4pm. We’ll be back again tomorrow.
That’s it for the #ipswichtogether COVID-19 daily blog today.
We will be back again tomorrow with more updates on how the community is managing COVID-19.
See you then.
3.45pm. Libraries open for business
Ipswich Libraries have given their customers a warm welcome back.
All branches have reopened with restricted services.
See the Facebook post below for more info.
2.50pm. Tips on returning to school
From remote learning to working from home, the past few months have been a big adjustment for all of us.
But while many kids will be excited to return to school from 25 May, others may find it more challenging.
Click on the link below for a few tips on easing the transition back to school.
2pm. Premier announces Queensland’s economic recovery strategy
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday announced a plan to help Queensland unite and recover from COVID-19, with a focus on backing Queensland jobs.
Treasurer Cameron Dick said the government’s economic recovery plan includes a comprehensive and far-reaching suite of economic initiatives in partnership with the private sector.
“There are three immediate areas of action that we have identified in the first stage of our strategy,” Mr Dick said.
“The first of those is building infrastructure, the second is strengthening industries and the third is enabling growth.
“Today we take the next steps in firing up the big engines of the Queensland economy as we move down the road to recovery together.”
Mr Dick said COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on Queensland and the nation more broadly.
“COVID-19 of course has had a devastating impact on our state and on our country; on tourism, retail, hospitality, education, on families, communities and industries across the length and breadth of Queensland,” he said.
“But today we have a pathway back. A comprehensive recovery package including accelerated infrastructure right across the state and $100 million to support small business – the backbone of the Queensland economy.”
Mr Dick on Tuesday also announced Queensland’s COVID-19 fiscal review.
“That will be produced in September by Queensland Treasury,” he said.
“That approach will ensure maximum transparency on the finances of the state around the government’s programs for jobs, investment and infrastructure.”
More information about the state’s economic recovery strategy is available at: Comprehensive strategy to unite and recover for Queensland jobs
1pm. Vinnies store reopens
Vinnies Springfield has reopened after being closed due to COVID-19 restrictions since 30 March 2020.
Across the state, 53 stores have opened this week but some Ipswich stores are still closed and will be opened progressively over the coming weeks.
St Vincent de Paul Society is calling on the community to donate generously to the COVID-19 Winter Appeal.
National Council CEO, Toby O’Connor said falling donations because of the COVID pandemic, coupled with a spike in demand for services, make tough times even tougher for many people.
‘Together, with your assistance, we can continue to make a big difference to the lives of people in need in our local community especially those who are affected by the pandemic,’ Mr O’Connor said.
Vinnies Springfield is at 10-22 Commercial Drive, Springfield. They are open Monday to Friday 9am until 2pm.
11.35am. Three Ipswich pools to reopen
Three of Ipswich’s pools – Goodna Aquatic Centre, Bundamba Swim Centre and Leichhardt Swim Centre – will open tomorrow (Wednesday May 20) with a strict “one person per lane” policy.
In the initial stages of opening, only lane swimmers will be able to use the pools, and each session will be limited to 45 minutes, including get in and get out time.
Anybody wanting to book a time is being asked to call the relevant centre direct.
Full story here.
10.20am. Local businesses join forces
Clint’s Fresh Farm Produce is teaming up with local businesses for a series of special pop-up events.
Queen of Cupcakes and The Cake Lady will be serving up sweet treats from Clint’s over the next two weekends, alongside fresh flowers from Harper Bloom Flowers.
Check out their Facebook page towards the end of the week to see what’s on the menu.
9.35am. Have you heard of Birdie’s Tree?
It is a series of online storybooks created by the team at Children’s Health Queensland, to help support young minds during and after disasters.
Birdie and the Virus has been specifically designed to support babies and young children, their parents and families, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Download the e-book below and read along with your children as Birdie learns more about illness, why we can’t see our friends right now and how health care professionals play an important role in helping their patients get better.
There’s even a catchy hand washing song, with lyrics.
Download the book here.
8am. Tuesday, 19 May 2020. One new case for West Moreton Health
The first new case of COVID-19 has been reported in Ipswich in over a month.
There are 37 recovered cases in the region with no new ones since the start of April until yesterday.
West Moreton Health now has 38 reported cases, one active and 37 recovered.
There are 23 overseas acquired cases in Ipswich, 4 locally acquired, and 1 under investigation, for a total of 28.
There are also 13 active cases, 1038 recovered and six deaths for a total of 1057 state-wide.
Currently, 1,012 of the 1,057 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 155,755 tests for COVID-19 have been undertaken in Queensland, with 1,535 tests undertaken in the previous 24 hours.
Most Queenslanders who have contracted COVID-19 have experienced mild symptoms. Currently, four of the 13 active confirmed cases are in hospital, with one of these in intensive care. The remainder of active cases are currently recovering at home.
A total of 1,038 Queenslanders (98 per cent of total cases) have now recovered from COVID-19.
Contact tracing continues for recent cases.
