Doors open for seniors following the latest health advice

Published Friday, 29 May, 2020 at 11:45 AM

Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors
The Honourable Coralee O'Rourke

Older Queenslanders can now leave their homes to reconnect with family, friends and their communities following the latest expert COVID-19 health advice.

Minister for Seniors Coralee O'Rourke said restrictions had been particularly challenging for older Queenslanders in order to protect them from the virus.

“We know it’s been difficult for older people to stay home for the past few months, and I know many seniors have missed spending time with their families, friends and loved ones,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“The Chief Health Officer (CHO) on Wednesday briefed the Seniors Taskforce and advised that due to the consistently low rates of infection in our state, it is now time for seniors to leave their homes and start going back to the things they enjoy.

“We strongly encourage seniors to protect themselves and leave their homes in a careful and considered way.

“For example, visit children and grandchildren who are well in small groups and avoid shopping centres and other public places during peak periods when crowds are bigger.

“The CHO reiterated that it’s incredibly important for seniors to continue to follow all health advice – get a flu vaccination, wash your hands and use hand sanitiser regularly and ensure you keep at least 1.5 metres away from other people.”

All Queenslanders, including seniors, should stay home if they’re sick. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should contact their doctor and arrange to get tested.

Mrs O’Rourke said seniors had done an amazing job to stay home and take the necessary precautions over recent weeks.

“Older Queenslanders have told us that they have had a helping hand from family members, friends, neighbours, and in some instances the Care Army,” she said.

“These people have delivered food and medications, helped connect older Queenslanders with technology and called and video-chatted with seniors to make sure they are ok.

“Spending weeks on end at home can lead to social isolation so it’s great that seniors can now safely leave their homes and reconnect with family, friends and their communities.”

For more information visit www.covid19.qld.gov.au

ENDS

Media Contact: Minister O’Rourke’s Office (07) 3719 7170