Health Department Coronavirus Update 0512

Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department is reporting 267 additional cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 15 new deaths in Lake County since yesterday. This brings the total number of Lake County COVID-19 cases to 5,700 including 185 deaths (as of May 12, 2020, 1:15 p.m.).

The 15 new deaths include:

• One woman in her 40s
• One man in his 50s
• One man in his 50s with underlying health conditions
• Two women in their 60s
• One man in his 60s with underlying health conditions
• Three men in their 70s
• One man in his 70s with underlying health conditions
• One woman in her 80s
• One man in his 80s with underlying health conditions
• One woman in her 90s
• One woman in her 90s with underlying health conditions
• One man in his 90s with underlying health conditions

The Health Department is investigating 41 long-term care facilities in the county that have two or more positive cases. These 41 facilities have a combined total of 866 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 117 deaths.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand that many residents are experiencing added stress in their lives and may need some extra support, and we want to reassure you that help is available,” said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. "There is no shame in asking for help, and many local agencies are eager to provide assistance."

The Lake County Health Department’s Crisis Care Program has a free, confidential hotline staffed by professional counselors for those experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use issue. The Illinois Domestic Violence Help Line is available to help anyone who is co-quarantined or isolated with an abuser. 211 Lake County helps residents connect to a wide range of community resources. All of these services are free, confidential, multi-lingual, and available 24/7 to anyone.   

• Lake County Crisis Line: 847-377-8088
• Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline: 877-TO END DV (877-863-6338)
• 211 Lake County: call 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898211.

New Cases (since last update)	New Deaths (since last update)	Total Cases	Total Deaths
267	15	5,700	185

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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