Lake and McHenry Counties United Against Resurgence of COVID-19
Lake and McHenry Counties make up the North Suburban Region in the state’s new Restore Illinois Mitigation Plan. The state is tracking data in our region to help detect increases in COVID-19 activity. Our two counties are working together to plan potential mitigation measures needed to help keep our residents safe.
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What are mitigation measures?
Mitigation measures are steps we may need to take in our region to slow the spread of COVID-19. These could include restrictions such as:
- Limiting the size of social gatherings
- Reducing capacity at businesses
- Scaling back operations that pose a higher risk, such as indoor dining, bars, salons or personal care services.
The benefit to working as a region is that we can identify what types of activities may be leading to our local increases in cases. We can problem-solve to address these issues with the right solutions.
What would trigger mitigation measures?
We will need to implement new mitigation measures if our region sustains:
- An 8% positivity rate for 3 consecutive days;
OR
- Increases in positivity rates along with decreases in hospital capacity.
How are we doing?
Right now, our North Suburban Region is meeting state targets. However, our testing positivity rate (the percentage of COVID-19 tests that come back positive) has increased 8 of the past 10 days to 5.3% as of July 28. We need every resident to do their part to help our region stay on track!
Remember the 3 Ws:
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Wear a mask
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Wash your hands
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Watch your distance
If we follow these simple best practices, we can keep our cases and deaths in our region low.
Check the North Suburban Region 9 metrics, which are updated daily. Read the press release on North Suburban Region 9.
 Upcoming Facebook Live Q&A
Do you have questions about the North Suburban Region and what it means for our communities? Join McHenry County Department of Health Administrator, Melissa Adamson, and Lake County Health Department Executive Director, Mark Pfister, for a live Q&A on Facebook! Join the discussion on Friday, August 7 at 1:30 p.m.
 The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in many ways. One thing that has changed is how we interact with friends and family. One thing that hasn’t changed is how difficult it can be when you feel like you might let someone down. How do you explain to your child that something they used to do, like having a sleepover, isn’t safe now? Do you say no to plans because you are concerned about social distancing?
Over the next few weeks, will be sharing some COVID-19 conversations that show how you to take precautions, without losing touch with the people you care about. Watch a video on how to talk to your child about alternatives to sleepovers.
 While Lake County and Illinois have seen steep declines in new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, other parts of the country are seeing a surge in new cases. The United States overall is setting new highs for daily COVID-19 cases. If you are planning travel, make sure to check out our Community Guidance and Resources for Travelers for the most current list of states where surges are taking place.
For more information visit the CDC’s page on Considerations for Travelers.
New Safety Guidelines for Recreational Sports
On July 29, Governor Pritzker announced updated guidance for youth and adult recreational sports. This includes school-based sports (IHSA & IESA), travel clubs, private leagues and clubs, recreational leagues and centers, and park district sports programs. This guidance takes effect Saturday, August 15. Based on current conditions, lower risk sports can be played at levels 1, 2, and 3.
Medium risk sports can be played at levels 1 and 2, and higher risk sports can be played at level 1. View the updated Guidelines for Recreational Sports.
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Additionally, the Illinois High School Sports Association has announced modified schedules for the 2020-21 school year.
 The World Health Organization recently shared a list of 25 COVID-19 vaccine candidates currently in clinical evaluation. While this is exciting progress, vaccine development takes time. Extensive testing and trials are done to make sure a vaccine is safe and effective. Once a vaccine is approved, it will also take time to manufacture and distribute. As we wait for a vaccine, we need to continue to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Watch the World Health Organization’s Q&A on Vaccines and Therapeutics
There are many risks to think about as you get ready to return to school. The CDC suggests that college students and parents keep the following risk levels in mind when making decisions:
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Lowest risk: Faculty and students engage in virtual-only learning options, activities, and events.
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More risk: Small in-person classes, activities, and events occur. People are spaced at least 6 feet apart and do not share objects.
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High risk: Full-sized in-person classes, activities, and events with no spacing. Students share classroom materials or supplies, and mix between classes and activities.
As you make decisions for the upcoming school year, visit the CDC’s page on Colleges and Universities to learn how to stay safe.
Regardless of your child’s age, if you are a parent preparing for fall, visit the CDC’s School Planning Checklist.
Beaches
Illinois Beach State Park beaches will now be closed on weekends. Overcrowding was making for an unsafe situation for COVID-19 to spread. Read the weekend closure announcement and learn more about precautions to take when visiting beaches.
Lake County COVID-19 Cases
As of July 31, 2020, 11,854 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 427 deaths.
Our Coronavirus Data Hub provides data and resources for our county, including cases and deaths, tests performed, demographic data, and an interactive map and charts.
View the Lake County, IL Coronavirus Data Hub
Evictions on hold through August 22
Evictions are on hold in Illinois through August 22, 2020. For more information and resources for renters visit the Illinois Attorney General’s page on COVID-19 Resources.
Do you have questions? The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has established a COVID-19 hotline and email address to answer questions from the public:
For additional information from the IDPH, visit: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
Community Guidance and Resources
Protect yourself and your community. Our Information for Specific Groups page is now Community Guidance and Resources. This page is more user-friendly and has information to help residents stay safe and informed.
UPDATED! Guidance and Resources for Businesses
Communication Resources
We need your help to keep our communities healthy and safe. The Lake County Health Department, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer free resources including fact sheets, flyers, posters, and videos.
View communication resources
Forwarded this email? Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates directly from the Lake County Health Department.
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