Health Department Coronavirus Update 0519

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LCHD 2017

 

  

For Immediate Release
Date: May 19, 2020
News/Media Email: COVIDmedia@lakecountyil.gov
Media Phone: 847-377-2001
General Inquiries: COVID19@lakecountyil.gov

Health Department Coronavirus Update

Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department is reporting 169 additional cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and eight new deaths in Lake County since yesterday. This brings the total number of Lake County COVID-19 cases to 6,831 including 216 deaths (as of May 19, 2020, 1:00 p.m.).

The eight 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 50s
  • One woman in her 70s
  • Two women and one man in their 80s
  • Two women and one man in their 90s

The Health Department is investigating 49 long-term care facilities in the county that have two or more positive cases. These 49 facilities have a combined total of 1,129 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 141 deaths.

“Testing for COVID-19, when paired with contact tracing, is a vital part of our response to the pandemic because it is the first step in identifying new infections and reaching those who are infected to provide information and support,” said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. “Don’t hesitate to get tested if you’re feeling ill, if you have had contact with someone with COVID-19, or have a health condition that makes you more at risk for severe illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or a weakened immune system.”

The State continues to operate its drive-thru Community-Based Testing Site located at 2161 Northwestern Avenue, Waukegan. The lines have been short and 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.

Who can get tested at the Community-Based Testing Site?

Anyone with symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell)

People in the following groups with or without symptoms:

  • Individuals exposed to confirmed COVID-19 cases
  • Individuals with compromised immune systems and/or chronic medical conditions
  • Healthcare workers
  • First responders
  • Employees of correctional facilities
  • Government employees
  • Employees who support Critical Infrastructure (grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, public utilities, factories, childcare and sanitation)

Other testing options

Many healthcare providers have COVID-19 testing available. Please contact your provider or the facility to ask about testing criteria and appointment availability. Anyone without a healthcare provider or insurance can contact the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center for an appointment at (847) 377-8800.

New Cases
(since last update)

New Deaths
(since last update)

Total Cases Total Deaths
169 8 6,831 216
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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Lake County Health Department
3010 Grand Avenue
Waukegan, Illinois 60085
(847) 377-8000