After almost 18 months of uncertainty, restrictions and challenges, we are now turning a corner and it feels appropriate to look positively to the future.

With the recent further easing of Covid-19 restrictions, we are already seeing positive steps and our lives returning to a more normal footing.

And in Newport, there is much to be positive about.

We’ve just confirmed that the ABP Newport Wales Marathon and 10k will be able to go ahead in the autumn. This is a fantastic occasion and will ensure Newport is back in the spotlight as a key host city for major events. We continue to work closely with Run4Wales as organisers to ensure it will be both safe and enjoyable for competitors, spectators and volunteers alike.

The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre has also reopened its doors and has been working hard to ensure they are back offering art, culture and entertainment for all and events are returning to our parks.

It has also been great to see the wide range of activities on offer for our young people these summer holidays. They have been affected by the pandemic in so many ways that bringing them together for fun and engaging activities feels more important than ever. It’s not too late to get involved – check out the fantastic things planned by Newport Live including their Splashtonbury events.

We have also welcomed the Olympic and Paralympic teams to the Velodrome as part of their training and preparation. The Olympics has really helped build a sense of camaraderie and I am very pleased to be able to get out and support our local sporting teams again.

Thinking again of our young residents, I would like to thank our teachers and school staff who have faced many hurdles – and now they continue to work behind the scenes to ensure that come September, all our students will be able to return to normal school or college life.

Safe and successful is the theme running through almost everything we are doing and planning at the moment and I would urge everyone to adopt the same approach.

We know that the virus has not gone away, and that we still need to continue to consider ours and others safety.

Keeping your distance when possible is still sensible, wearing a facemask in most indoor locations is still required, and testing is still the first and best option if you have any symptoms or have been in contact with anyone with Covid-19.

The vaccination programme has also achieved amazing things – but we are not all protected until we are all vaccinated.

Sixteen and 17-year-olds will soon be invited to have the vaccine and there are still many opportunities for anyone over the age of 18 to get their first or second dose – whatever the reason for not getting it so far.

Newport Centre will host Pfizer walk-in sessions (first and second doses) on Thursday 19, Friday 20 and Saturday 21 August between 8.40am and 4pm. An AstraZeneca vaccine walk-in clinic for second doses will be held on Sunday August 22, 10am – 4pm. For more information visit abuhb.nhs.wales.