Health Department Coronavirus Update 0514

Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department is reporting 279 additional cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and seven new deaths in Lake County since yesterday. This brings the total number of Lake County COVID-19 cases to 6,078 including 196 deaths (as of May 14, 2020, 1:45 p.m.).

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

• One man in his 40s
• One man in his 50s
• One man in his 60s
• One woman in her 70s
• Two women and one man in their 80s

The Health Department is investigating 45 long-term care facilities in the county that have two or more positive cases. These 45 facilities have a combined total of 946 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 124 deaths.

In its most recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that fewer childhood vaccines have been given during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with January-April 2019. A decline in measles-containing vaccine administration began the week after the declaration of the national emergency on March 13. Similar decreases were also noted for multiple vaccines that are essential to keep other serious diseases from reappearing during this public health emergency.

"Even during this pandemic it is important we continue protecting our children against serious vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. "As many areas begin relaxing social distancing requirements, children who are not protected by vaccines will be more vulnerable to diseases such as measles. Please keep your children on track with vaccines. Doctors offices have protocols in place to keep you and your child safe during routine well visits."

The CDC recommends children be vaccinated to build their immune system and help protect them against serious diseases. Vaccinations can be scheduled through your child's primary care physician. If you do not have a primary care physician you can contact the Lake County Health Department for an appointment at (847) 377-8800.  

New Cases (since last update)	New Deaths (since last update)	Total Cases	Total Deaths
279	7	6,078	196

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. 

# # #