3.12pm. Your questions answered
Will COVID-19 ever be fully eradicated in Australia? Can vitamin supplements improve the body’s response to COVID-19? And how effective are antibacterial hand sanitisers in killing viruses?
Watch the video below for answers to these questions by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth.
2.20pm. Would you try these handshake alternatives?
Queensland Health has come up with some COVID-safe handshake alternatives, as more people start engaging with each other as restrictions ease.
From the ‘Jim and Pam’ to the ‘Queensland Elizabeth’ and the ‘Blinding Lights’ – which one would you try?
12.55pm. Join the pet parade and raise funds for therapy dogs in hospitals
Gates are still open to the Virtual Pet Parade in Ipswich.
Ipswich Hospital Foundation is asking the community to share how their pet has helped during the coronavirus restrictions.
This event is raising awareness of the benefits pets have on wellbeing and raising funds to put more therapy dogs into our hospitals across the West Moreton Region.
The winning pets for each show will take some ‘paw-some’ prizes and an official show society ribbon.
For more information, to register your pet or donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/ybeh3qur
11.55am. Making plans for the weekend?
Here’s a reminder of what you can and can’t do under Queensland’s current restrictions.
11am. Roderick Street car park restrictions return
Ipswich City Council’s Roderick Street car park returned to its usual parking restrictions this week, after more than a month of free long term parking to assist essential workers during COVID-19.
Restrictions in the council-owned Roderick Street car park were eased in March, specifically to help Queensland Health employees fighting COVID-19 on the frontline.
Parking in the Roderick Street car park is now exclusively available to customers of Ipswich City Council and Ipswich Libraries, and is limited to one or two hour zones and disability parking. Make sure you check the signage when using the car park.
More information on parking in Ipswich is available at: ipswich.qld.gov.au/residents/parking/parking-guide
9.30am. Helping small businesses adapt during COVID-19
The State Government has launched a Small Business COVID-19 Adaptation Grants Program this week, and there’s already been huge interest.
Small businesses have applied for $60 million in just three days.
The $100 million program aims to support Queensland’s small businesses which have been impacted by COVID-19 shutdown restrictions.
Eligible small businesses can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help upskill or reskill staff, prepare to safely reopen in the post COVID-19 recovery, diversify operations and sustain employment.
If you operate a small business, or know someone who might be interested in the program, head to the Queensland Government’s website for more information on how to apply for the Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program:
business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/adaption
9am. Raise a cuppa for our volunteers
Co-presidents of Friends of Ipswich Libraries, Vicki Doig and Eirys Jones, will be hosting a FOILS High Tea of a different kind this year.
With programs and events at the library currently on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions, the library volunteers will be bringing out their best china this morning to host their own mini-events at home instead of the library, for the FOILS Simultaneous High Tea.
The Friends group is inviting everyone in the community to join them in celebrating National Volunteers Week from the comfort of their own home.
So get your best tea set out and boil up your favourite brew for the Simultaneous High Tea at home to say thanks to our volunteers. Don’t forget to share your photos with Ipswich Libraries by using the hashtags #ILhighteaathome and #FOILSfromhome. Or email your photos to [email protected]
Read more: >>> Celebrate Ipswich Libraries volunteers with high tea at home
8am. Friday, 22 May 2020. Zero new cases in Queensland
There is currently one active case COVID-19 in the West Moreton Health region and contact tracing is underway.
This is the first new case for Ipswich since April 1, bringing the region’s total of confirmed cases to 38, with 37 recovered.
There are 24 overseas acquired cases in Ipswich and four locally acquired for a total of 28.
Across Queensland, there remain 12 active cases, 1040 recovered and six deaths for a total of 1058.
Currently, 1,015 of the 1,058 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 166,877 tests for COVID-19 have been undertaken in Queensland, with 2,999 tests undertaken in the previous 24 hours.
Most Queenslanders who have contracted COVID-19 have experienced mild symptoms. Currently, four of the 12 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 1,040 Queenslanders (98 per cent of total cases) have now recovered from COVID-19.
Contact tracing continues for recent cases.
