Coronavirus crisis hits Qld hard: All you need to know
BREAKING: Qld to close its borders
THE brutal reality of shutdowns forced by the surging coronavirus pandemic has been reflected in 'Depression' like scenes of people queueing for help at Centrelink offices.
On the Gold Coast, lines are stretching for more than a block around one of the biggest Centrelink offices.
Hundreds of people, many wearing protective face masks arrived at the Centrelink long before opening, with the queue stretching down a block and around a corner. There have been similar scenes in Ipswich.
The Federal Government's online portal for unemployment benefits crashed under the increased strain.
Both the Centrelink app and the entire MyGov portal fell over shortly before 9am, with users unable to log into their accounts to update their information or register for allowances including Newstart.
Social media users also reported being unable to get through to Centrelink over the phone, instead met with messages to call back later.
"There is unprecedented demand for the service right now, but Australians need to be patient. Try logging on later today or even tomorrow," Government Services Minister Stuart Robert told AAP on Monday.
Services Australia said it was experiencing "very high demand" but a lot of queries involved the same questions, so pleaded with those unsure about the payments to visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/COVID19.
On the Sunshine Coast, some of the areas biggest employers are trying to work out how to keep their workers for months.
It comes as a GP issued his own warning after spotting youths crowded around a table at Mooloolaba on the weekend.
In Toowoomba, a staff member at a local school has contracted the virus.
In Warwick, the mental and financial toll of coronavirus is far greater than the physical, according to owners of Rose City Meats, Peter and Michelle Wright.
Peter became the first publicly confirmed case of COVID-19 in Warwick after the couple returned from a 50th birthday dinner at a Noosa restaurant last week.
NEED TO KNOW (UNLOCKED STORIES)
Your complete coronavirus survival guide
Easy way to make your own hand sanitiser
How to self-isolate the right way and how it's enforced
How to get your hands on your $750
