4pm. We’ll be back tomorrow
That’s all from us for today. We’ll be back again tomorrow from 8am with more community information and COVID-19 updates.
#ipswichtogether
3.10pm. Become a Couch Curator with the Queensland Museum Network
Trains, animals, archaeology, palaeontology, marine biology, rocks and minerals, or space – whatever you’re interested in, the Queensland Museum Network has got it covered despite their doors being closed due to COVID-19.
The network, which includes Ipswich’s popular The Workshops Rail Museum, has taken the museum experience digital with social media videos and challenges, fun at home activities, virtual tours, downloadable learning resources as well as online ‘ask the expert’ facilities.
“The museum is calling all #CouchCurators to join us on a journey to explore, discover and connect with us online,” the network said on its website.
“Our doors might be closed temporarily, but our collection is still accessible and at your fingertips, along with learning resources, engaging video content, online tours and more.
“For more than 157 years we have been sharing the ever changing story of Queensland and on these pages you will find all you need to navigate these stories and more right from your home – so become Couch Curators with us as we inspire curiosity to connect the past, make sense of the present and help navigate the future.”
Check it out on their website.
2.35pm. Our Ash helps lift spirits of healthcare heroes
Ipswich’s own World No. 1, tennis superstar Ash Barty, has teamed up with tennis legend Pat Rafter to help lift the spirits of healthcare workers.
The pair surprised medical workers at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, enjoying a visit and a game of tennis with a difference – on the hospital’s helipad.
Barty said it was an honour to have a hit with the local legends.
“A lot of unsung heroes that go unnoticed at the moment who are doing a lot of work to keep us safe, to keep the community safe and to keep things tracking in the right direction,” Barty said.
2pm. New book helping kids cope with COVID-19
A new children’s book, Birdie and the Virus, launched this week to help young children understand the COVID-19 pandemic.
The book follows Birdie and her friend, Mr Frog, as they face the challenges of a virus spreading in their community. After Mr Frog becomes sick, the book takes children on a journey of recovery from testing for the virus to treatment, while reinforcing the importance of staying home, hand washing and keeping connected with friends during isolation.
Birdie and the Virus can be read online for free in English, Farsi, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. An animated reading of the book, including a handwashing song, can also be accessed through the website.
1.05pm. Light a candle to honour Domestic Violence victims
The Queensland Premier has encouraged people to light a candle to remember victims of domestic and family violence.
The annual candle-lit vigil for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention month is being held virtually this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
It also comes as support services report a rise in family violence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, withisolation, physical distancing and increased financial pressures putting people at greater risk.
If you need help, contact one of the following support services:
DV Connect: 1800 811 811
1800 Respect national helpline:1800 737 732
Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 131 114
12.05pm. Have you downloaded the COVIDSafe app yet?
The new COVIDSafe app helps our health officials to notify you quickly if you’ve come in contact with someone who has coronavirus.
It helps to keep you, your family, friends and the community safer.
More information: www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app
11am. Queensland update: no new cases, domestic violence virtual summit
Queensland has recorded zero new cases of COVID-19 overnight, with 52 cases currently active across the state.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said more than 120 people would join a virtual summit on domestic and family violence hosted by the Queensland Government on Wednesday.
“We know that there is a lot of women out there being impacted by domestic and family violence,” she said.
“My government also announced previously an extra $5.5 million going towards helping the services, and today I’m pleased to announce that we will provide an extra two million.
“The services across Queensland have been inundated with calls for requests.
“We know that sometimes people being in confined places for long periods of time leads to distress.
“There are a lot of issues out there and we want to make sure we are supporting women and children as much as possible.
“Today over 120 people are joining our virtual summit. It’s the first one we’ve ever done like this, but we believed it was absolutely important for this to go ahead.”
Those virtually attending the summit represent a range of domestic and family violence services from across Queensland.
10.05am. Fitness activity on the increase
You are definitely not imagining it … there are more people walking, running and cycling around the neighbourhood during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fitness trackers, such as Garmin, Fitbit and Zwift, report increased levels of activity over the past two months.
Triathlete.com also says with the pandemic limiting certain activities globally, we’re seeing more people move to cycling and running (outdoors and on treadmills).
Garmin’s in-depth investigation looked more at serious exercise and training levels, but they also noted that generalised fitness activity, like walking and at-home exercise routines, saw increases.
Maybe as a result of all that increased walking, running and cycling, Fitbit also found that for the most part, people are going to bed later but getting more sleep, as well as more quality rest. Read more here.
9am. Indian restaurant has reopened
A popular local business has reopened after council and the owners teamed up to save the historic CBD premises.
Indian Mehfil has reopened after closing in February for repairs to the council-owned building.
Owner Rajesh Sharma said their full takeaway menu and delivery menu is now available for lunch and dinner.
“We thank our staff and customers for their patience, understanding and support over the past few months and look forward to welcoming you back into our restaurant to rediscover your favourite curries,” he said.
Read the full story: The wait is over as Indian restaurant reopens
8am. Wednesday 6 May 2020. No new COVID-19 cases in West Moreton
No new cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the West Moreton Health region since the beginning of April.
West Moreton Health is currently managing one remaining positive case of coronavirus.
There have been a total of 37 cases in the region, but 36 have recovered.
Five new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Queensland on Tuesday, with three of those cases contracted interstate.
There are now 57 active cases in Queensland.
Queensland Health’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young urged all Queenslanders to maintain social distancing to keep flattening the curve.
“You should only be socialising with members of your household or one other person when leaving your home, or you can have two visitors visit your home,” Dr Young said.
“If the place you plan to visit is crowded when you get there and you can’t easily exercise the 1.5 metre social distancing rule, then you should go to another location or visit at a less busy time.”
Queensland’s testing criteria has 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, please call ahead and tell them about your symptoms so they can prepare for your visit.
