4pm. That’s a wrap
That’s a wrap for the #ipswichtogether COVID-19 blog.
We’ll be back again tomorrow from 8am with more community information and updates.
2.45pm. Health Minister stops by Ipswich
Health Minister Steven Miles visited Ipswich today, with $49 million in his back pocket and praising the work of doctors, nurses, paramedics and medical professionals in the West Moreton Health region.
The money is extra funding from the State Government to ramp up COVID-19 preparations.
The Minister revealed that West Moreton Hospital and Health Service is currently managing two positive cases of COVID-19 with one patient currently being treated in Ipswich Hospital.
There have only been 37 cases in the region and no new ones since the start of April.
Mr Miles was joined at Ipswich Hospital by local Ipswich MPs, Charis Mullen (Jordan), Jennifer Howard (Ipswich) and Lance McCallum (Bundamba) and visited the ICU unit.
2pm. Testing criteria extended
The testing criteria for COVID-19 patients has now been extended. Here’s what you need to know.
1.15pm. Show off your skateboarding moves
Ipswich City Council has partnered with ASCI Events to deliver an online skateboarding competition for Ipswich residents.
To enter, competitors need to upload five of their best flatground skate tricks at home. They will be judged by a panel of professional skaters.
There are prizes to be won. Entries close 21 May 2020. For full details visit the ASCI Facebook page here: https://loom.ly/M9VwAzA
11.50am. Have you downloaded the COVIDSAFE app yet?
The more people who download the Federal Government’s COVIDSAFE app, the more effective it will be as a tool to fight back against COVID-19.
11am. Keeping parcels flowing
Rosewood Post Office owner Pam McEwan said parcel delivery had increased since the coronavirus crisis.
To minimise the risk of contracting or spreading coronavirus, all parcels – be it at a post office or at a residence – will no longer require a signature for delivery or collection.
Australia Post is still delivering however there are some delivery delays and service impacts due to coronavirus.
“Parcels have increased exponentially so it’s been a bit slower sometimes,” Ms McEwan said.
“We have also added Perspex on the counter, have hand sanitiser on the desks and we have put tape markings on the ground to keep our customers and staff safe.”
The Rosewood Post Office is open Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm and Saturday morning 9am until 11am.
9.40am. Queensland update: one new case, arrangements for seasonal agriculture work
Queensland recorded one additional confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours after an individual returned to Queensland from another state, after contracting COVID-19 on a cruise ship.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced new arrangements to allow seasonal agricultural work, as we approach an important period for food production in Queensland.
“Seasonal work is really important for our regions, especially for people coming to do the harvest, which is really important for a whole range of fruit and vegetables,” she said.
“Of course we’ve got our avocados, tomatoes, blueberries, mandarins, capsicums and melons, where Queensland becomes the ‘food bowl’ of Australia over the winter season.
“We want to make sure that our seasonal workers are abiding by COVID-safe measures.
“We have endorsed a blueprint, which means that people coming to these areas need to have a permit, they need to show where they’re working, and they’ll also need to have a plan about where they’re residing and staying.
“What we don’t want to see is backpackers living on top of each other during these COVID times.”
8.45am. Social distancing saves lives
We’ve been doing a great job with social distancing and flattening the curve.
Let’s keep it up.
8am. Wednesday, 29 April 2020. Latest COVID-19 figures
West Moreton Health has had no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of April.
The region’s confirmed cases have stayed at 37.
There are currently 1033 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Queensland.
Queensland Health’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said currently, 967 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 101,767 tests for COVID-19 have been undertaken in Queensland.
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.
