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COVID - 19 Information

Coronavirus / COVID-19 Information

You can read the most up to date guidelines for living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19 here. You can also read the Parents Guide to COVID-19. There are currently no COVID-19 Restrictions, but you can visit the Government COVID-19 Website to check for updates.

Clinically extremely vulnerable - People with serious underlying health conditions who are most at risk of severe illness from coronavirus have previously been advised by the government to self-isolate (known as shielding).

COVID-19 Medically Vulnerable Support

Dr Amir Khan shows you how to test yourself for coronavirus (COVID-19) using a self-test rapid antigen test kit in this useful COVID-19 self-test video, as well as how to read your result and report it to the NHS. Actual test kits may vary slightly from the version used here, so please always check the instruction leaflet in your kit.

On Thursday 24 June 2021, Vicky Ford, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families, has published an open letter to leaders of special schools and alternative provisions.

The current pandemic has resulted in many challenges for families to navigate.  School closures, remote working and social distancing have all caused disruption to family life.  UNICEF have produced some handy tips to help parents deal with some of these challenges - from how to parent in a crowded home to family budgeting in times of financial crisis.

Council for Disabled Children

Due to the wide ranging impact of this pandemic, CDC have developed a webpage dedicated to support, information and guidance regarding Coronavirus. Read the CDC advice about coronavirus here.

COVID-19 Vaccination

Hear from local GPs about the Covid-19 vaccine

This week, local GPs, vaccinators, and prescribers at our Cable Street vaccine centre spoke to us about why everyone has a duty to protect themselves by taking up the offer of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Listen to how the vaccine is safe, effective and our best protection against Covid-19.  So please remember, take up the offer of vaccination and keep Tower Hamlets safe.

 

There is more information about the COVID-19 Vaccination programme on the Tower Hamlets Website.

​​Contact Families, an organisation for families with disabled children, have lots of information about the COVID-19 Vaccine, which families of children with SEND may like to read.

Helpline launched to help at-risk groups book Covid-19 vaccinations - 020 7364 3030

Tower Hamlets residents who are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine will now be supported to book their appointment through a new council helpline - 020 7364 3030.  The helpline, staffed with call handlers who can speak community languages, will work to ensure eligible residents, including those who are digitally excluded and vulnerable, all get Covid-19 vaccine appointments.

The team will both proactively call residents who have been contacted about being vaccinated but not yet booked their appointment and answer incoming calls from eligible residents who want to book their appointment or ask questions.  This includes where vaccine centres are in the borough and how people can travel to their appointments.

Call handlers have also been trained by the council’s public health team to support anyone experiencing vaccine hesitancy and provide factual information to address any concerns.

The helpline will run alongside the council’s existing Covid-19 support line, set up back in March 2020. So far the helpline has directly helped over 14,000 residents and continues to support vulnerable residents and those self-isolating around food and medication, applying for Covid-19 support payments and financial concerns and any mental health and wellbeing issues, including social isolation.

The helpline is supported by, and linked to, GP practices in Tower Hamlets so that the helpline can directly book local appointments for residents.

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Making sure everyone in our community are able to book their appointments and access information about the vaccine is vital. This is one of the first vaccine helplines in London and will ensure even the most vulnerable don’t fall through the gaps.

Although the Covid-19 vaccine programme is being rolled out in phases, with groups becoming eligible based on their risk, everyone should ‘be ready’ to receive their vaccine. All residents are being encouraged to read about the vaccine if they have any concerns so when it is their turn, they are confident in taking up the offer of vaccination. Remember:

  • All Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective, take the vaccine you are offered.
  • None of the Covid-19 vaccines contain any egg or animal product, and are vegan, halal and kosher. The vaccines only contain medication – nothing else.
  • Vaccines are our best protection against Covid-19 and our route back to a normal way of life.
  • We all have a part to play to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. Be ready to get your vaccine.
  • Covid-19 is still among us and infectious. The risk of catching Covid-19 is the same as ever for people who are not vaccinated. This is why following the rules and public health measures continue to be vitally important. These include washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and keeping a safe distance from other people.

The vaccine helpline is currently only for those who are eligible for vaccination. Residents who want to find out more about the vaccine, and will be eligible in coming months, can read about the vaccine on the council website www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/vaccine.

Question and answer webinars on the Covid-19 vaccine will be held regularly for residents and promoted on the council’s website. Anyone who would like to support the community can also join the council’s growing Covid-19 Community Champions network www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/covidchampions.

