 London now at very high alert
Local cases of Covid-19 have continued to increase significantly and London, including Tower Hamlets, is now a very high alert area.
The very high number of cases in London mean more people are getting unwell, more people will end up in hospital and there will be more deaths as a result of the virus.
Follow the new rules and play your part to keep our community safe, including:
- Do not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble. This includes in any private garden and most outdoor venues.
- Do not socialise in a group of more than six in some other outdoor public spaces, including outdoor spaces accessible to the public, a public garden, or a sports facility – this is called the ‘rule of 6’.
- Hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha venues), pubs, cafes and restaurants are closed – but can operate takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.
- Reduce the number of journeys you make where possible and work from home where possible.
- Places of worship remain open, but you must not attend with or socialise with anyone outside of your household or support bubble while you are there, unless a legal exemption applies.
 Support to self-isolate is available
If you test positive for Covid-19, or are the contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, you must self-isolate by law for 10 days now. Self-isolating protects you and others and is vital in slowing the spread of the virus.
Help to self-isolate is available from the council through our dedicated support line. We can help with food and medication deliveries, as well as helping people who are eligible claim the government's £500 self-isolation payment.
Those notified to self-isolate by the NHS app, and who meet the criteria are also now eligible.
 Covid-19 infections are rising fast in Tower Hamlets, especially in young people
Increased testing capacity in Tower Hamlets means we are now able to offer tests for Covid-19, even if you are well (have no symptoms).
By doing this, we can see if you have Covid-19 but don’t know it – helping to stop the spread of the virus – protecting you, your friends, your family, and others this Christmas.
You can get a test if you, or someone you live with, are in Year 7-13. Staff in secondary schools and colleges can get tests too.
 Urgent food appeal gets corporate sponsorship boost
Earlier his month we launched a fundraising campaign on behalf of 31 food banks in the borough, to help make sure people don’t go hungry this winter.
Our appeal has received a big sponsorship boost by corporate partners and these additional pledges mean we have now raised £10,000 - double our target for the first month of the appeal. A huge thank you to those who have donated so far as well as Alphabet City Ltd, Tower Hamlets National Education Union, ELBA and the Muslim Staff forum, whose generous donations have helped to make this possible.
This is a fantastic achievement but we still have a long way to go. We need to fundraise at least £5,000 a month over the next few months so that food banks in Tower Hamlets can continue their work to meet an unprecedented rise in demand.
Please donate if you can to help us to support our community.
 Vulnerable residents receive Covid-19 vaccine
On Tuesday, the first Covid-19 vaccinations were administered in Tower Hamlets. Led by the GP Care Group on behalf of GPs in the borough, the vaccine programme is currently targeting over 80 year olds. More than 200 eligible residents booked their appointment in the first hour after receiving their invitation.
Residents are reminded that when it is the right time they will receive an invitation to come forward for vaccination. For most people this will be a letter, either from their GP or the national NHS. Please do not contact the NHS to ask about vaccination in the meantime.
 All wrapped up this Christmas
With the festive season upon us, those in search of a gift with stylish wrapping to match need look no further than Canary Wharf as it launches a free, sustainable gift-wrapping service.
Those who purchase a gift from one of the estate’s many retailers will have the opportunity to have it beautifully wrapped in eco-friendly and re-usable fabric gift wrapping.
Shoppers can make use of the bespoke service free of charge provided by The Fabric Wrapping Co when spending £50 or more* across any of the retailers at Canary Wharf, for five days, from 19 - 23 December.
The initiative is part of Canary Wharf’s ongoing efforts and aims to encourage shoppers to adopt sustainable, yet chic wrapping for their gifts this festive season.
For visitors making their way back onto the estate, full social distancing measures have been put in place to make it accessible and safe.
 Waltz into Christmas at home with our online tea dance
It's time for our annual festive tea dance when residents come together for an afternoon of entertainment, and a mince pie or two!
This year, we’ve created an online tea dance for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy from the comfort of home. The Sunshine Kings, our much-loved jazz and swing band, will play a selection of old favourites.
Popular dance leader Tony Lane will demonstrate some great dance steps for a range of dancing styles.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to dress up for the occasion and quick step into the spirit of the season. Don’t forget your mince pies and a cup of tea.
Tune in from 3pm on 17 December or catch it any time over the festive period.
Raids result in 9 arrests on suspicion of drugs offences
Police in Tower Hamlets carried out a series of dawn raids this week to crackdown on the supply of drugs, violence and associated criminal and anti-social behaviour. The operation saw dawn raids across 17 residential addresses in Tower Hamlets, with nine people arrested for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
The activity is the latest under Operation Continuum: an intelligence-led, phased operation established in response to ongoing reports of drug dealing, drug use and associated criminal behaviour in Tower Hamlets and Hackney.
 Happy Hanukkah
A special ceremony was held outside the Town Hall to mark Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights.
A 10ft menorah was installed outside Mulberry Place Tuesday 15 December which was kindly provided by the Greenwich & Docklands Chabad Jewish Community Centre.
Due to social distancing rules residents were not able to join in the event but it was live streamed on Facebook so people could watch.
 New council homes
We’re committed to delivering 2,000 new council homes across Tower Hamlets. These genuinely affordable homes will include properties big enough for families. One in ten will be wheelchair accessible.
At just eight square miles, space to build in Tower Hamlets is in short supply. We’re making the most of land that we already own, including buildings no longer used as they once were.
 Bank holiday bin collections
If you normally receive a bin collection on Fridays, please note that the scheduled Friday collections for 25 December and 1 January will take a place a day later on Saturday 26 December and 2 January.
Please help keep the borough tidy by only leaving kerbside collections out on the scheduled day of collection.
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