Create your own Care Army for loved ones, neighbours and friends this lockdown

Queenslanders are being encouraged to care for and support family, friends and neighbours during the latest COVID-19 lockdown across South-East Queensland.

Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said Queenslanders do the right thing in challenging times and we can all be part of a broader Care Army, connecting with the people closest to us and helping them access essential items such as food and medication.

“Lockdowns can be tough, particularly when strict but necessary health directions give us the best possible chance to crush this latest outbreak of the Delta strain,” Minister Enoch said.

“In addition to lockdown requirements to stay in your home and community, there are many individuals and families who now need to quarantine or isolate at home to keep our community safe.

“Dedicated Care Army volunteers are already supporting vaccination hubs, and now we are asking the Care Army, and members of the community not in isolation to reach out to their family, friends and neighbours by phone or online to check that they are OK.

“Anyone can provide support to those who need a helping hand in ways that are COVID-safe and adhere to public health directions.

“Technology provides so many opportunities to connect with people through a phone call or text message, and this can also help prevent feelings of social isolation and loneliness while in lockdown.

“Care can be provided by placing an online shopping order and dropping off essential items in a COVID-safe way to people who are vulnerable or at a higher risk, like our older Queenslanders, especially those who are not yet fully vaccinated.

“Shopping for essential items like food and medication while following the public health directions including wearing a mask, using the Check in Qld app, social distancing at all times and dropping off essential items safely outside anyone else’s home is caring for our community,” Ms Enoch said.  

Last year, more than 28,000 Queenslanders registered for the Care Army to support seniors across the state and vulnerable members of the community.

“Everyone can be a part of their own Care Army, you don’t need to formally sign up to make a difference to the lives of someone who might need help right now,” Ms Enoch said.

“We are all in this together and a caring gesture will make our communities stronger.”

People who have no other means of support can call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for assistance with urgent essential items such as food or medicine.

This includes people in home quarantine and people isolating at home due to the lockdown.

Volunteering Queensland CEO Mara Basanovic said tens of thousands of Queenslanders had registered for the Care Army to help those most vulnerable in our community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At times like these, it is vital that we all stay safe and connected and support each other, the Care Army is an inspiring example of Queenslanders generously reaching out to help where needed,” Ms Basanovic said.

“This week, we have contacted registered Care Army volunteers to encourage them to reach out and support their family, friends and neighbours during this latest lockdown.

“Care Army volunteers are also continuing to do an outstanding job supporting vaccination hubs.

“The Care Army has made a big difference during this pandemic and shown how willing Queenslanders are to help each other.”

For more information about the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 response go to https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/

For more information about the Care Army go to https://www.chde.qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/care-army

ENDS

Media contact:  Debbie Turner 0437 859 987