March 26, 2020
Dear Neighbors,
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Thank you for staying at home. Thank you for doing your part. I will try to update you on Lake County government efforts in this newsletter today.
Lake County Government is protecting its employees during this crisis and many county government departments are operating with reduced and greatly modified processes. The County Board is no exception. The Governor's emergency order is temporarily lifting elements of the Illinois Open Meetings Act which require local government bodies to meet in person. Normally, our County Board rules do allow some members to participate electronically for certain reasons on a limited basis, but the Open Meetings Act would normally require that a majority of the Board or the Committee members be physically present. Under Governor Pritzker's order, we will now be allowed to fully convene committee meetings and Board meetings electronically. We hope to enable public attendance and viewing for our meetings as well. Even still, we are focusing on only the most essential business. Most committees are being canceled. Only the Committee on Finance and Administration which I serve as Chair will be meeting next week. Viewing info can be found on my County Board Facebook page or here: https://lakecounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
The County is now operating under emergency authority which was initially declared by County Board Chair Sandy Hart on Friday March 13, and then the Emergency declaration was extended by the bipartisan vote at an emergency meeting of the full board on Monday, March 16. The emergency authority allows our staff to execute contracts as needed without prior approval of the Board, but every contract will be brought to the board for ratification after the fact.
The Lake County jail is also an area of concern for many of us on the Board. The jail staff work for Lake County Sheriff John Idelberg, during this pandemic I am very concerned about the health and safety of the jail staff as well as each and every inmate. Several dozen inmates being detained in Lake County jail on a regular basis are only there for pre-trial detainment because they are unable to post cash bail. We have been working with Sheriff Idellberg and the judges at the 19th Judicial Circuit to urge for the immediate release of non-violent pre-trial detainees. This week the Sheriff announced that in cooperation with the judges 40 detainees have been released. I believe that more could qualify for release without causing a public safety concern, I hope that the Sheriff and the judges will continue to work on this issue. I have been speaking with County Board Vice Chair Mary Ross Cunningham who is the Chair of the Law and Judicial Committee and I know she is focused on this issue as well.
During this unprecedented time, I want to do as much as I can to keep you informed with news and information related to COVID-19 in Lake County. I will continue to send you this newsletter on a twice-monthly basis. Additionally, I encourage you to visit this link to subscribe to more frequent updates from the Lake County Health Department.
Please know that Lake County government staff are working tirelessly to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community, and to provide you with information and resources that you need to navigate during this most unsettling time. Please visit lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information.
As you know, Illinois is under a “stay-at-home" order until at least April 7. Read more below about what that means. It is imperative that all of us comply with that order to protect the health of ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at
pfrank@lakecountyil.gov or visit my Facebook page.
I encourage you to forward this update to others who may be interested in Lake County news. Residents who wish to automatically receive my bi-weekly newsletter can email me, or click the “Newsletter Sign Up” button at the top of the newsletter.
Take care,
Paul Frank
District 11
Coronavirus Disease Update
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Lake County Update
Number of cases: The Lake County Health Department is monitoring the number of people in Lake County who have tested positive for COVID-19, and posts a daily update at
www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus. As of March 25, 2020, at 1 p.m., 135 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19. |
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Multiple cases have been identified at two long-term care facilities in Lake County. Three staff at a long-term care facility in Lincolnshire and three residents of a long-term care facility in Lake Zurich have tested positive for COVID-19. The Health Department's Communicable Disease team is working closely with these facilities to monitor the health of staff and residents who may have been exposed to the virus. Learn more here.
Interactive Map: The Health Department launched an interactive dashboard to show the total number of people in Lake County who have tested positive for COVID-19, including a map that shows the distribution of reported cases by municipality. The dashboard will be updated daily.
Note: The dashboard is currently best viewed on a computer and is not available to view on Internet Explorer. For the best viewing experience, please try a different browser.
