Coronavirus QLD: Frequently asked questions answered

With Queensland’s confirmed coronavirus cases rising everyday, more people are searching for answers. Here are the top questions Queenslanders asked today, answered.

AS the contagion ticker continues to rise, Queenslanders are looking for answers on how to combat coronavirus. Here are some of the most asked questions in Queensland today.

When is coronavirus likely to end?

While it is uncertain when the coronavirus outbreak will end in Australia, the social distancing measures required by our communities is only the beginning. Speaking on ABC Radio this morning, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said how bad the crisis gets in Queensland would depend on community transmission.

“We’re not even on the curve yet”.

“We (Queensland) haven’t even started to climb the curve,” she said.

“The evidence is telling me we are about two or three weeks behind NSW and the peak could be in July, August, September.

It is now more important than ever to practice proper social distancing measures and stay updated with the latest government restrictions regarding travel and outdoor activity.

Can I visit family during coronavirus in Queensland?

Yes, Queenslanders are now allowed to invite two people into their homes if they are known to them.

Can you catch coronavirus twice?

In the short term, those who have recovered from coronavirus are unlikely to catch it again. But as the virus is so new to us, it is unclear how long an immunity would last.

What does coronavirus feel like?

It is important to stay up to date with the symptoms of coronavirus. Although the severity of the symptoms appears to vary from person to person. There are key symptoms to keep watch for with fever and a dry cough being the most common.

How long does coronavirus live on surfaces?

COVID-19 can linger from 3 hours in the air through droplets from coughing and sneezing to as long as 9 days on glass surfaces. This includes your mobile phone so always make sure to sanitise your frequently used devices regularly.

Who is eligible for free childcare?

With Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing a new plan to help out working parents, about one million Australian families will be eligible for free childcare. Speaking at a press conference earlier in the week he said, anyone who had a job that was considered ‘essential’ would be eligible for free childcare.

According to Mr Morrison, it seems like anyone still in a job could be covered by the policy.

“If you have a job in this economy then that is an essential job, in my view, in terms of running of the economy and it is important that all of those parents who have children, that they get access to child care and those facilities will be there for them in the many months ahead,” Mr Morrison said.

How to apply for free childcare?

Parents do not need to apply for the payments as the government will directly pay the childcare centres.

When does free childcare start?

The funding to childcare centres will start from April 6 and will cover enrolments as they stood in the fortnight leading up to March 2. The government will pay 50% of the centre’s fees fortnightly.

Should I send my child to daycare?

If you prefer to keep your child at home and have the capacity to do so, then you do not need to send your child to childcare. This funding is designed to keep children of essential workers in childcare. Childcare centres have been told to encourage parents to re-enrol their children if they had previously pulled them out.