Health Department Coronavirus Update 0506

Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department is reporting 269 additional cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and two new deaths in Lake County since yesterday. This brings the total number of Lake County COVID-19 cases to 4,668 including 157 deaths (as of May 6, 2020, 1:15 p.m.).

The two new deaths are all among residents with underlying health conditions, a risk factor for severe illness from COVID-19, and include:

• Female in her 90s
• Female in her 80s

The Health Department is investigating 36 long-term care facilities in the county that have two or more positive cases. These 36 facilities have a combined total of 705 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 104 deaths.

Data which can be found in the Lake County COVID-19 Data Hub shows over 1,400 people in their 20s and 30s have tested positive for COVID-19.  Younger people need to take this pandemic just as seriously as our older population.  

"The data is very clear, anyone at any age can contract the novel coronavirus COVID-19,” said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. "We have to keep working together, and follow mitigation guidance if we want to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Whether you are 25 or 65, you can contract COVID-19, so everyone needs to take precautions."

Those wishing to sign up for the daily news release in Spanish can do so by visiting: https://bit.ly/lccovid-19-es

Tomorrow, Lake County will be holding a COVID-19 virtual town hall hosted by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart.  If you are interested in attending, you can sign-up by visiting: https://bit.ly/2yapeqJ

New Cases (since last update)	New Deaths (since last update)	Total Cases	Total Deaths
269	2	4,668	157

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:   

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-32 effective Friday, May 1 through May 29, 2020. This new order allows Illinoisans to leave their home for essential activities but otherwise requires them to stay at home or their place of residence to prevent spread of COVID-19. Individuals are required to wear a face covering in public places when they are unable to maintain a six-foot social distance, such as in stores. For more information, please visit https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/stay-at-home-faqs.

Please visit Lake County's Coronavirus Page for more information, including:

• How to protect yourself
• What to do if you are sick   
• Testing availability
• Interactive data hub
• Sign up for the Health Department’s COVID-19 newsletter
• How to get help
• How to help others    

Please visit Lake County Health Department Modification Page for information on Health Department Service Modifications.

For a list of government closures, visit Lake County's Closure Page.

If you have general questions, please email COVID19@lakecountyil.gov. Public health officials will answer the top questions weekly. Please note, the Health Department will not provide personal medical advice through this email address.

Additional resources   

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 www.211lakecounty.org.

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.

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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