New local patient reported by officials

ANOTHER confirmed case of coronavirus in Toowoomba has been reported by health officials, bringing the region’s number of patients up to seven.

A returning traveller is recovering and being isolated in the Toowoomba Hospital, on a day when Queensland Health reported another 38 cases across the state.

“Please limit unnecessary travel where possible and stay local as much as you can,” Darling Downs Health said in its release.

“Limit organised gatherings and visits to vulnerable people.

“Make sure you are adhering to the physical distancing which includes staying 1.5m away from others as much as you can.”

Queensland’s total tally of COVID-19 patients stands at 259, and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will consider following the lead of New South Wales and Victoria in calling for a statewide shutdown of non-essential services.

A decision on school closures was expected to be made last night.

The Federal Government has revealed a new stimulus package aimed at small and medium businesses worth $66 billion.

The government will spend the equivalent of nearly 10 per cent of Australia’s GDP, or $189 billion, on packages to help keep the economy afloat.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl welcomed the new small business package, saying the region’s business-owners would look to keep as many people employed. SEE tomorrow’s edition of The Chronicle for more comments from the region’s business community.