 National lockdown rules remain in place
A reminder that we are still under national lockdown rules so we can try to bring Covid-19 infections under control. Please stick to these rules and think carefully about your actions- we all have a responsibility to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
The national lockdown means you must not leave your home unless absolutely necessary. This includes:
- Shopping for essential items and medicine
- Travelling to work, but only if you cannot work from home
- To seek medical help, get tested or get vaccinated
- To escape domestic abuse or escape serious harm
Full details of what you can and cannot do are available on the government’s website.
 New rapid Covid-19 test centre opens - get a test now!
If you have any symptoms of Covid-19, book a test online or call 119. There are lots of testing sites across the borough and when booking, residents will be offered their nearest site with availability.
Residents who are key workers, can’t work from home or who live with someone in these groups can now get free and regular rapid Covid-19 tests, without symptoms. Rapid testing can help protect everyone and stop the virus being passed on by those who show no symptoms. A new centre opened in Poplar this week and there is already a centre in Mile End.
 New domestic abuse support service in Tower Hamlets
If you are worried about domestic abuse, you are not alone. We have appointed the leading domestic and sexual violence charity, Solace, to provide vital community support to anyone affected by domestic abuse in the borough.
Solace can provide specialist one to one support to victims, providing information and advice to increase safety and meet a range of needs. This can include ongoing safety concerns, economic, emotional or housing support as well as reporting to the police or obtaining civil orders.
During lockdown, you can still access support from Solace by calling 0203 795 5064 or by emailing towerhamlets@solacewoensaid.org.
 NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme
The Covid-19 vaccine is safe and effective and continues to be delivered in Tower Hamlets to those eligible. It is currently being offered to people over 80, care home residents and health/social care workers.
You will be contacted by your GP/national NHS when you are eligible for the vaccine – please don’t ask your doctor about the vaccine as it cannot be booked in advance.
Remember, the NHS will never ask you for payment or personal information to get vaccinated, so stay alert to scams and fraudsters.
 Covid-19 regulations being enforced
Council and police officers are regularly on patrol to target Covid-19 breaches along with violent crime, enforcing where necessary and issuing fines to those who are wilfully and dangerously breaking the rules.
Over the Christmas and New Year period, teams were able to enforce against illegal activity, including shutting down an Unlicensed Music Event, a house party with over 50 attendees, a group of people playing dominoes in a Whitechapel restaurant and a party on a bus.
Fines were issued at each of the gatherings and music equipment was seized. We will continue to work with the police to identify and enforce against those breaching the rules and putting people's lives at risk.
 Education at home during lockdown
If your child is not attending school, they will be receiving remote education. While no one expects parents to act as teachers, or to provide the activities and feedback that a school would, we've pulled together a list of helpful links for families in Tower Hamlets. The information contains support, advice and teaching materials which cover home learning, keeping active, staying safe online, and much more.
 East London Mental Health Crisis Line is now free to call
If you're struggling with your mental health, free telephone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes information and advice about local mental health services from qualified mental health professionals.
The phoneline is intended to be the first port of call for anyone in a mental health crisis, including children and young people, and reduces the need to attend A&E services where there are often long waiting times.
The Tower Hamlets Mental Health Crisis Line freephone number is 0800 073 0003.
The previous local call rate number (starting 0207) will still work until the end of April 2021.
 Covid-19 scams hotline – be aware and share
A reminder that scammers are using Covid-19 as an opportunity to try and trick people into giving them money. There are several types of scams currently circulating, including fraudsters attempting to take your bank and other personal details with promises of vaccines, or of financial support for your family or business.
Please also be aware that there are some people giving fake 'vaccines' in exchange for payment, which could potentially be harmful to your health. The Covid-19 vaccine will always be free from the NHS and you will be offered a vaccine once you are eligible.
The Crimestoppers COVID Fraud Hotline (0800 587 5030) has been set up to receive anonymous reports of suspected fraud. You can also report online using the link below.
Stay safe, share this with your friends and family, and always remember to call 999 in an emergency situation.
 Dance those Monday blues away
As the wet and cold weather continues, Canary Wharf is brightening up Blue Monday (18 January) by offering homes a much needed dose of sunshine.
The estate has teamed up with Secret Sunrise, a global silent guided dance and meditation community, to deliver an electric dancing experience through people’s screens to energise and inspire participants.
This special event will have guests shaking off the weekend and twirling around their living room, while connecting with the online community. The session is aimed at all ages, so the whole family can join in together.
Running from 8am-9am, Monday 18 January, all participants will need is a laptop or smart phone, some comfy clothes and a spring in their step.
 Did your child miss out on the flu vaccine?
It’s not too late to join thousands of parents who already got their children vaccinated for the seasonal flu.
We only have a limited supply left so don’t miss the chance to get a flu jab or nasal spray for your child (reception to year 7).
Book your child’s appointment today in 3 easy steps
- Send a text message to 0790 890 8415
- Include your child's full name, date of birth, class name, school and vaccine preference (spray or injection)
- Wait to hear from us to finalise the details of your appointment
If you have any questions on how the flu vaccine protects your child and family, email us at towerhamlets@vaccinationuk.co.uk
 Mayor answers your questions on Liveable Streets
More than 100 residents submitted hundreds of questions for a special edition of Ask The Mayor about investment to make streets safer in Bow.
Mayor Biggs and Cllr Asma Begum spent an hour on Tuesday evening answering enquiries and the project team are busy responding to more questions on the Let's Talk Tower Hamlets page for Liveable Streets Bow.
 Have your say on development
Join us for the launch event of the Central Area Good Growth consultation to discuss future housing developments.
Share your views on planning for more homes in Mile End, Bow, Globe Town, Stepney, Poplar, Limehouse, Shadwell and Wapping.
 Big Energy Saving Winter is here to help you save
Are you worried about the cost of energy bills and struggling to heat your home during the winter months? Big Energy Saving Winter can help you reduce your energy bills with some simple tips and advice.
From keeping your curtains shut in the evening to installing a smart metre, there are lots of things you can do to save money while staying warm.
 Final call to share your ideas for change
It's not too late for you to share your great ideas for making a lasting change with the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Inequalities Commission. The online public consultation closes at 5pm tomorrow (Friday 15 January) - don't miss out!
With a special focus on community leadership, health inequalities, education and employment, the Commission was established last autumn following the killing of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter campaigns.
Commissioners have been speaking with people and organisations across the borough in a series of public and private meetings and reaching out to hear personal lived experiences and positive ideas to help bring about real, lasting and positive change.
Useful links
Thank you for reading
We hope you have found this bulletin useful. Share this with your family and friends to ensure they have the latest advice on coronavirus. Anyone can subscribe using this link.
Updates in other languages
If you know someone who would like to receive advice in Bengali, they can subscribe to 'Bengali newsletter' for weekly news and updates.
|
