 The threat remains - please keep staying home
The government recently announced small steps towards easing some of the lockdown restrictions in England, which included some changes that are in place from today, Wednesday 13 May.
While this signals a step in the right direction, it is very clear the threat is not over and we must not be complacent.
Please read the latest government advice, including frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do. This includes advice for vulnerable groups - such as those that are shielded due to being at high risk of becoming seriously ill from coronavirus - and guidance on going to work, public transport, schools and childcare, enforcement and more.
The threat of coronavirus hasn’t gone away and we are working with other London councils as well as Public Health England to keep our residents safe as the response moves into its next phase.
 A note on visiting Vicky Park
We know many of our residents want to enjoy our much-loved Victoria Park, and we understand that getting outside provides much needed exercise, sunshine and mental health benefits.
The current control measures, which were brought in for your safety and the safety of others, have been reviewed and changes will be brought in from Saturday 16 May.
We will share further details before the weekend, and will update www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/victoriapark with the latest information.
We urge all of our residents to remember that it is still very important to stay home as much as you can and follow the updated social distancing guidelines at all times.
 Support for people affected by dementia
We understand that this is a worrying time for families looking after someone with dementia. The national Dementia Action Week, which usually takes in May, has been postponed until later in the year, but plenty of support is still available at this time.
The Alzheimer’s Society provides advice for people affected by dementia and their families, as well as support for their carers. There are also online resources and publications in other languages and audio or video formats.
If you need support, you can call Dementia Connect, run by Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456, or contact Dementia UK on 0800 888 6678. It’s important to look after yourself and the person with dementia during this challenging time.
 Looking after your mental health
If you’re feeling anxious, stressed or low, you’re not alone. The friendly team at Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies is available to support you at this time.
The NHS service is offering online webinars to help residents manage their worries and look after their mental health and wellbeing. The service is free to use and offers general wellbeing support as well as coronavirus-related sessions, such as how to cope with self-isolation.
For anyone experiencing a mental health emergency, the Tower Hamlets crisis line is available 24 hours a day on 020 7771 5807.
 Explore endless books and activities with Idea Store online
While our Idea Stores remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic, you can access a fantastic range of resources and library services online.
Membership is free and can provide you and your family with hours of entertainment, including e-books, audio books and magazines. We're also running daily virtual story and rhyme time sessions for children to enjoy from home.
Our residents have accessed almost 14,500 of our e-books and audio books while staying safe at home - so why not join them?
 Critical care bed boost at the Royal London Hospital
Up to 176 extra critical care beds for seriously ill coronavirus patients are being installed in a new state-of-the-art unit at The Royal London Hospital.
The new permanent unit is a transformation of dormant floors of the hospital, and is part of Barts Health NHS Trust’s long-term response to the pandemic.
These extra beds will not only provide more space for seriously ill patients, but will also allow The Royal London to bring back space elsewhere in the hospital that was temporarily repurposed for coronavirus, meaning some routine services may be able to resume.
 Breaking the silence on discrimination
Sunday 17 May is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
This year's theme is Breaking the Silence, and campaigners will be speaking up in a special online event against the violence, discrimination, and repression of LGBT+ people, around the world and more locally.
To take part in this event from 5pm - 6pm this Sunday, email lgbtforum@elop.org for instructions on how to join.
A virtual candlelit vigil will be held to show respect and support to those whose lives been affected by any form of hatred.
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