Health Department Coronavirus Update 0508

Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department is reporting 209 additional cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and three new deaths in Lake County since yesterday. This brings the total number of Lake County COVID-19 cases to 5,046 including 164 deaths (as of May 8, 2020, 1:30 p.m.).

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

• A woman in her 70s
• A woman in her 80s
• A man in his 90s

The Health Department is investigating 38 long-term care facilities in the county that have two or more positive cases. These 38 facilities have a combined total of 784 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 109 deaths.

"From all of us at the Lake County Health Department, we wish every mother a very happy and healthy Mother’s Day. Thank you for all you do every day to keep your families healthy,” said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. "To all residents celebrating this weekend, you can keep the women who raised you safe by maintaining social distancing this Mother’s Day. Find alternative ways to show you care like phone and video calls, visiting from a distance or through a window, delivering groceries or a special meal, and sending letters and cards."

News releases will not be issued over the weekend. Data will continue to be updated daily on the Coronavirus Data Hub at www.lakecountyil.gov/COVID19data.

New Cases (since last update)	New Deaths (since last update)	Total Cases	Total Deaths
209	3	5,046	164

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.

The State of Illinois opened a drive-thru Community-Based Testing Site in Waukegan (2161 Northwestern Avenue, Waukegan.) on Sunday, May 3. The site is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. or until 750 test kits are completed for the day. The Illinois National Guard administers the tests, and results are provided by phone in 4-7 days. Testing is free, and available to anyone regardless of immigration status. A phone number and name are required in order to receive testing results. Photo IDs are useful in ensuring a smooth process, but are not required. No one will be turned away. Demand is high, so please expect long wait times.

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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