$19 Million for COVID-19 Recovery, New Testing Site in Waukegan, Resources to Get Help, and more

Lake County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 06/12/2020 02:30 PM CDT

June 12, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to my newsletter. Now more than ever, I'm sure you'll agree that it's important to stay connected and informed about local government, as decisions made on the local level have such a big impact on our day-to-day lives. I will continue to email you two newsletters a month. Additionally, I encourage you to stay connected to Lake County government via Facebook,
Twitter, lakecounty.tv, and our website at www.lakecountyil.gov.

Thank you for your continued interest in Lake County government. Feel free to contact me any time with questions, comments or concerns.

Julie Simpson
Lake County Board District 18

Lake County Government News

Community-Based Testing Site Reopens in a New Location in Waukegan

The COVID-19 drive-through testing site in Waukegan has opened in a new location at 102 W. Water Street. Testing is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until the daily capacity of 750 tests is reached. The previous site at Northwestern Avenue in Waukegan is no longer being used for COVID-19 testing and will revert back to
an Illinois Vehicle Emissions Testing Photo courtesy: City of Waukegan
Program site.

Things to know before you go:

Testing is free of charge, and available to anyone with or without symptoms.
No appointment, insurance, or physician referral is needed.
Photo identification is required.
Anyone in the vehicle who wants a test must be seated at a functioning
window.
Once you enter the line in your vehicle, you will not be permitted to exit your car.
For the safety of the testing personnel, walk-ups are not allowed. Individuals must arrive in a vehicle.

State health officials are urging everyone who has attended recent protests to be tested for COVID-19 five to seven days after the protest even if they do not have symptoms, or sooner if symptoms develop. For more information visit Lake County/COVID-19 Testing

$19 Million Committed to COVID-19 Recovery Among Several Measures Approved by County Board

At its June 9 meeting, the Lake County Board passed measures to aid COVID-19
recovery efforts, potentially consolidate Lake County government services, and
promote diversity and inclusion in the Lake County Government's workforce. These include:

A resolution authorizing an emergency appropriation of CARES Act Coronavirus Relief funds in the amount of $19 million for rental, utility, food and small business assistance as well as reimbursements of County-incurred COVID-19 expenses. More information on how to apply for relief funds will be available soon to residents. Read the resolution and the emergency appropriation-CARES Act Funding.
A resolution adding a binding question on the November 2020 ballot about consolidating the Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office into the Lake County Clerk's Office. Read the resolution
A resolution adding a Lake County Government employee diversity and inclusion policy. Read the resolution
The Board also approved $600,000 in grants for Lake County social service organizations, funded by video gaming revenue. A list of organizations receiving the funding can be found using this link.

Watch the discussion and read the agenda

Lake County Entered Phase 3 of Restore Illinois Plan

On May 29, Lake County entered Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan as part of the Northeast region. Under Phase 3, gatherings are limited to groups of ten people or fewer, and face coverings continue to be required in all indoor public spaces and outdoors when maintaining six feet of social distancing is not possible.

Under Phase 3, additional businesses may open subject to restrictions. Lake County Forward has developed guidelines to prepare businesses and employers to implement new safety guidelines and bring employees back to work. Learn more about the State of Illinois guidelines for businesses.

People at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including older people and those with a health condition that may make them vulnerable, are urged to stay in their residence and minimize in-person contact with others to the extent possible.

For more information about Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan, visit the State of Illinois' website and the Illinois Department of Public Health's Restore Illinois FAQs.

Lake County Board Extends Proclamation for COVID-19 Response

The Lake County Board voted to extend its coronavirus disaster proclamation through June 28. This proactive measure allows Lake County to continue to access additional state and federal funding and resources for COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. The proclamation will be in place through June 28 unless the Governor terminates the state’s declaration of disaster. Learn more

Temporary Open Burning Ban in Unincorporated Lake County Extended to July 15

The Lake County Board has extended an emergency ordinance that temporarily bans open burning in unincorporated Lake County. Originally scheduled to end on June 10, the ordinance is now set to expire on July 15. During this time, open burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas of Lake County.

