Last week’s announcement that further lockdown restrictions will be eased is welcome news and I’m especially pleased that among the measures is a move to bring pupils back to the classroom.

The very youngest returned to school on February 22 and this week their older primary school friends have joined them. In addition, students taking exams this summer are back at their desks and schools have the flexibility to welcome back Years 10 and 12 when they’re ready to do so.

It’s likely that all learners will return to school after the Easter break and this news will be greeted positively by Monmouthshire’s communities including staff, parents and students.

It’s approaching 12 months since the first lockdown was applied and our schools have been very much affected by the measures to control the spread of Covid-19.

But throughout this time, heads, teachers, teaching assistants, nursery nurses, caretakers, catering and office staff and all those others who ensure our schools’ successes have gone above and beyond to deliver education for our children. I recognise and value their magnificent contribution and I’m sure this column’s readers will do likewise.

The partial lifting of restrictions and the news that more than one million people in Wales have received a vaccination indicates progress in the fight against Covid-19.

However, I appeal to you to carry on taking all sensible precautions. These include social distancing, staying local, wearing a face covering where required, washing your hands frequently and following government advice to reduce the spread of the virus. Together we can defeat Covid-19.

Meanwhile, the council continues to support the county’s businesses by working hard to administer the distribution of the latest government grant to support Welsh firms during the pandemic.

The Restrictions Business Fund reopened last week for applications on a first come/first served basis and will support businesses and sole traders directly impacted by restrictions announced at the end of January. The grant will provide businesses with cash-flow support and help to survive the economic consequences of restrictions. The application form is now live and can be accessed via: bit.ly/3rAOYCY

• Few people can fail to have been shocked and moved at the news of Sarah Everard’s awful death. My heart goes out to her family, friends and loved ones, and all at Monmouthshire County Council will hope that no woman must suffer such a dreadful fate ever again.