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COVID-19 Testing: While public demand for COVID-19 testing remains high, testing is NOT
available in Illinois for everyone who wants it. Testing is only currently available to high-risk individuals, including people who are currently hospitalized and those who live or work in group settings like long-term health facilities or group homes. |
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If you believe you need to be tested, contact your healthcare professional. Watch a video with Lake County Medical Epidemiolgist Dr. Sana Ahmed to learn more about who should be tested and what to do if you are sick.
How you can protect yourself and others:
Researchers have found that staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching or spreading COVID-19. The safest thing that we can do to protect our health and our loved ones is to all take precautions.
This means that we all should |
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Maintain a distance of six feet away from another person wherever possible
- Diligently follow the governor’s stay-at-home order
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, especially when going out to do essential tasks like going to the grocery story or pharmacy
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve
- Stay home if we are feeling sick
If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as a cough and shortness of breath, stay home.
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Distance yourself from others in the household and if possible, stay in your own bedroom and use your own bathroom. Seek medical care right away if your illness is worsening (for example, if you have difficulty breathing).
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, they should refer you to a COVID-19 testing site.
Status of Lake County Government Operations
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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 Government Operations: Operations that involve public safety, public utilities, and waste management are continuing uninterrupted. County departments are reachable by phone and email during normal working hours, and are offering online services, drop boxes, and drop off locations.
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View a video message from Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Reporting: To help reduce the spread of coronavirus, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has established a new online system for reporting non-emergency incidents to the Sheriff’s Office. If you live in an unincorporated area or a village where the sheriff’s office provides police services, please use this online portal to report non-emergency incidents. After making a report, you will be contacted by a deputy with 24-48 hours to further discuss the matter.
The portal can be found on the home page of
www.lakecountyil.gov/sheriff by clicking “Make an Online Report.”
Health Department Closures and Modifications: The Health Department’s Community Health Centers continue to care for patients during this time, and modifications have been made to protect the health and safety of all patients and staff:
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Services are being provided over the phone when possible
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Social distancing measures have been put in place at the clinics
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Non-urgent in-person visits are being rescheduled for 4-6 weeks in the future
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Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services are provided over the phone, and WIC coupons are provided via curb-side pick-up
Learn more
Lake County Forest Preserves:
The Lake County Forest Preserves remains committed to supporting the health and safety of our employees, visitors, and residents and to assist in slowing down the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Forest Preserve facilities, including Dog Exercise Areas, are closed in an effort to reduce close contact by members of the public. Dogs are permitted on leash at all other forest preserve trails, except Independence Grove in Libertyville, Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods and portions of Lakewood in Wauconda. All other Lake County Forest Preserves and trails are being monitored and remain open at this time. We know how important it is to have access to nature for fresh air, exercise and beauty. Check LCFPD.org for updates. Learn more
Stay At Home Order—What That Means
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The “stay-at-home" order issued by Illinois Gov. J.B. Prtizker remains in effect through Tuesday, April 7. The order is in place to protect the health of people in our community and the health care system.
While Lake County residents can still go to grocery stores, put gas in their cars, take walks outside, make pharmacy runs, visit healthcare facilities, and get food for take-out and delivery, it is important for people to stay home and to cease all non-essential personal and business activities.
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Save the Pipes - Don't Flush Wipes!
With many stores selling out of toilet paper quickly, and residents turning to alternatives like wipes and paper towels, the Lake County Public Works Department is asking customers to please refrain from disposing of certain products down your toilet.
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When flushed, products like disinfecting wipes, 'flushable' wipes and paper towels cause clogs which can cause damage to the sewer pipes in your home and yard, the sewer system in your neighborhood, Lake County’s pumps and treatment facilities, and the environment. Learn more
Respond to the Census
While you’re home, you can respond to the U.S. Census online.Even if you have not yet received the Census invite letter with your unique Census ID, you can still respond. Go to my2020census.gov
and use your address instead of the Census ID.
By responding, you help make sure that Lake County receives federal funding to support local schools, health care services, housing, infrastructure and much more.
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Need Help? Want to Help?
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Lake County has developed resource pages on how to get help and how you can help those in need. New information continues to be added, so check back if you don’t see what you’re looking for.
