March 16, 2020
Neighbors,
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The Latest Updates
Cases in Lake County: As of Monday afternoon, March 16, Lake County has 6 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is no evidence that any of these cases were caused by community transmission. However, we do expect to see more cases of COVID-19 in our communities.
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In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, I want to share with you the latest news and information in Lake County, and offer up some tips and resources to help keep you and your family safe during this unprecedented time. Please know that the Lake County Health Department and Lake County government staff are working tirelessly to take all appropriate steps to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our community.
Our Health Department is continuing to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to monitor this fast-changing outbreak. Regular updates and resources are being posted to www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus, and to our social media accounts. The website includes information for individuals and families, businesses, communities, healthcare providers, schools and travelers.
Please find more information below. While these are scary times, our community is strong and resilient. If we all work together to diligently follow the advice and best practices outlined by our public health experts, we WILL be able to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Polling Place Changes for March 17 Primary: To comply with the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, several election day voting sites are being relocated. For a list of voting sites that have been changed, click here.
Disaster Proclamation: On Friday, March 13, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart signed a proclamation that will allow Lake County to access additional state and federal funding and resources for coronavirus (COVID-19) response efforts. The proclamation is a proactive, procedural step that will ensure the County is able to access the resources, equipment and personnel needed to address changing circumstances. This is particularly necessary should the number of COVID-19 cases rise and the demands on County staff and partners continue to increase.
Government Offices: Lake County government offices continue to remain open to the public at this time, but we encourage the public to come only if they have essential business, and to check our website before you come, as this could change. Many activities can be accomplished online.
Closures and Cancellations
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Schools and Restaurants: Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has ordered that the closure of all state schools from March 17 to March 30. Some local Lake County school districts have announced that they will remain closed for longer.
Pritzker also mandated that all Illinois restaurants and bars be closed by 9 p.m. Monday, March 16 to dine-in service. The closure will continue through March 30. Drive-through, delivery and curbside pickup is still permitted.
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Other agencies: Many local park districts, libraries and other government agencies have announced closures. Check with your local agency before visiting.
Many local events and programs have been canceled. Again, check before you go. The cancellations include all Lake County Forest Preserve District programs and restoration workdays, which are canceled through Tuesday, March 31. Educational facilities, including the Dunn Museum in Libertyville and the Ryerson Welcome Center in Riverwoods, also will be closed. A severe weather spotter class scheduled for March 31 at 7 p.m., Vernon Hills High School Auditorium, has been cancelled.
Health Department Recommendations to Reduce the Spread of Disease
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Practice the 3 C’s: Clean, Cover and Contain
- CLEAN hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
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- COVER your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; and
- CONTAIN germs by staying home if you are sick, except to receive medical care, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Postpone Community Events
These are the most recent guidelines from the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC):
- Gatherings of 50 people or more should be cancelled or postponed for eight weeks, including personal and social events.
Businesses and Workplaces
- Businesses should take advantage of teleworking capabilities. Every business that can have employees work remotely should consider doing so immediately.
- For businesses that cannot have employees work remotely, employers should take proper precautions to keep individuals safe in the workplace. Remind staff to stay home when sick, consider a plan for teleworking where feasible, remain flexible on leave policies, and promote robust mitigation approaches such as thorough hand washing, cleaning, and offering hand sanitizer.
Safety Tips for Vulnerable Populations
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Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness.
This includes:
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- Older adults
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease. See the CDC web page for high risk individuals
What to do if you are sick
Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, stay home and call your healthcare provider to be assessed. |
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Do not walk into a healthcare facility, urgent care clinic, or hospital before calling. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. If your doctor believes that you need to be tested for COVID-19, your doctor should call the Lake County Health Department Communicable Disease program to arrange for you to be assessed.
Resources for Those in Need
The cancellation of schools hits low-income families who rely on free and reduced school breakfast and lunch programs particularly hard. It will also economically impact workers who will experienced reduced wages due to reduced working hours, event cancellations, etc. |
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If you need assistance with food, healthcare, payment of utility bills, etc., please reach out to United Way of Lake County’s free, confidential 211 service through any of the following:
You will be immediately connected with a trained counselor who can connect you with the help you need.
General Resources
If you would like to receive email updates about the Coronavirus from the Lake County Health Department, you may sign up at this link.
Anyone with questions on COVID-19 may contact the Illinois Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email: DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV.
Visit the Lake County Health Department web page at www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus for the most current information.
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