycling. The support will be targeted to people who would most benefit from improved physical and mental health.

Our application, made in partnership with Nottingham City Integrated Care Partnership, has been selected for the next round of the process, which includes a ?93,000 grant to carry out feasibility work. During the next few months, we?ll work with partners at local healthcare providers and in the community to gain a better understanding of what support and services people need to make more active journeys, including looking at health data to determine the geographical areas and groups that would most benefit from the scheme.

Once this work is complete, we?ll submit a further application with the hope of becoming one of four councils selected to run a three-year programme. Find out more

As January payday slowly approaches, you or someone you know may be struggling to pay household bills.

Inflation and the cost of living crisis means that the cost of essentials like food, heating and other bills have already skyrocketed and will cost even more from April.

So now is the time to get help if you?re struggling with money. Our friendly Welfare Rights team can support you with issues like debt, eviction, and help you to make sure you?re getting all the benefits you?re entitled to. They can give advice and help you to come up with a plan.

Contact them weekdays 8.30am ? 4.50pm

• 0115 915 1355
• [email protected]?

In 2022, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service. To celebrate, the UK will enjoy a four day Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday 2 June ? Sunday 5 June.

If you're thinking about hosting a street party with your friends and neighbours - there is a useful guide on how to get your road closed on our website. Applications for street parties will need to be returned to the council by the middle of April.

Find out more about holding a Jubilee event https://platinumjubilee.gov.uk/