Dear Residents,
With many religious commemorations around the corner, please stay committed to social distancing and avoid in-person gatherings.
While the way we celebrate traditions may be different this year, know that you are not alone. This is a challenging time and while we come from many different backgrounds, faiths and walks of life, we are uniquely bonded by this shared experience. One of the most loving things we can do for one another is to stay home.
There are many ways to stay safe in your worship during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Check your place of worship's web page and social media for virtual services.
- Celebrate with family via video chat.
- Cook traditional foods at home to enjoy the familiar tastes and smells of the holiday.
- Consider a smaller celebration with your immediate family now, and hold a larger celebration when the pandemic is over.
- If you are setting up remote worship, make sure to communicate with your community on how to get connected.
 Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new recommendations to the public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. CDC now recommends the use of cloth face coverings in public settings, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, where it is difficult to maintain social distancing.
Recent studies show that a significant portion of people who are infected with the novel coronavirus do not have symptoms (“asymptomatic”). Some people who are infected will develop symptoms later (“pre-symptomatic”). Both asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic people can transmit the virus to others in close proximity when they talk, sneeze, or cough.
Wearing a cloth face covering can help keep you from spreading COVID-19 to others. If you choose to wear a cloth face covering when going out, please remember to continue to maintain a 6-foot distance between yourself and others and wash your hands regularly.
Watch this video from the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, showing how easy it is to create your own face covering:
 Learn more about the new recommendations, and read instructions on creating cloth face coverings on the CDC's website.
Lake County COVID-19 Cases
As of April 3, 2020, 608 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 14 deaths associated with COVID-19 complications.
View our COVID-19 dashboard for the latest information, including a map showing cases by municipality.
Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund is Helping Provide Emergency Food and Shelter
 Many Lake County residents have generously donated to the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund, which has already distributed more than $90,000 to local non-profit organizations that provide emergency food and shelter to our residents. The fund is a joint effort between Lake County Government, the Lake County Community Foundation, the Lake County Municipal League, and United Way of Lake County. Watch this interview with United Way of Lake County President & CEO Kristi Long to learn how the money is being put to work in our community.
To donate, visit LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/covid19.
Stay Connected With Your Loved Ones
 This is the time to stay at home and reconnect with your loved ones. Keep an open mind and be understanding. Increase happy and relaxing activities at home. Connect virtually with your loved ones using apps such as Houseparty, Skype, and Zoom. Get some tips from Amy Greskiw in the Health Department’s Child and Adolescent Behavioral Services Program.
Lake County State's Attorney Warns of COVID-19 Test Scams
Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim is warning residents of potential scams that attempt to prey on people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nerheim said his office has been advised that scammers are making phone calls posing at health care workers or companies offering COVID-19 tests. In many cases, these scammers claim they are able to either obtain tests for people or are able to get test results to people quicker. In these cases, the person is asked to pay in cash or hand over personal identifying information in exchange for the test.
Should someone become the target or fall victim to a scam during COVID-19 pandemic, they should reach out to local law enforcement or contact the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office directly at (847) 377-3000 or via email at statesattorney@lakecountyil.gov. People can also file a complaint online with the Illinois Attorney Generals Office at illinoisattorneygeneral.gov or follow the links on the state's attorney's website at lcsao.org.
 We sat down once again with Dr. Sana Ahmed, Medical Epidemiologist at the Lake County Health Department, to answer your top 10 questions about COVID-19 from the last week.
Have a question we haven't answered?
Email us at COVID19@lakecountyil.gov with the subject line "COVID-19 Video Question." Each week we'll choose 10 questions to answer.
Note: The Health Department cannot offer medical advice or answer questions related to COVID-19 cases through this service. If you have personal medical questions, please contact your healthcare provider. This email is not monitored 24/7.
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
Resources for Businesses and Employers
This week, the Health Department issued new guidance to help non-clinical businesses keep their employees safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
Visit our Information for Specific Groups page for information for individuals and families, businesses, communities and faith-based organizations, first responders and law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools and childcare programs, and travelers.
Communication Resources
We need your help to keep our communities healthy and safe. The Lake County Health Department, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer free resources including fact sheets, flyers, posters, and videos.
View communication resources
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