NEWS COVID -19 CRISIS The silver lining The year 2020 will forever be defined by events relating to the new coronavirus and COVID-19 disease. At first, we in Australia, just looked on as the unnamed disease gripped the Wuhan Provence in China and soaring daily death tolls were reported. After all, Australians were just breathing a collective sigh of relief as it started raining and extinguished the devastating bushfires we had suffered over the preceding few months. But then, and it seemed as though it was overnight, we were all corralled into our homes, shops were closed, businesses were shut down, while sporting fixtures and festivals were cancelled. We heard a daily tally of each new COVID-19 case as it was broadcast on every media platform 24/7. When we could get to the shops there was fighting in the aisles and not a roll of toilet paper to be had. All doom and gloom so far. Well, they say every cloud has a silver lining, so let’s have a look at some of the good things to emerge from our enforced hibernation. During a time of crisis good neighbours and good friends come to the fore and we saw this with the establishment of the Queensland Care Army, where volunteers were encouraged to support the elderly and vulnerable by doing their shopping and keeping an eye on them to keep them safe at home. Hand hygiene has never been so good as we all learnt to wash our hands ‘properly’, cough into our elbow and of course, keep our distance, especially when coughing. One of the by-products of restrictions on gatherings was an 80% reduction in the number of reported cases of influenza compared to the same period in 2019. With so many people at home all day Queensland Police reported a drop in opportunistic break and enter crime rates in some parts of the State as criminals avoided confronting residents. Peak hour traffic just disappeared and, as travel restrictions remained in place, the need for petrol plummeted along with the price. This really was ‘back to the future’ People learnt new skills as the uptake of new technology soared, and ‘Zoom’ meetings became an everyday occurrence.
MEMBER STORIES We asked you to tell us your stories about how you have been coping during enforced hibernation. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us your stories. Unfortunately, we are unable to print all of your contributions in full. Instead, we have chosen some comments to reflect the mood and spirit of our members. While some lament the loss of social contact with family and friends, there is definitely a mood of optimism and resilience. That volunteer spirit has not been dampened by this virus.
Social distancing and hygiene precautions Some told us about their ‘home improvements’ to accommodate social distancing and hygiene precautions. I conduct the signing in my carport, adhering to social distancing, I manage this by using my car bonnet to maintain distance between the client and myself. AG Considering the QJA advice regarding Witnessing at Home, I set up an area on my rear deck where visitors requiring JP assistance might sit and conform with social distancing requirements. Hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes at the ready. PV I follow the following Protocol - meeting at my home and sitting on my front veranda 1.5 metres apart. I pre-advise the client that I have to wear gloves and a mask although I have tested negative for Covid-19, everyone is very accepting and often relieved at this. A few people come wearing masks as well. They also have to bring their own black pen and of course ID. JW The social distancing as such is not a great problem for me. Regular hand washing is part of my work. Disposable gloves are in the car. GF Rather than attending to JP duties from my office, this work has merely relocated to the home situation, albeit in smaller numbers. Social distancing measures were relatively easy to comply with as the home environment was set up to facilitate compliance and safety. While social distancing measures at the office were implemented through a closure of the office to members of the public, my self-isolation allowed me to minimise any risks. PV Since the signing centres have stopped operating, I have had seven clients call on me at home. I have set up in my garage and am able to maintain social distancing. GL Geoff Lapthorne JP (Qual) in his garage signing centre.
New Technology Some report that adopting new technology has become the new normal. We have become completely dependent on computers and social media. Committee meetings for the many organisations we are involved with are now conducted by Zoom. Attendance is up because no one has an excuse for not tuning in. Our church is live streaming the Sunday service. GL 6
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
