 Video message from the mayor to Tower Hamlets residents
Mayor John Biggs has released a video message for residents, especially those who are particularly vulnerable and may need extra support.
In the message, he reminds residents that Tower Hamlets is a strong and resilient community, and that we all need to work together at this difficult time.
 Food packages for vulnerable residents
Boxes containing food and grocery supplies for extremely vulnerable people have begun to be distributed across Tower Hamlets.
Supplied by the government, the food was delivered to Bethnal Green where our staff and volunteers prepared and packed it for delivery. The council supplemented the boxes with some additional fresh food to ensure they were nutritionally balanced.
The boxes are for residents who the NHS has identified as extremely vulnerable and are advised not to leave home at this time. Delivering boxes directly to these vulnerable residents is vital, as many will have no other way of accessing food supplies.
As well as the extremely vulnerable, we are helping provide food to people with other urgent needs and who may not be able to access food, either because they are self-isolating due to illness or because they have other health conditions that put them at high risk.
Anyone who needs support with food supplies can contact the council by phoning 020 7364 3030 or by completing our online form.
 Clapping for our carers - now every Thursday!
Our sincere thank you to everyone across Tower Hamlets who took part in another fantastic clap for our carers last night.
So many of our local areas came alive with noise to show gratitude and appreciation for all the essential workers who are helping to keep us healthy, safe and supported.
It was great to see our local fire brigade take part too, making some serious noise!
The coordinated clap happens across the country to say thanks to those running our essential services, including NHS staff, healthcare workers, social carers, emergency services, delivery drivers, shop workers, teachers, waste collectors, manufacturers, postal workers, cleaners, engineers, bus drivers, council officers and many more.
And just in case you missed it: clapping, cheering, drumming and making as much noise as you can is about to become a weekly ritual, as the initiative is now set to happen every Thursday at 8pm.
Find out more and share your videos using #TowerHamletsTogether and #LondonTogether on Twitter.
 Enforcement officers out in force to help keep us safe
Our enforcement officers are working closely with our CCTV team, local police and others to help make sure people and businesses in our borough are following the current government restrictions to keep us all safe. This includes responding to concerns about large groups and where people are reported to not be adhering to social distancing rules.
The team is also conducting patrols across the borough to raise awareness of government and NHS advice, and to check in on residents (from a distance) who may be particularly vulnerable to help make sure they're safe and well.
Across the council, staff continue to work hard to deliver our vital services and respond to the situation as it evolves each day. Find out more on our coronavirus webpage.
#TowerHamletsTogether
- We are also encouraging residents, local businesses and anyone else lending a hand to support the community at the moment to share photos using the hashtag #TowerHamletsTogether. It's been heartening to see so many wonderful people and organisations stepping up to help those who need it, so why not share your story?
 Care workers needed – paid roles
Do you want to be part of the community’s fight against coronavirus? Our care providers are urgently looking for people to be part of the incredible teams providing care and support to some of our most vulnerable residents.
Whether you already have experience in a caring role or are just passionate about helping those who need support, we need you!
There are a range of paid work opportunities available and care providers are looking for both short and long term staff. Job vacancies include carers who can provide support in people’s homes as well as in dedicated teams providing care and support for residents living in supported and extra care housing or residential care homes.
To express your interest or find out more information, call our care worker recruitment hotline on 020 7364 2280 or email CareWorkerRecruitment@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
 London Together: firefighters to help drive ambulances
London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade have announced a new partnership to boost the Covid-19 emergency response, which will see firefighters helping with a number of roles across the ambulance service.
Under the new agreement, up to 300 staff from London Fire Brigade could drive ambulances and assist paramedics as directed.
The new plan, announced this week, follows a national agreement between the National Employers, National Fire Chiefs Council and the Fire Brigades Union to support local authorities and the NHS, including ambulance services.
It's great to see so many essential workers, services and organisations across Tower Hamlets and London come together to tackle coronavirus. Check out #LondonTogether on Twitter for more.
The London Fire Brigade is also urging people to check their smoke alarms at this time, to help us all stay safe and well at home.
 Stay home this weekend
This weekend, whatever the weather, please stay home and only go out when it is absolutely necessary for one of four reasons, as explained on the NHS website.
We understand this is difficult, but it is absolutely vital that we all continue to follow government guidance to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
If you're heading out for one form of daily exercise, please do so in line with the guidance on green space and on social distancing:
- Stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible – do not travel unnecessarily.
- You should only go outside alone or with members of your own household.
- Always keep at least two metres (six feet) apart from anyone outside your household.
- Gatherings of more than two in parks or other public spaces have been banned and the police will enforce this.
- Take hygiene precautions when you are outside, and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors.
Parks in Tower Hamlets currently remain open, except for Victoria Park. All of our outdoor gyms, playground equipment and skate parks across the borough are closed and must not be used.
An open letter to Londoners
- Royal Parks, Lee Valley Regional Parks Authority, City of London and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which is right on our doorstep, have written an open letter to Londoners ahead of the weekend. Please do check it out online.
 Weekly worship services now on air
BBC local radio is helping to support faith communities unable to visit places of worship due to the current coronavirus outbreak.
As of this morning, Muslim reflections will air every Friday at 5.50am on BBC Radio London.
A Christian service is also being broadcast every Sunday at 8am.
We will keep you updated as we become aware of other similar initiatives to help support our faith communities at this time.
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