Lake County COVID-19 Update
Register to Attend Lake County COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall
You’re invited to Lake County’s live COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall. Hosted by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, panelists will discuss the ongoing Lake County Government COVID-19 response and recovery efforts and answer residents’ questions. This virtual meeting will be hosted through Zoom.
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Attendees can view and listen to the meeting through their computer, tablet, or phone. Information on how to access the meeting is sent to the email address provided upon registration.
Participants can submit questions when they register for the event or by using the chat feature during the live town hall. Chair Hart will be joined by the following panelists who will provide updates and answer questions:
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Mark Pfister, Executive Director, Lake County Health Department
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Donny Schmit, President, Lake County Municipal League
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Kevin Considine, President and CEO, Lake County Partners
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Andrew Tangen, Superintendent, Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission
New COVID-19 Testing Site Open in Waukegan
A state-operated Community Based COVID-19 Testing Site has opened in Waukegan. The site will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., or until 500 tests are completed each day. The testing site is located at 2161 Northwestern Avenue. Testing is free. Watch the video
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All individuals with symptoms
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People in the following groups with or without symptoms:
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Individuals exposed to confirmed COVID-19 cases
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Individuals with compromised immune systems and/or chronic medical conditions
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Healthcare workers
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First responders
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Employees of correctional facilities
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Employees who support Critical Infrastructure (grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, public utilities, factories, childcare and sanitation)Individuals slated to receive elective surgery within 72 hours
Definition of Symptoms
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Fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell
Dozens of additional commercial testing sites are also available throughout Illinois, further adding to the state’s testing capacity. View an interactive map of testing sites in Lake County.
COVID-19 Lake County Case Count
The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. As of May 6, 2020, 4,668 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 157 deaths associated with COVID-19 complications. View the most current information. |
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Illinois Stay At Home Order Extended
Based on data from scientists and health experts and after consulting with stakeholders across the state, Governor JB Pritzker signed an Executive Order extending the stay-at-home order through May, with some modifications.
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Mandatory Cloth Face Coverings: Every person over the age of 2 who is medically able must wear a face covering in public places where social distancing is difficult to maintain. Visit the CDC’s helpful resource page with simple instructions for making, wearing and maintaining cloth face coverings.
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Health Care Centers can conduct elective surgeries and procedures in compliance with the guidance provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
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Greenhouses, garden centers, nurseries, and animal groomers may re-open as essential businesses, provided they maintain social distancing requirements and require employees and customers to wear face coverings.
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Retail stores designated as non-essential businesses and operations may re-open to fulfill phone and online orders for curbside pick-up and delivery.
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State parks will begin a phased re-opening.
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Golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines.
Boating in Lake County
Following modifications to the governor’s executive order on May 1, 2020, there have been many questions surrounding boating and how many people can be in a boat. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) issued guidance stating boating is permitted in groups of no more than two persons. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has been seeking further guidance from state officials and the DCEO on enforcement provisions of this, and whether it applies to families who reside together. All the responses the Sheriff’s Office’s has received from these inquiries has indicated that local law enforcement has full discretion on enforcement of the boating provision. Therefore, the Sheriff’s Office is exercising this discretion and will not issue citations to families who are utilizing Lake County waterways. Read Sheriff John D. Idleburg’s message.
COVID-19 Safety in the Workplace
In early April, the Office of the Illinois Attorney General proposed a cooperative effort to address employee and public concerns about the transmission of COVID-19 in businesses. Since then, the Lake County Health Department has been working with the Attorney General's Office, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, municipalities, and local law enforcement to mitigate issues at businesses with COVID-19 cases among employees and where concerns are reported.
Anyone with concerns about safety in their workplace because their employer is not following social distancing guidelines can contact the Attorney General's Workplace Rights Bureau at (844) 740-5076 or through emailworkplacerights@atg.state.il.us to file a complaint.
How to Protect Others from COVID-19
Wearing cloth face coverings and adhering to social distancing requirements are important steps in protecting others from COVID-19. Watch this video to learn more. |
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Get Help
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Job Center of Lake County Online Event May 12
Are you looking for work during this challenging time? Learn how the Job Center of Lake County can help you! Register for "Job Search Resources During COVID-19" on Tuesday, May 12 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CST.
During this online event, learn about Lake County employers who are hiring during the pandemic and discover tools and programs that are available to help you transition careers. Register now.
