4.05pm. That’s a wrap
That’s all from us today for the #ipswichtogether COVID-19 daily blog.
We’ll be back again tomorrow from 8am. Stay safe.
3.20pm. You’re invited to Ipswich Libraries’ high tea at home
It’s time to get out your best fine china and start brewing your favourite tea, because Ipswich Libraries and the volunteers at Friends of Ipswich Libraries are encouraging everyone to enjoy a simultaneous high tea at home at 10am on Friday, 22 May.
It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with your friends and family – just grab a cuppa and call your loved ones or organise a Zoom catch up.
If you plan on inviting friends or family over under the eased restrictions, make sure you maintain social distancing and good hygiene.
Ipswich Libraries are keen to see all the tea sets, outfits and food, so be sure to take a photo and upload it to social media with the hashtags #ILhighteaathome and #FOILSfromhome.
Alternatively, you can email your photos to [email protected].
2.15pm. Are you eligible for bulk-billed Teleheath services?
Bulk-billed Telehealth consultations are available with a number of practitioners.
To find out if you’re eligible for a Telehealth service, speak to your GP or specialist when booking your next appointment.
1.20pm. Oikos unveils the Not So General Store
The doors of Ipswich cafe Oikos have reopened today, with a remodelled and renovated dining area and a new side to their business – the Not So General Store.
Owner Brett Briggs said they will still be serving coffee and food, but will also stock local products like honey and south east Queensland apple-smoked bacon, specialty coffee items and even local art.
Read more here and check out their new look in the following post:
11.50am. It’s okay to not feel okay
11.10am. Show off your pet and raise funds for a good cause
Animals offer many mental health benefits in our lives.
The Ipswich Hospital Foundation is raising funds to put more therapy dogs in Ipswich hospitals.
With the current COVID-19 restrictions, the annual Ipswich Show was unable to open its gates physically this year so the pet parade was moved online.
Take a photo of your bet and share how your pet has helped you and your wellbeing through the COVID-19 restrictions.
This event will not only raise awareness of the therapeutic benefits pets can have on mental health, but also raise funds to put more therapy dogs into hospitals.
Entries will be accepted until midnight on Sunday, 24 May.
There will be live-streaming the pet parade with the top finalists on the Ipswich Hospital Foundation Facebook page.
10.05am. Queensland update: two new cases
Health Minister Steven Miles on Monday confirmed two additional cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Queensland overnight.
“Both are in the south-east, one in Metro South and one in the West Moreton HHS boundaries,” Mr Miles said.
“Both are female and both have been overseas recently and that is considered the most likely source of infection, although of course we will continue to investigate that.
“That means that of all of the cases reported in the past week, all bar one are acquired overseas and that is the one here in central Queensland HHS.
“That brings our total in Queensland to 1,057, 13 active cases, we’re down to four in hospital and just one in ICU, which of course is fantastic news.”
Chief health officer Jeannette Young said it was important anyone showing respiratory symptoms get tested for COVID-19.
“If you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, or you’re concerned, it is vital to immediately come forward and be tested,” she said.
“We have enormous testing capacity now here in Queensland, so we need to use that to protect everyone.”
8am. Monday, 18 May 2020. Health caution vital as restrictions ease
West Moreton has zero active cases of COVID-19.
There are 37 recovered cases in the region with no new ones since the start of April.
Some restrictions have been lifted in Queensland allowing more travel, more activities, and larger gatherings.
Health professionals are urging the community to remain vigilant with easing restrictions including social distancing and correct handwashing.
One new active case was reported in Queensland over the weekend bringing the state total to 1055.
There are currently 12 active cases across the state.
Currently, 1,007 of the 1,055 confirmed cases had recently travelled overseas or interstate, or had close contact with a confirmed case, such as their partner or flatmate.
A total of 154,220 tests for COVID-19 have been undertaken in Queensland, with 2,367 tests undertaken in the previous 24 hours.
Most Queenslanders who have contracted COVID-19 have experienced mild symptoms.
Currently, five of the 12 active confirmed cases are in hospital, with two of these in intensive care.
The remainder of active cases are currently recovering at home.
A total of 1,037 Queenslanders (98 per cent of total cases) have now recovered from COVID-19.
Contact tracing continues for recent cases.
