 Follow the rules to protect yourself and others
Cases of Covid-19 continue to rise in Tower Hamlets, despite London being classed as a high risk area under the government’s Covid-19 local alert system.
It is absolutely vital that everyone follows the rules and plays their part in keeping themselves, their families and their communities safe. This includes:
- Do not socialise with anybody outside of your household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
- Do not socialise in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or park.
- Travel if you need to for work, school or to visit public places in line with the rules, but reduce the number of journeys you make and avoid public transport if you can.
- Work from home if you can.
- Remember you are safest when you follow hands, face, space.
 Free school meals and support over October half term
As a council, we have been working with partners to tackle hunger this half term break.
Together, we've provided a range of support throughout the week. This includes ready-made meals for collection at seven locations across Tower Hamlets today (Thursday 29 October) and tomorrow (Friday 30 October).
 Stay safe this Halloween
Saturday 31 October is Halloween and while it will be a little different this year, there are still plenty of ways you can celebrate in a spooky but safe way.
To help with your planning, we've put together a quick guide of alternative activities for families – such as a self-led sticker trail in Victoria Park, pumpkin carving, watching a scary film, decorating your home and more.
Remember that some Halloween activities carry more risk than others. Whatever you choose to do, please reduce the risk for you, your children and others by following the rules to help keep Tower Hamlets safe.
Similarly, Thursday 5 November marks Bonfire Night. With organised firework displays cancelled due to the pandemic, we are urging people to celebrate safety, stick to the Covid-19 restrictions and follow London Fire Brigade advice.
 Have your say on our budget
This year, we are spending £1.2 billion gross expenditure (£354.5 million net expenditure budget) on public services to support people and improve lives.
Over half of our net budget is spent on supporting children and vulnerable adults. Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our services and on our finances and we set this budget in that context.
We’ve worked hard to save £200m since 2010 and extra pressures including dealing with Covid-19, means that we now have to save a further £30m by 2024.
We have to make the most of the money we have, as well as continuing to look at innovative ways to generate income. This is your chance to get involved in the budget conversations and to help us shape the future for all.
Our survey is open until 5pm, Wednesday 9 December 2020.
 Mayor's Christmas card competition now open
It may be hard to believe but the festive season is approaching once again, and Mayor John Biggs is calling on children in the borough to help design this year's Christmas cards.
Our annual Christmas card competition is now open for children aged five to 11, who live or go to school in Tower Hamlets. As well as seeing their designs on this year’s e-cards, the three lucky winners will each receive a book token.
Parents, carers and teachers must email children's creative entries this year (rather than post) by 1pm on Tuesday 17 November.
Theatre, music and reflection to close Black History Month
An exciting Black History Month in Tower Hamlets draws to a close this weekend but there are still more activities to enjoy right until the end of the month:
 Help shape the future of Whitechapel
We're talking to residents, businesses and visitors to Whitechapel about how we can make the area easier and safer to walk, cycle and access public transport.
Our Liveable Streets programme aims to improve the look and feel of 17 neighbourhoods to make them safer, greener and easier to get around.
You can make suggestions using our survey and interactive map, which will shape future proposals for the area to make Whitechapel a more nicer place to live, work and visit.
The survey runs until midnight on Sunday 22 November 2020.
 Our childcare scheme praised for 'welcoming' culture
We're delighted that our holiday childcare scheme has received a Sanctuary Award, making it the first holiday club in the United Kingdom to be recognised in this way.
The award, from Sanctuary City UK, recognises networks, groups and organisations which foster a welcoming and inclusive culture for people who are fleeing violence or persecution.
 Remember the basics to tackle Covid-19
In addition to the measures that come with being in a high risk area, we must continue to take every step we can to stay safe:
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Wash your 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.
Share your views on health inequalities
We want to hear your thoughts on how issues like racial bias can impact healthcare. Please fill in the survey before 11am Tuesday 3 November, which is when our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Inequalities Commission will meet to discuss health inequalities. You can also watch the meeting online.
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Tell us what you think of Our East End
We're asking readers of Our East End to give us their feedback. Please spare a few minutes to complete our short reader survey. All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher.
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Survey on women's reproductive health services
The Tower Hamlets Women's Health Group wants to hear from women to help shape local reproductive services. The project aims to engage with women aged 14-44 on what they need and want from health services. Please spare 10 minutes to take the anonymous survey.
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Virtual meeting for landlords and renters
We're holding a virtual event on Tuesday 3 November at 6pm - 8pm to discuss our ongoing Selective Licensing Scheme consultation. To book a slot, email housinglicensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk and we'll send you a link to join. There will also be virtual events on 10 November and 3 December. Have your say online.
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