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Workforce Development Small Business Equip Grants
The Lake County Workforce Development Board recognizes that COVID-19 has put a difficult burden on our business and non-profit community. As a response, the Workforce Board is working with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity(DCEO) to provide small businesses and non-profits with reimbursement grants during this health crisis. These grant funds can help you equip your business with strategies that mitigate layoffs and adhere to “social distancing” provisions established by state and federal health entities. Read details.
Paycheck Protection Program for Lake County Small Businesses
A $480 billion dollar relief package to provide funding for small businesses that are suffering during the COVID-19 crisis was approved by the federal government. More than $320 billion is reserved for the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable loans to small businesses. The recent relief package also includes $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion to establish more COVID-19 testing programs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications on April 27. Lake County small businesses may apply for the Paycheck Protection Program here. Further program information, and copies of required forms for application are located on the Small Business Administration website. Learn more
Low-Interest Bridge Loans for Small Businesses
The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office announced it is increasing to $500 million the amount of money available to small businesses for low-interest bridge loans to help employers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will be made available to small businesses via community lending institutions, such as local banks and credit unions. In turn, the lending institutions agree to loan the money to small businesses at below-market rates. Read more
Help for Local Businesses
Lake County Partners, a nonprofit corporation that supports Lake County businesses, has compiled helpful resources for area businesses. View it here.
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Help for Veterans
The Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) oversees emergency assistance to Lake County
military veterans and their families.
Watch the video as VAC Superintendent Andrew Tangen
discusses the role of the VAC, and how VAC staff are helping veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Emotional Support: Call4Calm
Illinois has launched Call4Calm, a free emotional support text line for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19. To speak with a mental health professional, text “TALK” or “HABLAR” (for Spanish) to 552020.
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding any social services, including resources for finding food, healthcare, paying your utility bills, mental health services, etc., reach out to United Way of Lake County’s free, confidential 211 service through any of the following:
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How to Help
Record-Setting Six Tons of Food Collected at Drive-Thru Food Drive
A drive-thru food drive organized and staffed by Lake County employees in Waukegan on April 23 broke a donation record for the Park City Northern Illinois Food Bank, with nearly six tons of food collected in just two hours. More than 25 Lake County Government employees volunteered their time running this no-contact event. Watch this video to see the event in action! |
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Because of the outpouring of community support, a second food drive is scheduled for Thursday, May. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Depke Juvenile Complex, 24647 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills.
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Donate Homemade Masks
With the new face mask requirements going into effect May 1, Anna Yankelev from the Lake County Health Department shares some important information on making and maintaining cloth masks, as well as where you can donate cloth masks to those in need. Watch the video to learn more!
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More Than $338,000 Distributed Through COVID-19 Community Response Fund
As of May 1, United Way of Lake County has awarded more than $338,000 to 22 Lake County nonprofits that are on the front lines of responding to the COVID-19 crisis in Lake County. The most recent grant recipients focused on agencies meeting the COVID-19 related needs of seniors and those providing critical behavioral and mental health services for children and families during this time of crisis. Additional grants will be awarded on a rolling basis to quickly respond to urgent and evolving needs, as funds are available. Read more
Respond to the Census
You’re washing your hands. You’re keeping your social distance. You’re wearing a mask when you shop. Now, it’s time to do one more thing: Respond to the 2020 census. Your participation is vital to ensuring that Lake County gets adequate funding to support healthcare, schools, public transportation, roads and more. Fill out your form now at mycensus2020.gov, or call 844-330-2020.
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Transportation News
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All-Way Stop Sign Installation: Russell Road and Kenosha Road Intersection
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has installed stop signs with flashing red lights at all four legs of the intersection of Russell Road and Kenosha Road in Zion. In addition to stop signs, new 'stop ahead' signs with flashing yellow lights will be placed along Russell Road to remind motorists to stop at the upcoming intersection. Learn more.
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Forest Preserve News
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COVID-19 Documentation Project
Each of us is living through a significant moment in history. As the principal steward of Lake County’s history, the Bess Bower Dunn Museum is documenting the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Over the coming weeks and months, the Dunn Museum will be collecting stories and photographs that demonstrate how COVID-19 is affecting the lives of Lake County residents, businesses and caregivers. To share your experiences, go to
LCFPD.org/Museum.
