The COVID-19 curve has been flattened in the West Moreton health district, which includes Ipswich.
Late on Wednesday Queensland Health reported that West Moreton now has zero active cases with 37 recovered patients from COVID-19.
While this is a positive milestone, Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich residents should continue good hygiene and practising social distancing.
“I am very pleased with the way our community has been conducting themselves and thanks to the majority of Ipswich residents doing the right thing, staying home and social distancing, we now have zero cases of COVID-19 here in Ipswich,” Cr Harding said.
“The health professionals at West Moreton Health have been working tirelessly treating patients and conducting contact tracing, they have done a great job and the community is thankful to each and every one of them.
“While I am pleased West Moreton has reached zero active cases this is an ongoing pandemic and we must not become complacent.
“As chair of the City of Ipswich Local Disaster Management Group I have seen first-hand the work that has gone into managing the coronavirus pandemic in our community and that work is ongoing.”
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As part of council’s disaster management process, a new COVID-19 Human Social and Economic Recovery (HSER) Sub Working Group is now up and running.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact every part of our community, council has been identifying urgent needs and also begun preparation for the road to recovery,” Mayor Harding said.
“Urgent issues are being addressed such as the Operation Education program, which is supplying senior students with laptops and internet, have been addressed and council have come up with solutions for the very real challenges facing our community in partnership with key stakeholders.”
Speaking with the Chambers and local businesses, Mayor Harding acknowledges that the road ahead is still very uncertain for many.
“Too many business owners and managers have had to make heartbreaking decisions since restrictions began,” she said.
“We are committed to strengthening our relationship with Chambers and businesses and work hand-in-hand to see this through.”
Chief Executive Dr Kerrie Freeman said West Moreton Health had reached a critical stage in its COVID-19 response, and she was delighted by just how much had been achieved.
“West Moreton region is one of the largest local government areas in the country to currently have no active cases, which is wonderful news and a testament to the work of our staff and partners, and the support we have received from the community,” Dr Freeman said.
“The community has done a great job of staying home and stopping the virus from spreading, and we hope we are starting to turn the tide on the pandemic.”
Dr Freeman said there is still much to do.
“We must maintain our preparedness, and vigilance on physical distancing, hygiene and infection prevention and control even as some restrictions are relaxed in Queensland,” she said.
Queensland has had its first loosening of its coronavirus isolation measures over the weekend.
Queenslanders are now allowed to travel within 50 kilometres of home to exercise, go to the beach or have a picnic.
Outings are limited to members of the household or yourself and one other person.
From Sunday 10 May, households can have two visitors from the same or different households, or up to five visitors from the same household, regardless of how many people live there.
Social distancing of 1.5 metres away from each other still applies along with good hygiene.
There is a partial reopening of school from next week as kindergarten, prep, year one and years 11 and 12 return to the school grounds on May 11.
The advice from Queensland Health is still to reduce the amount of people you are coming into contact with, which will reduce the chances of getting and spreading COVID-19
“We’ve seen in the weeks since tough restrictions came into place how well our community has pulled together to do its bit to flatten the curve,” Mayor Harding said.
“By continuing to stand united in our response to COVID-19 but also during the recovery phase, our city will be well-placed to make the most of the opportunities ahead while ensuring we all make it through.”
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