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March 18, 2020
Dear residents,
Due to the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 situation, we will now be providing updates to our newsletter subscribers twice a week. We are making every effort to keep you informed.
Please know that the Lake County Health Department's Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) and Lake County government are working tirelessly to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We will continue to use every available resource to protect your health and well-being.
In the coming days, we expect to see a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Lake County. It is critically important that we all follow prescribed preventative measures such as social distancing and the 3 C’s (Clean, Cover, Contain) to stay healthy and protect one another.
Please review the information below, and encourage others to visit our Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) web page, which is updated daily, and to subscribe to this newsletter.
Lake County COVID-19 Cases
As of March 18, 2020, 22 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19. There is new evidence of community transmission of the virus, as some of these cases are not related to travel or close contact with a person known to have COVID-19. We continue to urge all residents to take precautions to stay healthy and stop the spread of the virus.
COVID-19 Testing Information
Who should get tested? Where can I get tested? Is there a shortage of tests? Watch this short video, in which our Medical Epidemiologist, Dr. Sana Ahmed, explains what’s currently happening with testing in Lake County.
Testing is being prioritized for people with symptoms who have high risk of complications. This includes older adults living in congregate settings and those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, and those with weakened immune systems. People who do not have any symptoms do not need to get tested.
Government Closures and Service Modifications
Lake County Government is focused on protecting the health and safety of the community and our employees while continuing to deliver services to the greatest extent possible for the people and organizations we serve. Lake County is encouraging customers to make payments and submit documents online where possible.
For information on how to contact departments and access services during this time, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/closures.
Questions?
We want to make sure you have the information you need to stay healthy and safe. Email your questions to COVID19@lakecountyil.gov and we will answer the top ten frequently asked questions every week.
Practice Social Distancing
Social distancing is a set of actions you can take to avoid close contact with others to prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID‐19.
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Stay home as much as possible.
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If gatherings are necessary, limit the number of people to 10.
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Call to check on family, neighbors, and older adults instead of visiting.
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Check with your healthcare provider about telehealth options.
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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, please take extra actions to reduce your risk of getting sick. Learn more.
This week, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed executive orders mandating the closures of all K-12 schools and placing restrictions on businesses offering food and beverage service through March 30, and prohibiting large private and public events through the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation.
If You Are Feeling Sick
If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, stay home. Distance yourself from others in the household and if possible, stay in your own bedroom and use your own bathroom. If your symptoms worsen, call your healthcare provider.
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 determine if you should be tested.
Practice the 3 C's - Clean, Cover, Contain.
We all need to take “everyday preventive actions” to prevent the spread of illness - remember the "3 C's" - Clean, Cover, Contain:
Clean
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
Cover
- Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue
in the trash.
- If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve,
not your hands.
Contain
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Do you have questions? The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has established a COVID-19 hotline and email address to answer questions from the public:
For additional information from the IDPH, visit: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
Protect yourself and your community from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
Preparedness guides for specific groups:
For financial help and other community resources, please call 2-1-1.
Print Resources
Forwarded this email? Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates directly from the Lake County Health Department.
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