4pm. That’s a wrap
That’s all for today’s #ipswichtogether COVID-19 blog.
We’ll be back again tomorrow from 8am. See you then.
2.55pm. Queensland update: gyms reopen, three active cases
A new COVID-safe plan has been released allowing gyms to reopen on Thursday.
Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni welcomed the announcement.
“I couldn’t be happier to hear the announcement today that gyms are now back open for business and community sport not far behind,” he said.
Mr de Brenni said the reopening of gyms offered more than just health benefits.
“Gyms like this one, this Snap Fitness, it might be a big global name, but virtually all of them are owned by small and family businesses,” he said.
“A thousand of them across the state. More importantly than that is that they employ 8,300 Queenslanders as fitness instructors and on the counter.
“That means, as of today, they’re back to work.
“It’s a great signal as we work together to unite for Queensland jobs and recover the Queensland economy.”
Queensland has recorded zero new cases of COVID-19 overnight, with just three active cases across the state. Two of those are in hospital, with one on ventilation in ICU.
Queensland has now tested more than 198,000 people for COVID-19.
1.55pm. Campgrounds now open
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Thursday announced that campgrounds, forests and recreation areas are now open across the state.
“I know how much Queenslander love their camping,” the Premier said in a social media post.
“From today, Queenslanders can book and enjoy a camping getaway in the state’s national parks, forests and recreation areas, following the Chief Health Officer’s approval of the necessary COVID-19 plan.
“While other facilities like picnic tables and barbecues will be accessible, public shower facilities will remain closed and camping numbers will be reduced in some locations to maintain social distancing and keep Queenslanders safe.”
Bookings are essential to ensure visitors have the appropriate permits, visit www.qld.gov.au/camping
For park alerts, visit https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/
1pm. Water bills frozen for Ipswich residents in 2020-21
Urban Utilities is freezing its component of the average residential water and sewerage bill in Ipswich in 2020-21.
This is separate to the state bulk water charge, which is set and controlled by the Queensland Government.
Urban Utilities spokesperson Michelle Cull said it will be the third year in a row that Ipswich residents have benefitted from the bill freeze.
“Many households in Ipswich have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and we want to do as much as we can to support our community during this difficult time,” she said.
Read the full story: Water bills frozen for 2020-21
10.35am. Let’s give a shout out to our fellow Queenslanders
Queensland Day is a commemoration of Queensland’s birthday and its official separation from New South Wales as an independent colony on 6 June 1859.
This weekend Queenslanders are being encouraged to give a great big shout out to their fellow Queenslanders who have helped them through one of the greatest challenges the State has faced.
While the usual planned events and activities are not going ahead this year, it was the perfect opportunity to say, ‘thank you’ to those who have gone above and beyond during COVID-19.
Queensland Day ideas:
- Put a sign on their letterbox, fence, front door, window or driveway thanking their fellow Queenslanders this Queensland Day.
- Dress up in our state colour – maroon – and posting a selfie to show support for Queenslanders working on the frontline.
- Send a personal thank you to a frontline worker making a difference in our community.
- Update their Facebook profile picture with the This Queensland Day, 6 June, I say #thanksQld frame to show support for frontline workers. The frame is available on https://www.facebook.com/queenslandday.
- Posting messages of thanks on social media using #qldday and #thanksQld.
The official Queensland Day website also includes shareable social tiles and decoration tools, a Queensland-themed Spotify playlist and interactive timeline of Queensland’s history.
For more information and to download resources, please visit www.qld.gov.au/queenslandday
9am. You’re not alone
The COVID-19 crisis may be easing but your feelings of uncertainty may not. If that’s the case, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
It is extremely important to seek out help if you feel you need it. Here are some important numbers which will have a guiding hand at the end of the line:
- Lifeline 13 11 14 will continue to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
- Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14 will continue to operate 6pm – midnight (AEDT), 7 nights a week;
- Lifeline webchat will continue to operate 7pm – midnight (AEDT), 7 nights a week;
- Kids Helpline – for children that may need support 1800 55 1800. https://kidshelpline.com.au;
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 https://beyondblue.org.au
8am. Thursday, 4 June. Zero active cases in Ipswich
There are no active cases of coronavirus in the West Moreton Health region, with all 38 cases having recovered, according to Queensland Health information issued at noon on Wednesday.
Only five of the total 1,059 confirmed cases of COVID-19 are now active.
Two of those patients are in hospital and one is in intensive care.
The remainder of active cases are currently recovering at home.
Currently, 1,015 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.
A total of 204,258 tests for COVID-19 have been undertaken in Queensland, with 3,295 tests undertaken in the previous 24 hours.
Most Queenslanders who have contracted COVID-19 have experienced mild symptoms.
A total of 1,047 Queenslanders (99 per cent of total cases) have now recovered from COVID-19.
Following an update relating to an earlier reported death at Blackwater, formal advice from the Coroner is that the man’s death is not related to COVID-19.
As such, Queensland Health has removed the death from the case numbers, revising Queensland’s death total down to six.
While the death has been removed, the total cases for Queensland remains at 1,059.
This is because the case is consistent with the national definition of a confirmed COVID-19 case.
Contact tracing continues for recent cases.
