As of today, Tuesday 17 March, Queensland Health advises there are no known cases in the Southern Downs Regional Council area of individuals having tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Across the rest of Queensland there are currently 68 confirmed cases, primarily in metropolitan areas.
The Warwick Show – which was due to have been held from this Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March – has been cancelled but the show day holiday on Friday for Warwick area residents is still in place.
The Free Times will post further information in the days ahead about other upcoming local events and gatherings cancelled due to Coronavirus restrictions. In the meantime readers are advised to contact community, sporting and other groups in which they are involved for information about cancellations and restrictions.
No school closures have been announced to date and no changes to the Easter school holiday period have yet been announced.
It is important to understand the Coronavirus situation is developing daily – the Free Times will endeavour to keep readers as up to date as possible via our website and Facebook.
The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) has advised the council election on Saturday 28 March will proceed but early or pre-poll voting times have been extended, and will also be available this Saturday 21 March.
Pre-poll voting locations are –
• Warwick – Warwick Town Hall, Palmerin Street
• Stanthorpe – Anglican Church Hall, Corundum Street
ECQ say they are putting in place a number of measures in relation to COVID-19 at those locations, including spacing out and cleaning of voting screens, maintaining a 1.5m gap between voters and having hand sanitiser available. Voters can take their own pencil or pen if they wish.
EARLY VOTING OPENING HOURS (Warwick Town Hall and Stanthorpe Anglican Church Hall) –
TUESDAY MARCH 17 – 9AM TO 5PM
WEDNESDAY MARCH 18 – 9AM TO 9PM
THURSDAY MARCH 19 – 9AM TO 9PM
FRIDAY MARCH 20 – 9AM TO 5PM
SATURDAY MARCH 21 – 9AM TO 5PM
MONDAY MARCH 23 – 9AM TO 6PM
TUESDAY MARCH 24 – 9AM TO 6PM
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25 – 9AM TO 9PM
THURSDAY MARCH 26 – 9AM TO 9PM
FRIDAY MARCH 27 – 9AM TO 6PM
LATEST QUEENSLAND HEALTH INFO ON CORONAVIRUS…
Queensland Health is urging anyone in Queensland who has been overseas in the last 14 days and has a fever or any respiratory symptoms to see a doctor immediately.
Those people are advised to call ahead to the GP surgery and let them know your symptoms and travel history, this will help them prepare for your arrival.
Queensland Health says Queenslanders can do their part by practicing good hygiene and staying home if you’re sick.
Washing your hands properly and often is the gold standard of health advice that can help prevent viruses from entering your body.
Anyone with concerns can call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 841) or find up-to-date reliable information on the Queensland Health website at www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus.
• FURTHER LOCAL UPDATES WILL BE POSTED ON THE FREE TIMES WEBSITE AT www.freetimes.com.au and on our Facebook page…
