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. 

“Protecting our most vulnerable residents is something we take very seriously, and our Communicable Disease team is working closely with these facilities to monitor the health of staff and residents who may have been exposed to COVID-19,” said Mark Pfister, Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department. “In addition to restricting outside visitors to the facilities, appropriate infection control measures are being taken, including checking the temperatures and symptoms of all staff and residents twice per shift. If a resident shows symptoms, they are appropriately isolated, and extra precautions are taken."

Older adults, people living in congregate settings like long-term care facilities, and people with certain chronic health conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. All residents are reminded to follow the governor’s ‘stay-at-home’ order to help protect our communities.   

Today, the Lake County Health Department launched an interactive map of COVID-19 cases in Lake County, broken down by municipality. It can be viewed at: www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:   

On Friday, March 20th, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-10 requiring all Illinoisans to stay in their homes to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.  For more information, please visit: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus/FAQ/Pages/Stay-At-Home-FAQS.aspx   

It is critically important that the community follow prescribed preventative measures such as social distancing and the 3 C’s to avoid getting sick:   

• Clean hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol;   
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your elbow; and   
• Contain illness by staying home if you are sick.   

Social Distancing   

• Stay home as much as possible.   
• Maintain a distance of 6 feet between yourself and others. 
• Call to check on family, neighbors, and older adults instead of visiting.   
• Check with your healthcare provider about telehealth options.   

What to do if you are sick   

If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, stay home and call your doctor. 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, 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, your doctor should refer you to a COVID-19 testing site. The Lake County Health Department should only be contacted to facilitate testing through the State lab for patients who are hospitalized or those who live or work in congregate settings (e.g., schools, long term care facilities, and group homes).   

Residents who do not have a primary care provider can contact the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center at (847) 377-8800 to schedule an appointment.   

Testing availability   

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 show any symptoms do not need to get tested.   

A number of healthcare providers in Lake County currently have tests available. The Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) is working to collect information on the availability of testing in Lake County and will provide updates at www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus as it becomes available.   

Health Department Service Modifications  

The Health Department’s Community Health Centers continue to provide care for patients during this time, and modifications have been made to protect the health and safety of all patients and staff:  

• Services are being provided over the phone when possible  
• Social distancing measures have been put in place in the clinics  
• Non-urgent in-person visits are being rescheduled for 4-6 weeks in the future  
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services are provided over the phone, and WIC coupons are provided curb-side  

For a full list of changes to health center services, locations, and hours, please visit www.lakecountyil.gov/healthclosures  

Additional resources   

Visit www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus for updates on COVID-19 in Lake County, guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19, and to sign up for the Lake County Health Department’s COVID-19 email newsletter.   

The Health Department has established an email address: COVID19@lakecountyil.gov, to answer general questions from the community. Residents can submit an email with general COVID-19 questions, and public health officials will answer the top questions weekly. The Health Department will not use this service to offer medical advice or answer questions related to people who test positive for COVID-19. If you have personal medical questions, contact your healthcare provider.   

For a list of government closures, visit: www.lakecountyil.gov/closures   

Additional resource if you need assistance: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/GetHelp   

If you need assistance finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, CALL 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. For more information, visit https://211lakecounty.org/.   

For general state and national information, please call the Illinois State Hotline at 1-800-899-3931, or visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website at dph.illinois.gov, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at coronavirus.gov.