The ban was enacted because people who contract COVID-19 are more likely to develop more severe symptoms and/or serious complications if they are exposed to smoke from open burning. Recreational fires that are no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’ used for warming, cooking, and other recreational purposes are not included in this ban.

For more information about the temporary ban and alternatives to burning yard waste, please visit lakecountyil.gov/openburning.

Scheduled to Appear in Court? Attend Via Zoom!

All 19th Judicial Circuit Court calls as of June 1 are now being 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 has step-by-step instructions. Learn more

Task Force to Develop Recommendations for Safely Resuming Jury Trials

The 19th Judicial Circuit Court has formed a task force of criminal and civil judges to make recommendations as to how jury trials will resume, and what protocols will need to be put into place in light of COVID-19 health restrictions. The task force is studying best practices from the National Center for State Courts, as well as consulting state and national jury trial experts in order to develop appropriate procedures to meet the current health crisis. Read more

Visit Lake County@Home

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 COVID-19 Update

Case Count Update

The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. As of June 11, 8,962 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, and there have been 340 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.

Contact Tracers Wanted

In order to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Lake County Health Department uses contact tracing to identify and notify people who may have been exposed. This helps to reduce chances of further transmission. Watch our video on contact tracing to learn more about the process.

Recently, the Lake County Health Department was selected as one of just two locations in the state to pilot a statewide contact tracing program. Because of this, the department will be hiring additional contact tracers. If you are interested in applying for a position to help with our contact tracing efforts, please visit the Lake County Health Department Careers page to learn more about the position requirements and to apply.

Your Health Can't Wait

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to take care of your health. Doctors and hospitals have procedures in place to keep you protected should you
need to visit your doctor in person. Many medical professionals are offering expanded telehealth services through phone, video and email.

Remember that routine health visits like annual wellness checkups, immunizations and getting prescription refills are important. These routine visits can help you stay healthy and find problems before they start. Watch the video.

Get Help

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 July 1. Learn more

Lake County residents who need utility bill assistance may also reach out to the
Community Action Partnership of Lake County at 847-249-4330.

Employment Resources

Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes?

Job Center of Lake County: Learn how the
JobCenter of Lake County can help you connect with Lake County employers who are hiring during the pandemic and discover tools and programs that are available to help you transition careers:

Healthcare Industry Snapshot: Attend an online meeting on Thursday, June 25, at 1 p.m. to learn about trends in the field of healthcare, career paths and more from a guest employer and Employment Specialist at the Job Center of Lake County. Register now.
June Workshops: Job Center partners are offering many career development workshops in June. View the June schedule and register for a workshop.
Job Openings: Visit the Job Opportunities page for a list of Lake County employers who are hiring during the COVID-19 crisis.
Resources Library: Check out the Job Center Resource Library for many more helpful resources

Illinois Job Portal and Virtual Job Fair: Visit Get Hired Illinois, a portal that helps connect workers with jobs and has links to many resources, including skills training opportunities and employer-hosted virtual job fairs.

Food Pantry Locator

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please visit the Lake County Food Pantry Locator at lakecountyil.gov/foodpantries or download a printable list in English or Spanish.

Help for Local Businesses

Lake County Partners, a non-profit corporation that supports Lake County businesses, has compiled helpful resources for area businesses. View it here.

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 get help without saying a word using the online chat option on this website available 24/7/365.

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.

How to Help

More Than $863,000 Distributed Through COVID-19 Community Response Fund

As of June 9, United Way of Lake County has awarded more than $863,000 to 38 Lake County non-profits that are on the front lines of responding to the COVID-19 crisis in Lake County. The most recent grant cycle focused on helping organizations to distribute food and provide shelter to populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Additional grants will be awarded on a rolling basis to quickly respond to urgent and evolving needs, as funds are available. Read more

For more information about the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund, visit LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/covid19.

Volunteer Opportunities

For a list of ways you can help your community, including meal delivery, phone checks on older adults, office assistance, and more visit the How You Can Help
and United Way of Lake County Volunteer Opportunities pages.

