Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard has urged residents to not panic and to plan ahead when planning to vote.
“A number of people have contacted me concerned about the elections on Saturday 28 March given the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Howard said.
“The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) has issued a statement staying that, based on current advice from Queensland Health, there is no need to cancel any mass gatherings or events, including election day, at this stage.
“There are two weeks of early voting across five sites beginning Monday 16 March, which may be preferable for those wishing to avoid crowds.
“Otherwise, it is possible to apply for a postal vote – but the applications close on 16 March at 7pm.”
To apply for a postal vote application before the cut off, call the ECQ on 1300 881 665 or go online to www.ecq.qld.gov.au and follow the Postal Voting link.
Early voting places in Ipswich:
- WG Hayden Humanities Centre, 56 South St Ipswich (parking from Roderick St)
- Yamanto Shopping Village, shop 29, 512-514 Warwick Rd Yamanto (around the back near the dentist)
- 1/14 Coal St, Bundamba
- Town Square Redbank Plains Shopping Centre, shop 38a, 357-403 Redbank Plains Rd, Redbank Plains
- Springfield Community Centre, Wellness Way, Springfield Central
Ms Howard encouraged all residents to adopt good hygiene practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other bugs, while protecting ythemselves:
- washing your hands often and properly (20 seconds) with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rubs
- staying home when you’re unwell
- social distancing - staying at least 1.5 meters away from people with symptoms such as fever, a cough, sore throat, fatigue, and shortness of breath
- covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing
- using a paper towel to open doors on exit from bathrooms.
