4.15pm. Have a great long weekend
That’s all from us today and this week. We will be back from 8am on Tuesday.
Have a safe and happy long weekend. If you’re making the most of the easing of some restrictions, remember to maintain social distancing and stick to the rules so we can keep flattening the curve.
#ipswichtogether
3.25pm. Coronavirus inspired name for newest arrival
We asked you to name the baby bilby born before Easter at the Ipswich Nature Centre.
The name chosen is one inspired by the times.
Amanda Laverty suggested Roni which received eight likes on the Facebook post asking residents to choose a name.
The Ipswich Nature Centre staff thought in this unusual time that a coronavirus related name would be a fitting choice.
Read the full story: Billy, Bobby, McBilbyface? Name chosen for baby bilby
2.55pm. Your questions answered
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young answers some of your most frequently asked questions
1.40pm. 12 boutique shops open this weekend
With some COVID-19 restrictions easing this weekend, our friends over at Discover Ipswich have taken a look at 12 boutique shops within 50km.
If you plan to visit any, remember to observe social distancing rules.
Check them out here: 12 boutique shops open this weekend
12.10pm. Keep an eye out for hoax email
Australia’s consumer watchdog has warned people of a hoax email that claims to record fines for anyone leaving the house.
The scam email, titled “COVIDSafe ALERT”, appears to be sent from an official My Gov email address and tells the recipient that a fine of $10 has been added to their My Gov account.
It also claims that the government has tracked users via the COVIDSafe app leaving their home on three separate occasions.
11am. Doing Ipswich proud on the radio
Ipswich 11-year-old Euan Graham has secured a spot in radio station Hit105’s Isolation Band after impressing with his bagpipe playing skills.
The year six Ipswich Grammar School student performed the Solo Lament for neighbours on Anzac Day and after impressing Hit105’s Stav, Abby & Matt will be playing the bagpipe section of John Farnham’s Your The Voice when the band comes together.
Check out his audition below.
10.10am. Queensland update: No new cases, some restrictions to ease
Queensland recorded zero new COVID-19 cases overnight, ahead of some restrictions easing from midnight on Friday.
Health Minister Steven Miles said this weekend is crucial and asked Queenslanders to act responsibly.
“Another zero day for Queensland, a fantastic result and a reward for our efforts so far,” he said.
“Our message today is this weekend as we ease those restrictions, let’s not mess it up, let’s keep it up.
“If everyone abides by the rules that have been outlined, if we keep our distance even though we’re now allowed to move around a bit more and if we keep to our household units, there is no reason why we shouldn’t be able to sustain these very low number of cases.”
9am. Breast screening services resume
BreastScreen Queensland services resumed in Ipswich this week, following a temporary suspension of routine breast screening across the state.
BreastScreen Queensland have implemented a range of measures to minimise risk from COVID-19, including:
- When booking appointments and on arrival all clients are asked screening questions and, depending on the outcome, some appointments may need to be postponed.
- Social distancing guidelines are adhered to as much as possible.
- On arrival, clients will be requested to use hand sanitiser.
- Staff are diligent in hand washing and conduct regular cleaning of all equipment before and after each client.
As part of BreastScreen Queensland’s phased approach to recommencing services, screening has not resumed on their mobile vans.
In line with social distancing guidelines, group bookings are not encouraged at this time.
If you have any concerns about attending screening at this time, talk to your doctor or health care professional about whether breast screening at this time is right for you based on your individual circumstances.
More information is available on the BreastScreen Queensland website.
8am. Friday 1 May 2020. One active case remains in Ipswich
West Moreton Health is currently managing one remaining positive case of COVID-19.
There have been 37 cases in the region and no new ones since the start of April.
No new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Queensland yesterday, the state total is 1033.
A total of 943 Queenslanders (91% of total cases) have now recovered from COVID-19.
Queensland Health’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said currently, 971 of the 1,033 confirmed cases had recently travelled overseas or had close contact with a confirmed case, such as their partner or flatmate.
“Even though Queensland has recorded very low numbers of cases this week, Queenslanders are reminded to continue staying home as much as possible, and stay in their suburb when undertaking essential activities such as going to the supermarket or exercising,” she said.
Dr Young said a total of 108,137 tests for COVID-19 have been undertaken in Queensland, with 3,179 tests undertaken in the previous 24 hours.
Most Queenslanders who have contracted COVID-19 have experienced mild symptoms.
Currently, 11 of the 84 active confirmed cases are in hospital, with six of these in intensive care. The remainder of active cases are currently recovering at home.
A total of 934 Queenslanders (90% of total cases) have now recovered from COVID-19.
Contact tracing continues for recent cases.
Queensland’s testing criteria has now been expanded so that anyone in the state who has a fever (or history of fever) or acute respiratory symptoms can get tested.
If you are unwell and you meet the above criteria, you should contact a doctor immediately. Your doctor will decide if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
Before your appointment, call ahead and tell them about your symptoms so they can prepare for your visit.
