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For Immediate Release
Date: April 4, 2020
Media Email: COVIDmedia@lakecountyil.gov
Media Phone: 847-377-2001
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Health Department Coronavirus Update
Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department is reporting 81 new cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Lake County and no new deaths since yesterday. This brings the total number of Lake County COVID-19 cases to 689, including 14 deaths (as of April 4, 2020, 1:00 p.m.).
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.
"We continue learning more about the virus that causes COVID-19 and how it spreads in the community," said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. "Social distancing remains a must for everyone who leaves their home for essential reasons. In addition, consider wearing a cloth face covering while you are out so you don’t spread the virus to others, and leave the surgical masks and respirators for our first responders and healthcare workers on the front lines.”
Detailed instructions for creating a cloth face covering are available on the CDC website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html, and a video of the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, demonstrating a simple face covering option can be found on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tPx1yqvJgf4.
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New Cases
(since last update)
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New Deaths
(since last update)
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Total Cases |
Total Deaths |
| 81 |
0 |
689 |
14 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
It is critically important that the community follow prescribed preventative measures such as social distancing and the 3 C’s to avoid getting sick:
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Clean hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol;
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Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your elbow; and
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Contain illness by staying home if you are sick.
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Stay home as much as possible.
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Maintain a distance of 6 feet between yourself and others.
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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.
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. Contact your doctor 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 by your doctor 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 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:
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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 in 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 curb-side
Visit www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus for updates on COVID-19 in Lake County, guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19, an interactive map of cases by municipality, 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
Anyone needing 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. To receive general COVID-19 information via text message, text “COVID19” to 211211. 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.
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