 England is moving to the final stage of easing Covid-19 restrictions today, Monday 19 July. Although almost all legal restrictions on social contact have been removed, I must emphasise how important it is that we continue to do everything we can to keep each other safe as Covid-19 infections continue to rise.
Wearing face coverings in crowded places, in council buildings, and on public transport will help us do that and give people the confidence they need to go about their daily lives.
While national restrictions are being lifted, I think the government should be encouraging people to continue to wear masks. It’s important to recognise we still have a duty to one another and wearing a mask in certain situations will continue to keep our community safe.
Covid-19 is very much still here. Cases are rising rapidly and a third wave of the pandemic is underway. The Covid-19 intensive care unit has had to be reopened at the Royal London Hospital.
It is crucial that we remain vigilant and continue to play our part in stopping the spread of the virus. This includes taking regular tests and taking up the offer of both vaccine doses when it's your turn.
We all have a part to play in continuing to keep Tower Hamlets safe.
As a council we’ll continue to support our community to get back on its feet. Earlier this month I launched my Mayor’s Covid Recovery Fund – a multi-million-pound scheme to kickstart our borough’s economic, health and social recovery from Covid-19 – which will provide a major boost for the whole borough.
Stay safe,
Mayor John Biggs
 New online booking system for vaccines
Based on feedback from residents and young people, we have now set up an online booking form to make it easier for you to book your local vaccine appointments. Use our new booking form to get your jab at local clinics including the Arts Pavilion, East London Mosque, Granby Hall and many other pop-up clinics.
The form is quick and easy to use and is now in place alongside our dedicated helpline, which you can call on 020 7364 3030 to book appointments and ask questions.
Remember, if you don't want to book many of our clinics are walk-in.
 Vaccine clinic this Saturday in Stepney Green
Aged 18 and over and yet to have your first vaccine? Walk in, or book if preferred, at a clinic this Saturday (24 July) at Stepney Green Maths and Computing college. The clinic will run from 10am to 4pm.
The clinic will give the Pfizer vaccine, first or second dose. Just remember, your second dose needs to be given at least 8 weeks after your first. Anyone who needs a second AstraZeneca vaccine must book through the council helpline – 020 7364 3030.
 Test, test and test again
There is now a new rapid testing model in Tower Hamlets, to support all residents in getting regular lateral flow tests to protect themselves and the whole community.
Along with a fixed testing site in Canary Wharf, four mobile units now move around the borough to ensure every resident has easy access to rapid tests. The rapid tests should be taken twice a week, with three days between each.
If a rapid test reveals a positive result, the next step is to isolate and book a PCR test which is processed at a laboratory to confirm if someone is carrying the virus. Anyone positive should isolate for 10 days from when symptoms started, or from the day the test was taken if people do not have symptoms.
The schedule for the mobile testing units is published on our website in advance.
 Reminder – still one vaccine event at Weavers Field
There is still time to drop into our vaccine event that has been taking place at Weavers Field – which is open tomorrow (Tuesday) from 10am to 4pm.
The clinic will offer anyone eligible the Pfizer Covid-19 jab. So if you’re eligible (aged 18 and over) and yet to have your first jab, or received your first Pfizer jab 8 weeks ago and are now due your second, come on down.
Anyone can walk in, no appointment needed. ID is not required and you do not need to be registered with a GP. If you want to book, you can call the council helpline on 020 7364 3030.
From Wednesday 21 July to Sunday 25 July there are also clinics running from Toynbee Hall. Some of these offer appointments later in the evening, until 9pm.
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