Remember the basics to help 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:

  • Wash your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, then use hand sanitiser

Guide to washing hands:

  • Ensure everyone washes their hands as soon as they enter the school or home

  • Ensure hand washing takes place regularly throughout the day

  • Clean hands more often than usual - wash hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with running water and soap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Wear a face covering on public transport, in shops and other enclosed areas, or anywhere it is difficult to socially distance. 
  • Keep a safe distance from other people outside your household (two metres where possible). 
  • Book a free test if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 and stay at home until you get your result.  
  • 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. 

Visit the NHS Website for more information

East London Cares Family

East London Cares Family has re-invented alone together programmes for older adults, focusing on virtual interation. These new programmes ensure that over 65s can still feel part of their community during these challenging times. 

These programmes include:

  • Friendship over the phone - Matching older and younger neighbours together for regular phone calls, about four a week for roughly 15-20 minutes
  • Virtual Social Clubs - Virtual get-togethers between older (65+) and younger people living in Tower Hamlets and Hackney
  • Postal activity packs - Free monthly postal packs, which include an activity for every day of the month to do at home.

If you or someone you know would benefit from a phone call from the organisation, please make a referral.

Fraud and Common Scams

Covid-19 text scams run by cyber criminals

Cyber criminals are using Covid-19 as an opportunity to send out ‘phishing’ text messages, which try to trick people into clicking on a bad link.  Messages are short and simple and often claim to be from a known organisation, such as the NHS, your bank or GOV.UK.  We are aware of a current scam which is asking people to book their Covid-19 vaccination via text, which takes you to a fake NHS form asking for bank details.  The NHS will never ask for your bank details.

 

Other top scams include:

  • Fake links to claim Covid-19 related payments
  • Lockdown fines suggesting you have breached lockdown
  • Offers of health supplements that will prevent you becoming infected
  • Financial support offers that appear to be from your bank

Please remain vigilant and challenge messages that don’t feel right.  Recommended step-step actions to take: 

  • Dont respond 
  • Report the SMS scam to Action Fraud 
  • Forward the message to 7729 ("SPAM" on the keypad) 

For further information and guidances visit NHS Counter Fraud Authority 

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 a crime online via Crimestoppers

Scam regarding children under the Coronavirus Act 

There are lots of different scams happening, if you are at all unsure, please contact your school or Local Authority.  We will post information about different scams as they go around.

1) SEE SCAM BELOW: this is regarding schools being able to detain children under the Coronavirus Act - THIS IS NOT TRUE AND IS A SCAM- this has previously been circulated on Facebook but has now been taken down, please ignore if you see it on any other Social Media Platforms. 

Advice for Self-Isolating

While there are currently no COVID-19 restrictions, some people may choose to self-isolate if they have coronavirus. Here is some advice about dealing with isolating at home. 

ChildLine

If you are a Young Person now spending a lot of time at home you might be worried about not spending time with your friends, losing time to prepare for exams or coping with family arguments.  Whatever your situation, ChildLine is always available to support you.

Take time every day to do something that helps you to feel good or proud.  If you are not sure what to do, use the Calm Zone of ChildLine for ideas and tools to help you. 

Whether you are worried about how to see the GP, what's going to happen in your exams or anythin else it is important to Ask An Adult You Trust about what you can do.

Having time off can be great for a few days, but after a while it can have a big effect on your mood or things like sleep.  Doing things like setting an alarm in the morning and keeping a routine can help you to take care of yourself. If you need help and someone to talk to you could call - 0800 1111

East London Cares Family

East London Cares Family has re-invented alone together programmes for older adults, focusing on virtual interation. These new programmes ensure that over 65s can still feel part of their community during these challenging times. 

These programmes include:

  • Friendship over the phone - Matching older and younger neighbours together for regular phone calls, about four a week for roughly 15-20 minutes
  • Virtual Social Clubs - Virtual get-togethers between older (65+) and younger people living in Tower Hamlets and Hackney

If you or someone you know would benefit from a phone call from the organisation, please make a referral.

Autism:  11 Year Old Elliot shares his tips for life in lockdown

Elliot is an 11 year old who has Autism, he says that this means that he 'sees the world a little differently from others'.  He says that he 'doesn't like loud noises', 'change' and 'might understand things other people might'.  He shared his top lockdown tips on BBC Newsround. 

Some of the things Elliot likes to do is:

  1. Follow a Timetable - stick this somewhere where you can easily see it
  2. Schedule in quiet time - add this to your timetable
  3. Create a space in your home to complete your school work
  4. Find things to do to occupy your mind like wordsearches
  5. Do fun things that you wouldn't normally do - like going for walks, which really sets you up for the day
  6. Complete school work on the same day it was set - this will help you to stay in control and avoid you getting confused or frustrated
  7. Improvise and be creative - host a family game night and have fun with your family