Dear Residents,
Thank you to all the healthcare workers, grocery store and pharmacy employees, public health professionals, first responders, and other essential employees who are working to keep us safe during this time. Help us thank those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic --- make a sign and share it on social media!
Tag the Lake County Health Department (Facebook: @healthdepartment Twitter: @LakeCoHealth) and you may be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
 Also, thank YOU for doing your part to stop the spread of COVID-19. By staying home, limiting the number of people from your household who go out for errands, keeping your time in public places to a minimum, maintaining a 6 foot distance from others, and wearing a cloth face covering when you go out, YOU are protecting all of us.
New Coronavirus Data Hub
Many of you have shared that you would like to see expanded data related to COVID-19 cases in Lake County. Yesterday, we rolled out a new data hub, which includes a breakdown of cases by age and gender, in addition to the number of cases and deaths in Lake County and in the State of Illinois, and an interactive map of COVID-19 cases in Lake County by municipality. It also includes some useful census data from Lake County. View it at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/COVID19data.
When looking at the data, keep in mind that it does not reflect the many residents who are likely infected and have not been tested. Testing is not available to everyone, and many people who have COVID-19 have no symptoms, or only mild symptoms. That is why it’s so important to continue social distancing and follow the Illinois Stay-At-Home order.
A note about recovered cases: Many people have asked us if we can include the number of recovered cases in the information we share with you. At this time, we do not have reliable data for recovered cases. Hospitals and doctors do not typically follow up with patients to ask if they are no longer ill, and there is no process for patients to self-report when they have recovered.
New Respiratory Illness Clinic
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We recently opened a Respiratory Illness Clinic for patients with symptoms of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, located at the North Chicago Health Center, 2215 14th St, North Chicago. |
Appointments are required, and can be scheduled through the Patient Access Center at (847) 377-8800.
Crisis Care Hotline - Counselors Available 24/7
During this time of in creased stress, the demand for mental health services also rises. Last week, Lake County expanded its Crisis Care hotline to include certified addiction counselors. With closures and reduced resources nationwide, this is an important service for those experiencing a mental health crisis and for those who have substance use disorders.
Call (847) 377-8088 to speak anonymously with a counselor.
A Message from Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart
At its April 7 meeting, the Lake County Board voted to set aside $100,000 in video gaming revenues in the event the funds are needed to support organizations that provide emergency housing to Lake County residents. Chair Hart discusses this action, the federal CARES act, opportunities to help, and more in her most recent video message.
 How to Wear and Care for a Cloth Face Mask
The CDC recently recommended the use of cloth face masks or coverings to help stop the spread of COVID-19. It is important to note that cloth masks are not a replacement for social distancing and are to be used when in public for essential errands. Here are some tips for how to wear and care for a cloth face mask:
- Wash mask before use
- Using clean hands, cover you mouth and nose with the mask
- Ensure there are no gaps between your face and the mask
- Don’t touch the mask while you’re wearing it
- Remove the mask from behind, and immediately wash your hands
- Between uses, wash masks using soap (regular laundry detergent is fine) and hot water, and thoroughly dry before wearing again
- The mask may need to be ironed to close any gaps or rolling of fabric
This week is the 25th Anniversary of National Public Health Week. During this unprecedented time, we thank all the public health professionals who are working tirelessly to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19.
One program that we’re proud to highlight during National Public Health Week is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, commonly known as WIC, which provides education, food vouchers and healthcare referrals for pregnant and post-partum women and children up to age 5.
Learn how this program is especially important during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many are facing economic hardship and when needed supplies like diapers can be hard to find.
Volunteers are needed to serve meals to the homeless, deliver meals to seniors, provide general office support, and much more. Both telework and in person volunteer opportunities exist.
Lake County government has partnered with the United Way of Lake County to coordinate volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete an online registration form that asks for contact information, areas of interest and times of availability. On the form, you will find a link to a list of current opportunities.
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 updated its 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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