Respond to the Census

By responding to the census, you help make sure Lake County gets adequate funding to support critical services like healthcare, education, roads, and more. It’s easy to respond online or by phone, and your answers are safe and confidential. Visit my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-468-2020 (Spanish). The census ID code is not required to respond; simply provide your address.

While the census self-response date has been extended to October 31, don’t delay and respond today! .

Transportation News

Your Input Is Needed on Bike Path Wayfinding Signs

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) is testing new wayfinding signs on the North Shore Bike Path between Butterfield Road and Saint Mary's Road and wants your input!

The signs, which have been installed on a test section along the North Shore Bike Path, aim to give bike path users a better understanding of where they are on the trails and to make it easier to find connecting destinations. Go for a ride, and then tell us what you think! Learn more

Road Construction Season is in Full Swing!

Several Lake County Division of Transportation road projects are well underway. See the county roads that will be under construction this year and view the latest project updates by using our interactive construction map.

Forest Preserve News

Order Plants in Your Sweatpants

The Lake County Forest Preserves is holding its popular Native Plant Sale online this season and encouraging homeowners to order plants in their sweatpants from the convenience of home. The Lake County Forest Preserves is again partnering with Possibility Place Nursery to hold the popular sale, offering a variety of sun-loving, rain garden, and beneficial wildlife host plant species for purchase online. “And the best part is, Possibility Place will ship the plants right to your doorstep,” said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. To place an order or learn more, visit LCFPD.org/PlantSale.

Jack-in-the-pulpit? Or Jill?

If Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is an interesting name, the plant behind it is even more interesting. "An individual plant can display as male or female in any given year and will 'choose' which, depending upon the nutrients available in its corm," writes Pati Vitt, manager of ecological restoration at the Lake County Forest Preserves, in her most recent Lake County Nature blog post.

Virtual Fishing Camp Offered

The Lake County Forest Preserves is holding its first virtual fishing camp from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19. Tickets are required. Environmental Educator Mark Hurley is holding the weeklong camp throughout the summer, which features live 1-hour video sessions on three days and links to short videos and educational materials the other two days.

Each session will build on the previous day, covering fish adaptations, pole maintenance and set up, baiting a hook, lure selection, hook removal, and more. 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 with online registration. Learn more »

Watch All County Board Meetings

All Lake County board and committee meetings are continuing to be conducted remotely. Meetings are live-streamed at lakecounty.tv, and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, and to find links of recordings of past meetings, click here.

Public comments will be accepted by email and phone call only. Learn more

Health Department News

Mental Health First Aid Classes

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person Mental Health First Aid classes have been suspended in Lake County and across the nation. The National Council has announced plans to offer Mental Health First Aid classes virtually. The new virtual classes will include a two-hour self-paced course followed by four hours of instructor-led training. The new online course is based on new curricula, including expanded content on trauma, addiction, and self-care. The Health Department will provide additional updates about class availability as they become available on its website, mentalhealth.today.

Pet Vaccination Clinics

All dogs and cats in Lake County are required to be registered and vaccinated against rabies. Due to the pandemic, all low-cost pet vaccination clinics have been cancelled until further notice. Residents are encouraged to contact their normal veterinarian for routine pet health care and to stay up-to-date on your pets’ vaccinations. On a limited basis and by appointment only, Lake County residents can receive low-cost rabies and distemper vaccinations at Lake County Animal Care and Control. For more information, visit Lake County/Pet clinics or call 847-377-4700 to schedule an appointment.

Treasurer’s News

Mobile Home Tax Bills

The mobile home tax bills have been mailed and will be due July 31. Payments made by mail must be postmarked by the due date and include the following:

Name
Current address

Ten digit Pin
Current date (no postdated checks allowed)
Valid signature
Made payable to Lake County Collector

A credit card and E-check will also be accepted. For more information, click here.

Public Works News

2020 Water Quality Reports Available

Lake County Public Works is committed to providing safe water throughout the county. As strong supporters of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Works releases annual water quality Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) for the 12 water
systems it owns and operates. These reports describe the sources, treatment, and chemical analysis of each water distribution system. All Lake County systems passed testing requirements for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Visit the water quality reports webpage to read your report.