New heat map highlights Sunshine Coast COVID-19 hotspots

Sunshine Coast residents can see at a glance the State’s novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hotspots following the Queensland Government’s launch of a new heat map website.

The heat map is a graphical representation of COVID-19 case data to give our community a quick glimpse of the location of cases within local government areas.

Developed by Queensland Health, the map will highlight confirmed cases across the State, be updated daily during the pandemic however will not reveal the exact location of individual cases to ensure patient confidentiality.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mark Jamieson said the heat map would break down regional data by Local Government Areas, which will give our community more clarity about local cases.

“This heat map will be a single source of truth for all Queensland COVID-19 data and illustrates our regions hot spot locations,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“I would like to remind Sunshine Coast residents that restrictions including closure of beachside car parks remained in place until further notice to minimise the likelihood of people gathering at our beaches and coastal parks.

“It’s important that people continue to not congregate or crowd at popular local spots such as Happy Valley Park at Caloundra, Cotton Tree Park, La Balsa Park at Buddina, the Warana Beach picnic area and Tickle Park at Coolum.

“Our local authorities will be out and about to ensure people are complying with the rules – particularly around self-isolation, mass gatherings, non-essential business activity and private residence gatherings.

“The direction is clear: stay home unless you have an essential reason to leave.

“With that in mind, I encourage residents to take part in a different kind of dawn service tomorrow, by commemorating ANZAC Day on their driveway or balcony to light up the dawn.

“Let’s help to light up the dawn right across the Sunshine Coast and pay our respects to all of the men and women who have served our country and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“As I have said before, our community is doing an outstanding job complying with the national public health directions, but now is not the time to be pushing for reducing the restrictions that are in place to slow the spread.

“I want to say a big thank you to our community for continuing to do the right thing as we seek to manage our way through the implications of the pandemic.

“Of course we know we still have some way to go, but all of the signs are encouraging and it is clearly evident that Australia is indeed flattening the COVID-19 curve.

“The Sunshine Coast is doing its bit to contribute to these pleasing results because most people are staying home and staying safe.

“So, I encourage everyone to keep up their efforts and continue to stay home unless it’s for essential travel as directed by the Australian Government.”

Council is supporting Queensland Health as the lead agency responsible for responding to COVID-19 and will continue to ensure our community is kept informed.

Anyone with concerns can call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or find up-to-date reliable information on the Queensland Health website.

For the latest information about council facilities and services and business assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/coronavirus.

The website will be updated as changes to council’s services occur. It also includes information on how to contact council.

With the closure of numerous facilities across a range of service areas and constraints as a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, council is re-evaluating its 2020-21 Budget.

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