FAQ

How will funeral services take place without increasing the risk of infection?

Answer:

All funeral services are being carried out following Public Health England (PHE) advice, whereby the number of mourner’s present are strictly limited and people that should be self isolating are unfortunately required to stay away from the funeral.

We know this will be upsetting for some people unable to attend funerals but recognise the very serious public health need for these measures to be in place.

New advice for safe funerals after discussions with faith leaders

What measures are in place for accommodating multi-faith needs, such as the requirement for Muslim and Jewish funerals to take place as soon as possible?

Answer:

National representatives from the Muslim and Jewish faiths took part in establishing Public Health England (PHE) guidance that recognises the need to respect the funeral practices and rites of all faith communities.

The council welcomes this reassurance and the work taking place with faith groups to ensure that all needs are met in relation to burials where possible. Additional advice by PHE is being given to local faith funeral directors to ensure that all rites are protected within current government guidelines, where they can be carried out safely, for example with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Other parks in London aren't doing this, why are you?

Answer:: Other councils are not unique in their duty to promote and defend public health, the same as Tower Hamlets. Similar control measures have been introduced across London, and the country. Other councils have also been forced to close, then reopen, their parks in response to visitors ignoring government guidance on social distancing – including the London boroughs of Southwark, Lambeth and Hammersmith & Fulham, to name a few.

Can I drive to the park if I have a Blue Badge?

Answer:: Yes. Blue badge holders have access to Lido car park (eastern side), Gore Road Gate entrance (west side) and blue badge vehicles are permitted to drive and park on main carriages.

Can the measures be enforced?

Answer:: The government has introduced higher fines for those who do not comply, to reflect the increased risk to others of breaking the rules as we begin to ease the restrictions, and people return to work. If the police believe that you have broken the law – or if you refuse to follow their instructions enforcing the law – a police officer may issue you with a fixed penalty notice for £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days). If you have already received a fixed penalty notice, the amount will increase to £200 and double on each further repeat offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.

I've turned up to the park and it's closed. What do I do?

Answer:: For your health, and the health of others, safe operation of the park is subject to having the right number of staff available. Due to circumstances beyond our control, opening the park may not always be possible and we may need to close the west side of the park, or the entire park, at short notice.

Can I take a rest on a bench while I'm at the park?

Answer:: Yes. Alone or with members of your household.

What are the new measures?

Answer:

Victoria Park will be regularly patrolled by our parks team, Tower Hamlets enforcement officers (THEOs) and the police.

New control measures are outlined above.

What will happen if visitors do not comply with the new safety measures or government social distancing guidelines?

Answer:: We want to keep the park open. Visitors must comply, otherwise they risk being fined and will be responsible for the park closing again.

The government says parks must stay open

Answer:: Local authorities manage their parks, not the government. We would like our parks to stay open too, but they must be open and operated safely – we will never compromise on this, and it clearly remains our priority too, for as long as coronavirus is a public health threat.

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