Health Department Coronavirus Update 0521

Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department is reporting 243 additional cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 13 new deaths in Lake County since yesterday. This brings the total number of Lake County COVID-19 cases to 7,168 including 234 deaths (as of May 21, 2020, 1:00 p.m.).

The 13 new deaths are all among residents with underlying health conditions, a risk factor for severe illness from COVID-19, and include:

• Two men and one woman in their 50s
• Two men in their 60s
• Two women in their 70s
• One woman and one man in their 80s
• Three women in their 90s
• One woman age 100+

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 1,155 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 154 deaths.

As part of the Northeast region, Lake County is expected to move into Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan on Friday, May 29. Additional businesses will be able to open following state safety guidelines, and small gatherings will be permitted while social distancing and using a face covering. 

"We understand that many residents are looking forward to this next phase of the Restore Illinois plan," said Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister. "If you choose to venture out to take advantage of the upcoming changes, it remains very important to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Please keep your distance from others and wear a face covering, and stay home if you are ill. If we continue to follow these best practices, we will stay on track to advance to the next phases of the plan.”

During Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan, gatherings of up to 10 people for any reason are allowed, and the following will be allowed following specific safety guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health:

• Restaurants with outdoor seating
• Travel following IDPH and CDC guidance
• Health care facilities open
• Limited child care and summer programs
• Barbershops, hair and nail salons, and other personal care services
• Retail stores, offices, and manufacturing facilities
• Indoor one-on-one personal training
• Outdoor fitness classes with up to 10 people
• Boating/camping with up to 10 people
• Indoor & outdoor tennis facilities
• Golf courses with four people per tee
• State parks open

Detailed safety guidance from the State is expected to be released in the coming days. For more details of Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan please visit: https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/restore-illinois-phase-3

New Cases (since last update)	New Deaths (since last update)	Total Cases	Total Deaths
243	13	7,168	234

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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