4pm. That’s a wrap.
That’s it for today’s #ipswichtogether COVID-19 blog.
We’ll be back again tomorrow from 8am with more information and community updates.
3.20pm. Free English classes being taught via Zoom online
Ipswich Community hubs in conjunction with TAFE Queensland were running the courses at the Redbank Plains Community Hub but due to COVID-19, the hubs are currently closed.
The TAFE teachers have taken their class online to ensure English language support for all levels is still available while people are staying at home.
The Adult English Migrant Program is funded by the Department of Home Affairs.
Tuesday 9.30am class: https://tafeqld.zoom.us/j/61959125548
Thursday 9.30am class: https://tafeqld.zoom.us/j/61235783232
2.20pm. Ipswich Art Gallery to reopen next week
As restrictions continue to ease, Ipswich Art Gallery is preparing to reopen its doors on Friday 12 June.
Entry is free, but only 20 people will be allowed in at any one time, so make sure you book your spot by clicking on the link below.
1pm. Chief Health Officer answers your top questions
Queensland’s Chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young has answered some of your most frequently asked questions about changes to restrictions, including:
- Will camping sites and national parks be open to facilitate camping?
- Will stage 3 be brought forward, like stage 2?
- What about close confined spa activities like saunas and float tanks? Why have these always stayed closed?
- Do restaurants and pubs have to adhere to the 4 square metre rule, or can they have 20 patrons regardless of the size of the venue?
- Can I have a BBQ in my backyard? How many people can I invite, and do we have to socially distance?
- How many people can be at the gym? And do I have to stay 1.5 metres from others?
- Do you still advise the elderly should isolate? My 87-year-old mother with medical problems thinks she can go to all her club meetings now.
Watch the video below to find out the answers.
12pm. Queensland update: zero new cases, more flights from Brisbane to Whitsundays
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Wednesday announced more flights from Brisbane to the Whitsundays would go on sale, in an effort to boost the region’s tourism industry which has been decimated by COVID-19.
It comes after the Premier lifted restrictions on travel within Queensland earlier this week.
“Tourism supports one in three jobs in the Whitsundays. We know how crucial this industry is to the livelihoods of people in this region,” the Premier said.
“We’ve been able to open Queensland to Queenslanders because Queenslanders did so well at dealing with the global coronavirus pandemic.
“Queensland has a plan for our economic recovery: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs.
“We want to strengthen Queensland’s traditional industries like tourism.
“We want to see more Queenslanders having a holiday in the Whitsundays. That’s what today’s announcement is all about.”
Queensland has recorded zero new cases of COVID-19 overnight, with just five active cases across the state.
10.50am. Support local music
Going to gigs and enjoying live music hasn’t been possible in recent months due to COVID-19.
But Studio 188 and Ipswich Civic Centre have been bringing some of Ipswich’s best local acts into your home through live-streamed performances and interviews.
Studio 188’s ‘188 Seconds with’ series celebrates local artists and their stories.
The latest episode in the ‘188 Seconds’ weekly interview series is with Ipswich singer-songwriter Taylor Wilton and streams on Facebook at 8pm tonight.
9.45am. Practical driver tests to resume 15 June
Queensland learner drivers will be able to sit for their P-plates from 15 June after testing was suspended due to COVID-19.
To make sure tests are conducted safely, some new measures will be in place including a pre-screening health checklist, cleaning and disinfectant procedures.
Extra driving examiners and Saturday driving tests will mean more tests can be conducted sooner, and priority will be given to learner drivers who had tests booked prior to COVID-19.
For more information visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au
8am. Wednesday, 3 June. Zero active cases in Ipswich
There are currently no active cases of coronavirus in the West Moreton Health region, with all 38 cases having recovered.
Queensland Health reported one new case of COVID-19 in an update on Tuesday afternoon, bringing the state’s total of active cases to five.
Of the five active cases, one person is being treated in intensive care, while the other four are recovering at home.
A total of 1,047 Queenslanders (99 per cent of total cases) have now recovered from COVID-19.
As restrictions start to ease, Queensland Health is urging anyone with symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, fatigue) to get tested for COVID-19.
For further advice, contact your local doctor or call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
A total of 200,391 tests for COVID-19 have been undertaken in Queensland, with 3,024 tests undertaken in the previous 24 hours.
Currently, 1,013 of the 1,059 confirmed cases had recently travelled overseas or interstate, or had close contact with a confirmed case, such as their partner or flatmate.
The most up-to-date reliable information is available on the Queensland Health website at www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus
