Stick to the rules to stop spread of Covid-19 locally
Cases of Covid-19 continue to rise and Tower Hamlets still has one of the highest rates of infection in London. We all must continue to play our part to follow national advice, take measures to stay safe and do what we can locally to contain the virus as much as possible.
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You must not meet up in groups larger than six people indoors or outdoors in any social setting (with minimal exceptions). On top of the national rules, we are asking you to avoid visiting other people's homes in Tower Hamlets unless absolutely necessary – as our data shows this has resulted in a high number of local cases.
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Wash hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, then use hand sanitiser.
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Wear a face covering on public transport, in shops and other enclosed areas, or anywhere it is difficult to socially distance.
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Keep a safe distance from other people outside your household (two metres where possible).
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Book a free test if you’re experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 and stay at home until you get your result.
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Stay at home if you test positive for 10 days from when symptoms started. This includes while symptomatic and waiting to arrange a test.
- Self-isolate if you’re identified as a close or recent contact of someone who has tested positive through NHS Test and Trace.
Everyone has a part to play to keep themselves, their family and friends and the wider community safe. Our Covid-19 community champions network continues to meet and share information and advice on Covid-19.
Please remember, advice around Covid-19 is changing fast in response to rising cases. Make sure you stay up to date with the latest information on our website. Remember, if there is new national advice we will send a special edition of this newsletter to help ensure residents are able to stay informed.
 Live question and answer session on schools and Covid-19
Join us online on Tuesday 13 October between 7pm - 8.30pm to learn about how schools in Tower Hamlets are handling Covid-19 and what you need to know to protect yourself, your family and our communities.
You’ll hear from James Thomas, Corporate Director Children and Culture; Dr Katie Cole, Associate Director Public Health for Children and Families; and Cllr Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children and Schools. They will discuss what new measures and guidance are in place across our education settings before responding to your questions.
Free tickets for Toni Morrison screening at Genesis Cinema
Don’t miss out on this week's events and activities as part of Black History Month in Tower Hamlets.
Residents can claim free tickets to see Toni Morrison – The Pieces I Am, which will be screened on Monday 12 October at Genesis Cinema. It can be viewed online on Wednesday 14 October and includes a question and answer session with director Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, hosted by poet, filmmaker and spoken word artist Be Manzini. Residents can also claim free tickets for residents to see the film Tangerine on Thursday 15 October, also at Genesis Cinema.
Other activities include Somali cooking demonstrations, headscarf design and discussions around the sporting achievements of black athletes.
 Modern, imaginative playgrounds for children of all abilities
We've installed new playground equipment at Bartlett Park in Poplar and Meath Gardens in Bethnal Green, as part of our ongoing £10 million parks capital investment programme to improve more than 60 of the borough’s parks and open spaces.
The new inclusive playgrounds were designed using ideas from residents, children and professionals, and aim to facilitate creative play and engagement for children of all abilities.
 Helping our smallest local businesses weather the Covid-19 storm
Fifty local small businesses will be provided with a bespoke recovery plan and support worth £1,000 as part of a pioneering new programme to help firms navigate the unprecedented challenge of Covid-19.
The Pivot Project, delivered in partnership with Whitechapel-based small business support network Enterprise Nation – is aimed at helping companies that are struggling in the current climate but have the potential to survive and thrive if they can get the support and advice to adapt their business model.
Anyone who might be interested in applying can join an online information session on Thursday 15 October 2020.
Boost for electric vehicles with 182 new charging points
Drivers will be able to charge electric and hybrid vehicles at 182 new points in Tower Hamlets from next year, thanks to new funding we have secured.
The first 82 new on-street charge points will be installed in early 2021, funded by a London Councils grant, with another 100 government-funded locations in place later in the year.
The points will allow motorists to refuel and reduce their emissions while making quieter, less polluting journeys.
 Officers hit streets to tackle flytipping and graffiti
Our environmental services team has been out in force this week targeting problem areas of the borough for flytipping, graffiti and anti-social behaviour.
As a result of action days in Whitechapel and Weavers Ward, 12 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) were handed out to businesses and more than 200 written warnings given out overall. Officers will be holding regular action days to engage with residents and businesses, as well as responding to recurring issues of street cleanliness and dumped waste.
Earlier this year, the council made the decision to increase the FPN for flytipping to £400 from £80 – with no early payment discount.
Mayor urges those at risk to get flu jab this year
Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever this flu season.
It remains the number one way to protect yourself and the people around you from flu and, will help to reduce the strain on healthcare systems, which are still responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Earlier this week, Mayor John Biggs took a trip to a Poplar pharmacy for his injection and is encouraging those most at risk to get their flu jab this year. This includes those over the age of 65, pregnant women and those with a long-term health condition.
Please ensure you ring your local pharmacy to ensure they can provide you with a flu jab before you head down there.
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 Sign our pledge against hate crime in Tower Hamlets
National Hate Crime Awareness Week will be kicking off this Saturday 10 October and is a chance for us all to take a stand against hate crime. This type of criminal offence is where someone is targeted because of a perceived aspect of their identity such as disability, race or sexual orientation.
We take hate crime of any form incredibly seriously and work alongside our partners to identify perpetrators, increase awareness of what a hate crime is and make sure people know how to report it.
If you would like to take a stand against hate crime, please sign our pledge so we can continue to make Tower Hamlets No Place for Hate.
It’s Clean Air Day today and everyone can play their part. We’re working to encourage active travel, such as walking and cycling, and reducing canal boat pollution. As well as supporting Idling Action’s #EnginesOff campaign, we are taking steps to reduce the air pollution from idling vehicles. |
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World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October comes at a time when our daily lives have changed considerably. We have a range of online resources to support your mental wellbeing. If you're concerned about your mental health and want to speak to someone, you can always contact your GP. |
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