Coronavirus won't stop the crackdown on drug dealers
Police officers carried out dawn raids this morning with 17 people arrested for drug offences and a quantity of cash and class A drugs recovered.
The action was part of Operation Continuum, a partnership initiative between the council, the Met Police and housing associations, established to crack down on drug dealing and make neighbourhoods cleaner and safer.
While crime has gone down during the lockdown, some people have continued to break the law by dealing and taking drugs. We will continue working together with our partners to tackle this issue and ask our residents to report any incidents to the police.
 Help with food shopping for vulnerable residents
If you are shielding or self-isolating or can’t leave your home, you can order and pay for grocery shopping online or over the phone for delivery or collection. We have compiled a list of shops that deliver to postcodes in Tower Hamlets so you can easily find the best option for you.
If you need support collecting groceries, you may be able to ask friends, family or neighbours for help. If you can’t get help in this way, we have volunteers who are ready to help collect your food and drop it at your door without contact.
Please use our dedicated helpline to get help from a volunteer with collecting and delivering food. We may be able to suggest other shops that let you pay for groceries over the phone.
 Parking restrictions and enforcement to resume in June
From Monday 1 June, parking restrictions will resume and motorists will need a permit to park during controlled parking times. Anyone found to be parked without a permit may receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
We have issued more than 4,000 temporary parking permits to key workers and we will continue to support frontline NHS and school staff, emergency services and council social workers to park for free using new paperless virtual permits.
The bus gate on Wapping High Street will also return to operation from Monday. Signs will be in place to let motorists know.
 Celebrating Shavuot this year
We would like to wish our residents a very happy Shavuot. The Jewish holiday, also known as the Feast of Weeks, takes place this week between Thursday and Saturday.
While attending synagogues usually plays a large part in celebrating Shavuot, places of worship remain closed across Tower Hamlets in line with government guidelines. This is to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
We know that for some celebrating this festival it is customary to recite Yizkor on the second day of Shavuot as a memorial for those who have died. This year, it is advised that the Yizkor be recited at home.
We understand things will feel different this year, but information is available to help you celebrate safely during lockdown.
 Planning for the safe return of markets
The government has indicated that outdoor markets could reopen again from Monday 1 June, providing they are able to meet the relevant guidelines intended to protect shoppers and staff.
Our officers have been planning for the reopening of markets for some time, exploring options to do so in a safe way. There are significant challenges involved and it is clear that in the short term at least, our markets will look and feel quite different from what we are used to.
Traders are being asked to develop plans that would allow them to operate in a safe and socially distanced way. Market officers are providing advice and support. Traders who cannot demonstrate that they have proper plans in place will not be allowed to reopen.
 Book onto a free HMRC webinar
On 19 May, the government announced a new online service for small and medium-sized employers to recover statutory sick pay payments they have made to their employees.
To help support employers, HM Revenue & Customs will be running free webinars on the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. The webinars will provide an overview of the scheme and will include information on:
- who can claim
- when to start paying statutory sick pay
- employees you can claim for
- making a claim
- keeping records.
 Visa information and advice for temporary UK residents
On 22 May, the government announced that overseas nationals who cannot return home due to coronavirus pandemic will be able to extend their visa until the end of July.
The extension will last until 31 July and will apply to anyone whose leave expired after the 24 January and whose movements are limited due to travel restrictions or needing to self-isolate.
 Half-term fun at home
We have put together a whole host of resources to help you and your family stay happy, healthy and entertained while you're spending the vast majority of your time at home.
This half-term, why not keep the kids busy with a new skill or hobby? We also have access to e-books, virtual tours and other fun family activities all in one place.
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