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Keep Doing Your Part to Keep Preserves Open
With more than a month of the state's stay-at-home order under our belts, Lake County Forest Preserves Ranger Police continue to closely monitor preserves and trails to ensure safety rules, social distancing and other public health guidelines are being followed. “In general, things are going relatively well in the forest preserves; therefore, we have been able to keep them open,” said Executive Director Ty Kovach. “We would like to thank preserve visitors for helping with this effort, as the vast majority are adhering to courtesy and safety rules," Kovach said. "It is important that visitors continue following these practices while using preserve trails." Learn more »
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Online Dunn Museum Store
Help support the Dunn Museum! The Museum is currently closed, but online orders of its popular Dryptosaurus T-shirt are available while supplies last. The Dunn Museum is committed to finding locally sourced merchandise. The T-shirts are made in the USA and printed in Chicago. A unique and major attraction of the Dunn Museum is the life-sized Dryptosaurus
dinosaur. Learn more »
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Touchless Ways to Pay Your Property Taxes
The office of Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim will mail property tax bills this week. The first installment is due June 8 and the second installment is due Sept. 8. While the Treasurer's office remains closed to the public due to the stay-at-home order, customer support staff are available remotely to answer questions. To request that a staff member to contact you,
complete this form.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, please plan on using a "touchless" way to pay your property tax bill, including by mail, by phone, online or via a drive-thru teller at a local bank.
To learn more:
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Property tax payments will be accepted over the phone through Oct. 25. To pay by phone, call 877-690-3729, and enter the jurisdiction code #7021. Electronic checks are accepted. Payments of up to $50,000 will be charged a $1 fee. Learn more
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You can easily pay online using an e-checks or credit card. Processing fees apply. Learn more |
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To have your payment automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the due date, complete this enrollment form, and mail it back to the Treasurer's Office with a voided check. Last day to enroll is May 22. |
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Pay at a local bank drive-thru teller. Banks will accept the original or duplicate bill and will issue a receipt. Click here for a list of banks that accept payment. |
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Need a copy of last year’s tax bill? Have questions? Click here to submit
a help ticket to the Treasurer’s Office. This inbox will be monitored regularly by their customer service team and you will receive a response during office hours. |
Limited-Income Seniors: Apply for Senior Freeze Exemptions
Property owners age 65 and older who have total household incomes of $65,000 or less are encouraged to apply for the Senior Citizen’s Assessment Freeze. This program may reduce property tax bills by freezing the property’s equalized assessed value, which impacts the total tax bill. Even if you have received the exemption in past years, you must apply every year.
To learn more about how to qualify, how to apply and how to get help applying, click here
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International Compost Awareness Week
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The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) is celebrating International Compost Awareness Week by encouraging all Lake County residents to recycle their food waste. Composting turns food scraps into healthy soil, helps prevent plant diseases, reduces the need for fertilizers and chemicals, conserves water and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Backyard composting can be done easily in just a small spot or corner in your yard. Fruit and vegetable scraps are collected and mixed with yard trimmings and other materials in an outdoor compost bin or pile.
More than 20 municipalities in Lake County now offer residential curbside food scrap collection programs. There are also two local drop-off locations in Lake County created for food scraps! You can access information about curbside programs, composting at home, local food scrap drop-off locations, the Illinois Food Scrap Coalition and more by visiting SWALCO’s Residential Food Scrap Programs page.
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Watch All County Board Meetings
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Law and Judicial Committee
At its April 28 meeting, Lake County Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper gave an update to the Law and Judicial Committee on the County’s COVID-19 response. Watch the discussion.
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Health and Community Services Committee
At its April 28 meeting, the Health and Community Services Committee received an update from Mark Pfister, Health Department Executive Director. Watch the discussion.
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Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee
At its April 29 meeting, the Public Works, Planning and Transportation (PWPT) Committee discussed a number of road projects, including the replacement of the Stearns School Road bridge over I-94 and the intersection improvement of Wadsworth Road at Dilleys Road. Watch the discussion
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Financial and Administrative Committee
At its April 30 meeting, the Financial and Administrative Committee approved setting forth the budget and financial policies for the Fiscal Year 2021 Lake County Budget as well as compensation for the County Board Chair and County Board Members. Watch the discussion
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May Board and Committee Meetings Are Being Held Remotely
All Lake County board and committee meetings held through
May are being conducted remotely. Meetings are live-streamed at lakecounty.tv, and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99).
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To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, click here.
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Public comments will be accepted by email and phone call only. Learn more
COVID-19 Resources
Community News
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Experience Lake County@Home
VisitLakeCounty.org has added a new section on its website called ExperienceLakeCounty@Home, with helpful resources including a list of Lake County restaurants open for takeout and delivery, special discount offers, a list of hotels that remain open, virtual tours, things to do outdoors and more.
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