How To Get Help
Loans for Small Businesses
SBA: If you own a small business, run a private non-profit, or are self-employed in Lake County and are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19, you can apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The application deadline is Dec. 21, 2020. To learn more:
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State of Illinois aid to small businesses: Building on measures designed to address the unprecedented economic challenges facing Illinois families during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker announced a three-month extension of the income tax filing deadline and several new programs to provide more than $90 million in financial relief to small businesses across the state. Learn more
Unemployment Compensation
Unemployment benefits may be available to some individuals whose unemployment is attributable to COVID-19. The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) recently adopted emergency rules to try to make the unemployment insurance system as responsive to the current situation as possible. Learn more on the IDES website
Veterans Assistance Commission
Breakfast and Lunch for Children
Even though schools are closed, many schools are still offering breakfast and lunch to feed the many children in Lake County who depend on the meals. View an interactive map and type in your address to find the nearest school in your area serving breakfast/lunch. Click on any dot on the map to view the address and a link to more information for that school district.
ComEd: ComEd is suspending disconnects for customers unable to pay their bills and waiving new late payments charges through at least May 1. They will work with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and to identify energy assistance options to address specific needs. For information, call 1-800-334-7661. It is also suspending disconnects for all customers, except in the case of natural gas leaks or unsafe conditions, and is waiving late payment charges.
North Shore Gas: North Shore Gas is offering bill payment arrangement options and financial assistance. If you are having trouble paying your bill, call 866-556-6004 to discuss a payment plan or learn about financial assistance. It is also suspending disconnects for all customers, except in the case of natural gas leaks or unsafe conditions, and is waiving late payment charges.
Lake County Public Works: The Lake County Public Works Department has issued a moratorium on shutoffs and a cessation of late and penalty fees beginning 3/17/2020 until the state’s disaster proclamation has been lifted. Please contact pwbilling@lakecountyil.gov for more information.
Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding any social service, including resources for finding food, healthcare, paying your utility bills, mental health services, etc., please reach out to United Way of Lake County’s free, confidential 211 service through any of the following:
How You Can Help
Donate to the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund
The fund will support local nonprofit organizations serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing urgent resources for Lake County most at-risk neighbors. To donate online, visit
LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/covid19. To donate by check, make checks payable to United Way of Lake County and note “COVID-19 Community Response Fund”, and mail to 330 S. Greenleaf Street, Gurnee, IL 60031.
Because so many blood drives have been canceled due to school and workplace closures, there is a severe shortage in the nation’s blood supply.
Vitalant (formerly LifeSource) operates two donation locations in Lake County, one in Gurnee and one in Lake Bluff. Eligible donors can call 877-258-4825 to schedule an appointment.
Information on upcoming American Red Cross blood drives can found at
redcrossblood.org.
To meet the growing need at this time of crisis, the Northern Illinois Food Bank is seeking volunteers to help pack and distribute food.
Volunteer for the Lake County Medical Reserve Corps
The Lake County Medical Reserve Corps is a volunteer group that supports the increased demands of the healthcare system in the event of a major health emergency. Volunteer by emailing HLHealthEM@lakecountyil.gov or calling 847-377-8186.
Links to Additional Resources
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General information about COVID-19
Moraine Township Food Pantry
Due to safety concerns, and limited staff and volunteer resources, the food pantry will be open one day a week: Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Pre-packed bags will be distributed from the alley behind the building at 800 Central Avenue Highland Park.
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Food is currently being provided to registered Pantry clients, as well as families of Highland Park / Highwood students.
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Moraine Township residents who need food but are not registered should complete and return a Pantry application. Paper applications in English and Spanish are in folders on the front porch of the Moraine Township office, and are available online at morainetownship.org. or can be obtained by emailing info@morainetownship.org.
If you know of a low-income resident in Moraine Township who needs food, please tell them to call 847-432-3240.
Neighbors,
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Mr. Frank, County Board member and Forest Preserve Commissioner, serves on the following committees:
Lake County Board, 11th District:
| Energy & Environment |
Financial & Administrative |
| Ethics & Oversight |
Diversity & Inclusion |
| Rules |
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Lake County Forest Preserves, 11th District:
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