Update from Tower Hamlets – Tier 4 rules – stay at home this Christmas

*** This article has been reposted from a Tower Hamlets Mayor communication ***


The government has announced that London has entered tier 4 restrictions to slow the spread of Covid-19.

We will be moving into new, additional coronavirus restrictions on Sunday 20 December to help combat the spread of the virus in the capital as rates are dangerously high and a new strain is spreading faster than previous strains. 

All non-essential shops must close, along with hairdressers, nail bars, indoor gyms and leisure facilities. People should not travel unless absolutely necessary, and work from home wherever possible. 

Household mixing will no longer be allowed on 23-27 December. The rules say residents must not leave the area nor mix with anyone outside their household, apart from support bubbles. It is important we follow the rules to keep everyone, particularly those who are older or more vulnerable, safe. 

An ‘infographic’ spelling out the rules is included above. But to spell out a few key points:

  • Faith gatherings are allowed provided there is no mixing and proper distancing but even then remember the virus is carried through droplets in the air so a face mask is the best way to keep you and others safe. 
  • And as we all know, the Christmas period, even if you don’t celebrate the Christian faith, is an important time for families to gather together. But because this virus is surging again we must all scale back massively our plans, not meet outside our ‘bubble’ and the rule the government suggested of 5 days with up to three ‘bubbles’ has now been withdrawn. 
  • So it’s going to be a very different Christmas. But I do want you to look out for your friends and neighbours who may be isolated by this. Call a friend. Meet, if you can, (just two of you, socially distanced) in a park or for a walk. And a single bubble can still work. But be very careful. 

I know these added restrictions are disruptive to both residents and businesses but they are in place to keep us all safe. We will continue to work with the government to increase testing and make the case for adequate economic support for Tower Hamlets.

Please play your part to #KeepTowerHamletsSafe. Check on friends, family and neighbours by phone. Uncertain times can affect people’s mental health, so it’s vital we look out for each other safely. A host of health and wellbeing resources are available.

We also have a dedicated phoneline for vulnerable residents to get support with self-isolation, supplies and urgent needs throughout the pandemic.

We will provide more local advice and updates soon. Until then, please read more in this newsletter and share the latest advice with your networks.

Stay safe, 

Mayor Biggs


Celebrate safely this Christmas, stay at home

Follow the new rules and play your part to keep our community safe, including:

  • Do not meet socially with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, indoors or in any private garden.
  • Hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants can only operate takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.
  • Reduce the number of journeys you make 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.

The Government has also reintroduced shielding for clinically vulnerable people in all areas entering Tier 4.


Get a Covid-19 test in Tower Hamlets 

Following a worrying rise in Covid-19 cases across London and in Tower Hamlets, we have expanded testing capacity in the borough. It remains extremely important that residents book a Covid-19 test if symptomatic. 

We continue to operate local testing units in Shadwell, Mile End, Isle of Dogs and Billingsgate. Appointments at all testing sites can be booked by calling 119 or online.

In order to protect yourself and other people, please remember to wear a face covering when going for a test. If you’re attending a walk-in test centre, please walk or cycle and avoid public transport or taxi. Don’t go if you’re very unwell or at high risk (shielding) from coronavirus – choose a home test instead.

COVID-19 Tier 3 restrictions update from Tower Hamlets

*** This article has been reposted from a Tower Hamlets Mayor communication ***


The government has announced that London is entering tier 3 – very high alert – from Wednesday morning, 16 December.

With cases of Covid-19 rising so rapidly this change is necessary to stop the virus spreading in bars and restaurants and other places where people might mix. While shops remain open I urge you to be extra careful to prevent transmission in the run up to Christmas. Remember, you’re potentially infectious for 10 days after getting Covid-19, even if you do not have any symptoms. 

It remains critically important to avoid mixing with other households inside – as this is one of the main ways that infection is rising again in our borough. 

Check the rules to see how the change of tier impacts on you.

I know these added restrictions are disruptive to both residents and businesses but they are in place to keep us all safe. We will continue to work with the government to increase testing and make the case for adequate economic support for Tower Hamlets.

Please play your part to #KeepTowerHamletsSafe. Do also check on friends, family and neighbours by phone. Uncertain times can affect people’s mental health, so it’s vital we look out for each other safely. A host of health and wellbeing resources are available on our website.

We also have a dedicated phoneline for vulnerable residents to get support with self-isolation, supplies and urgent needs throughout the pandemic.

Stay safe,

Mayor Briggs


Use of communal areas during period of enhanced Coronavirus (COVID-19) controls

On the 23rd March the UK Government enhanced much stricter controls to reduce the spread of infection within the UK and reduce strain on essential public services. Full details of this can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

At Plymouth Wharf we are lucky to have a private communal outside space that residents can use to exercise etc. However, for the safety of all residents we ask that everyone apply common sense should they do this. Furthermore, due to the restrictions we may experience reduced cleaning and refuse collection services.

For these reasons, we are asking all residents to heed the following guidance with regards use of communal areas:

  • Follow the government guidance on keeping safe distances and restricting any outing to small household groups only;
  • Only utilise the outside space if you can see it is not already busy with others and be considerate of others in terms of how much time you take up;
  • Take responsibility for tidying and disposing your waste as efficiently as possible (break down cardboard boxes, double bag refuse in black bags etc);
  • Take responsibility for keeping shared communal spaces clean (e.g. block and entrance doors etc) including wiping down with wipes / cleaning products where possible

Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance

We have recently received a number of queries from residents regarding the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

It is important to remain calm and follow the government guidance, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

At this point we are not aware of any resident infection with COVID-19 in the development but all residents are asked to pay close attention to hygiene especially where shared facilities are concerned.

Having taken guidance from ARMA (Association of Residential Managing Associations), of which PWRA is a member, we will however be taking the following additional steps and precautions:

  • We are contacting all our suppliers and contractors to ask that they ensure they follow government guidance as well as report any instances of Coronavirus infection within their staff to us;
  • We are asking any residents who are self-isolating due to suspected Coronavirus symptoms or because they believe they are within a high risk vulnerable group to register with PWRA board of directors by emailing directors@plymouthwharf.com providing:
    • Property number
    • Reason for self-isolation
    • Number of people within the household
    • Preferred contact email and telephone number
  • Note – This information register:
    • will be kept securely and strictly in-confidence in accordance with data protection (GDPR) regulations as outlined by the ICO;
    • will not be shared with anyone outside of the PWRA board of directors;
    • will only used to monitor safety of those residents and guide ongoing policy decisions;
    • will only be held as long as the outbreak continues, whereupon it will be destroyed.
  • A number of residents have already offered to provide support such as collecting shopping or even someone to talk to for those self-isolating. Anyone requiring such assistance should either utilise the community WhatsApp group or contact us directly and we will be happy to coordinate.

Waste disposal considerations

Please pay attention to the government guidance on waste disposal particularly if you think you may have symptoms to help us reduce risk to other residents:

“When cleaning you should use your usual household products, like detergents and bleach, as these will be very effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces. Clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, remote controls and table tops. This is particularly important if you have an older or vulnerable person in the house.

Personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin.

Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.”

We will be sharing this same communication with all property owners via email or in writing according to their recorded preferences and kindly ask that all owners please share the link to this post with their tennants.