Health Department Coronavirus Update 0520

Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department is reporting 94 additional cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and five new deaths in Lake County since yesterday. This brings the total number of Lake County COVID-19 cases to 6,925 including 221 deaths (as of May 20, 2020, 1:00 p.m.).

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

• One woman in her 40s
• Two women in their 60s
• One woman in her 70s
• One woman in her 80s

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 145 deaths.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is easily transmitted between people, and the Health Department warns that hosting social gatherings over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend puts lives at risk. Recent reports published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight two family gatherings in Chicago and religious gatherings in Arkansas where the rapid transmission of the virus from just a few individuals resulted in multiple COVID-19 cases and deaths.

"In honor of the sacrifices of our fallen service members, we ask residents to find safe, alternative ways to take part in Memorial Day remembrances, including virtual events offered across the nation and right here in Lake County," said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. "Do not ignore the very real risks to your loved ones. Continue to avoid gatherings, practice social distancing, wear a face covering when in public, and wash your hands often.”

Because of COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines in place, Lake County has developed a website for residents to virtually share stories and photos to honor the memories of fallen heroes during Memorial Day. Residents can submit their own Honor Post highlighting their loved one or friend, along with a photo and written tribute on Lake County’s Memorial Day website at https://memorial-day-lakecountyil.hub.arcgis.com/. 

A list of virtual Memorial Day ceremonies is available at www.military.com/memorial-day.

New Cases (since last update)	New Deaths (since last update)	Total Cases	Total Deaths
94	5	6,925	221

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 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.

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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