Queensland recorded no new cases overnight, despite 505 presentations to our Metro North fever clinics over the past two days. Our inpatient wards are currently providing care for four patients and there are also four patients in our virtual ward – that’s down from 29 patients who were in our care this time two weeks ago.

We hope to see these numbers drop even further over the coming weeks and wish a speedy recovery for those people unwell with the virus.

The updates today include:

• FAQs – Stage 1: Roadmap to easing restrictions
• Brisbane parking fees – returning Monday
• Linkt Assist Program

FAQs – Stage 1: Roadmap to easing restrictions

As some of you make plans for the weekend, I suggest taking a look at the Queensland Government’s FAQs guide on the eased restrictions. It outlines the dos and don’ts of travel, gatherings, sport and recreation and visiting businesses as of this weekend and could save you a whole lot of time googling and debating the new rules in your households. I confirmed that a trip to some nail salons is possible from the weekend (win for me) and that camping is still off the cards (also, a win for me – camping is more wonderful for me under 5 stars rather than millions).

Parking fees – returning Monday

An important heads up for our staff in Brisbane, parking fees return from next Monday 18 May. Brisbane City Council provided us a nice reprieve over the past few months, but as some of our activities return over the coming days so will parking meters and parking enforcement. So, don’t forget to check the signs and pay your fees come Monday.

Linkt Assist Program

While parking fees may be returning, the team at Linkt are generously extending their support for the community through the Linkt Assist Program. Healthcare workers are among those eligible to apply for a three-month toll credit through the program, as well as aged and disability carers, emergency services personnel and people who have lost their jobs or significant hours as a result of COVID-19.

To see if you’re eligible or to make an application for the toll credit, visit the website. If you know of others who may be eligible, particularly those facing financial hardship, make sure you put them in touch with this fantastic program. A little bit of help at the moment can go a long way!

On behalf of our Metro North nurses and midwives, I would like to say thank you for the heartfelt messages of support you have sent our way over the past fortnight. It is certainly not how we imagined celebrating International Day of the Midwives and International Nurses Day, but I am certain our nurses and midwives felt the appreciation they deserve.

We believe we work in the most wonderful of profession, but we also know we are among such amazing colleagues from a broad range of health disciplines. Together, the nearly 20 000 staff who work in MNHHS do a wonderful job and although nurses and midwives make up nearly half of that collective, we are very mindful we are a cog in a much bigger wheel and we all need each other to achieve positive outcomes for our patients, their families and our staff.

I hope you are continuing to look after yourselves. I did notice in some of the messages that went out this week there was a real focus around health and wellbeing. A special shout out to Community and Oral Health Directorate who even chose to showcase the R U OK? T-shirts and socks! Well done and keep reminding yourselves to ask the question of each other. It takes not even a minute to ask but can make a world of difference in opening communication channels.

I look forward to joining you again tomorrow in the IC role.

Kind regards,
Adjunct Professor Alanna Geary
Metro North Health Incident Controller

Metro North HHS – Overview of Cases*

*With effect 1000 14 May 2020

**Metro North has three recorded deaths (one person a return traveller into NSW, who passed away in NSW)

*** These numbers reflect the cases being managed by Metro North