The entire state of Illinois, including Lake County, is currently on track to move to Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan on May 29.  Under Phase 3, known as the Recovery Phase, manufacturing facilities, offices, retail stores, barbershops, and hair and nail salons can reopen to the public with capacity limits and other restrictions and safety precautions. Bars and restaurants will be able to resume operations for outdoor seating only. Outdoor activities like boating and camping will have a 10-person gathering limit. For more information, click here. To see how Lake County is tracking to get to Phase 3, click here 

In recognition of the financial hardship that many Lake County taxpayers are experiencing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the County Board enacted a one-time ordinance that allows taxpayers to spread their property tax payments over four installments, instead of the usual two installments. The new due dates are as follows: 

Beginning June 1, all court calls will be conducted remotely over ZOOM. Whether you are expected to appear in family, civil, small claims or criminal courts or for orders of protection, remote hearings are available and there is no need to come to the courthouse in person. 

If you do not have access to a phone or the internet, ZOOM stations have been set up in the William D. Block Law Library in the Courthouse at 18 N. County Street in Waukegan for you to use and to join your remote hearing. Click here to view a video that will walk you through the step by step process.  Learn more 

On May 20, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart announced the launch of "Lake County Forward," a collaborative, whole-of-government initiative for community health and economic recovery as Lake County accelerates through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found at www.lakecountyil.gov/forward. 

On May 21, the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission, along with elected officials, first responders, and residents honored World War II Veteran Charles Kelley as he celebrated his 103rd birthday.  The parade also honored veteran Clint McElroy, age 99, and veteran Al McElroy, age 97. View the parade video and read about their achievements.  

VisitLakeCounty.org has added a section on its website called Visit LakeCounty@Home. While you can’t visit all of your favorite hotspots just yet, visit this page to check out some virtual experiences that bring Lake County to your home. The page has helpful resources including a list of restaurants open for takeout and delivery,  a list of hotels that remain open, things to do outdoors, and much more. 

Lake County Financial and Administrative Committee on COVID-19 Recovery  

At its May 22 meeting, the committee reviewed program concepts to assist residents and businesses with the impacts of COVID-19, and provided guidance to the Lake County staff to develop programs to fund rental assistance, small business assistance and local food pantries. View the agenda and video recording. The committee will meet again at 10 a.m. Friday, May 29. 

Case Count Update   

The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. As of May 28, 7,988 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 268 deaths associated with COVID-19. Data is updated daily on Lake County’s Coronavirus Data Hub, where in addition to the total case count and number of deaths, you can find information broken down by municipality, age, gender, race, ethnicity and more. View the most current information. 

More Than One Million Pieces of PPE Distributed 

Lake County has distributed more than one million pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). For the past several weeks, Lake County has been receiving shipments from the State Emergency Operations Center and from local donors to distribute to local long-term care facilities, fire and police departments and other local agencies. This includes more than 512,000 surgical masks, 326,000 gloves, 98,000 N95 masks and 19,000 face shields.  Thank you to our community for the support you have shown to our frontline workers. Watch this video showing the process of PPE collection and distribution. 

Asymptomatic Spread 

Did you know you can get and spread COVID-19 without having any symptoms? Social distancing helps to limit the chances of asymptomatic spread and helps keep our communities safe. Watch the video on asymptomatic spread. 

Guidance for Business Owners for Re-Opening in Phase 3 

Are you a business owner looking for guidance on re-opening your business under Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan?  The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has put together guidelines for all types of businesses, including manufacturing, youth sports, personal care services, retail shops and more, on how to open while maintaining compliance with safety requirements. Learn more 

Utility Bill Payment Assistance   

The ComEd CARE Program continues to offer a range of financial assistance options during the COVID-19 national emergency. ComEd is suspending service disconnections for customers who cannot pay, and waiving new late payment charges, through at least June 1, 2020. For information on LIHEAP visit LIHEAPillinois.com or call 877-411-9276. Learn more

Employment Resources  

Domestic Violence—Help is Available 

While staying home and social distancing are best practices for reducing the spread of COVID-19, it may create unsafe situations for those in abusive relationships. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, where you can talk to someone anonymously, or visit their website. 

Limited-Income Seniors: Deadline to Apply for Senior Assessment Freeze Exemption Extended to Oct. 1 

Property owners age 65 and older who have total household incomes of $65,000 or less are encouraged to apply for the Senior Citizen’s Assessment Freeze. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the application deadline has been extended to Oct. 1, 2020. To learn more about how to qualify, how to apply and how to get help applying, click here 

Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need  

If you need 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. 

Respond to the Census 

You’re washing your hands. You’re keeping your social distance. You’re wearing a mask when you shop.  Now, it’s time to do one more thing:  Respond to the 2020 census. Your participation is vital to ensuring that Lake County gets adequate funding to support healthcare, schools, public transportation, roads, and more.  

The self-response date has been extended to October 31.  You do not need to know your census ID code to respond--simply provide your address. Your responses are safe and confidential. By law, census information cannot be shared with anyone else, including local police, the FBI or immigration authorities. Fill out your form now at mycensus2020.gov, or call 844-330-2020. 

Protect Yourself Against Vehicle Break-Ins  

During the state’s stay-at-home order, parking lots at shopping malls and gyms are relatively empty, while lots are crowded at forest preserves, grocery stores and hospitals, making them prime targets for crimes of opportunity. There has been an increase in vehicle break-ins within Lake County Forest Preserve parking lots since the stay-at-home order began. All vehicles that have been burglarized had a valuable item left inside.  

An Eye To the Sky 

Mark Hurley, environmental educator and volunteer coordinator, is a birding expert and has seen at least 500 bird species during his career. He launched “Backyard Birding,” a virtual program designed to assist people with detecting the species they see while birdwatching in their own backyards. Also an avid angler, he is working with other educators at the Lake County Forest Preserves to launch more virtual programs designed to bring the outside in. Learn more » 

Virtual Education, Summer Camps Offered 

An array of virtual nature and history programs, summer camps, school field trips, and digital resources are available through the Lake County Forest Preserves. “While the state's stay-at-home order has forced the temporary cancellation of all in-person education programs and summer camps, our professional educators have developed many virtual programs, activities and digital resources for at-home learning,” said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. “ The program series features virtual wildflower walks, scavenger hunts, citizen science opportunities, and viewing items from the Dunn Museum’s collections and archives,” she said. Learn more » 

Ask An Educator 

Have a burning question about Lake County history or nature? Our professional educators have the answer. Email your questions to AskAnEducator@LCFPD.org.