As of August 4, the testing positivity rate in the North Suburban Region was 5.1 percent, with daily increases in 4 of the past 10 days. Cases in our region continue to rise, with higher rates reported among teens and young adults in recent weeks. The 20-29 age group now has the highest case count in both counties. Read the recent press release on the rise in Region 9 COVID-19 cases.
Complaints of social distancing and masking violations at restaurants and bars have also risen in both counties since Illinois entered Phase 3 and 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan. In Lake County, public health staff have investigated over 200 business-related complaints in June and July alone. We are working with municipal leaders to step up local enforcement, reinforcing that these guidelines are not just a suggestion—they are critical to protecting the public’s health so that businesses can remain open.
Today, Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister and McHenry County Department of Health Administrator Melissa Adamson hosted a COVID-19 Live Q&A on Facebook, giving updates and answering residents’ questions as they came in. Thanks to all who participated!
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 Wearing a mask can be difficult for everyone, but especially for children. Help your children understand the importance of wearing a mask while making it less intimidating. Check out this video from our Child and Adolescent Behavioral Services team on some ways to talk to children about wearing masks.
School will look different this year due to COVID-19, but the importance of on-time vaccinations hasn’t changed. Children should still receive their routine vaccinations that help protect them from diseases like chickenpox and pertussis.
IDPH Director, Dr. Ngozi Ezike, reminded parents that, “Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective methods to protect children from more than a dozen vaccine-preventable diseases. Make sure your children are fully vaccinated so they can be as healthy as possible while facing the ongoing risk of COVID-19.”
The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center offers immunization appointments for our patients – don't wait until your school’s deadline – call today! (847) 377-8800.
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Across the country and in Illinois, COVID-19 cases continue to rise. The Lake County Health Department recommends avoiding any non-essential travel at this time.
This is a recommendation to limit the spread of COVID-19. Please remember wherever you go to follow 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 you are returning from travel and did not follow the 3 Ws while away, please consider a 14-day self-quarantine to keep our communities safe. Please note that this is not a mandate or a public health order. For more information on travel recommendations visit our page, Community Guidance and Resources for Travelers.
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?
There are many ways you can take precautions without losing touch with the people you care about. Watch our latest COVID-19 conversations video on how to handle a playdate with friends that might not be taking the same precautions as you.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health departments all across the United States have been putting out creative messages encouraging people to take precautions to stay safe. Every week, we will highlight a different health department whose message inspires us.
This week we are highlighting the Detroit Health Department. They have used messaging on Instagram to reach out to young people and their communities. Through regular Instagram Lives featuring influencers like Tik Tok star Curtis Roach and local Yogi Kerrie Trahan, they have been able to have meaningful discussions on COVID-19’s impact on the community.
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An outbreak at a Georgia overnight camp shows that children of all ages can get and spread COVID-19. Campers were required to show they had tested negative for COVID-19 before arriving, and camp staff (but not campers) were required to wear cloth masks. Out of 597 in-state campers and staff, 260 people, or 44%, were diagnosed with COVID-19, ranging from ages 6-59.
This report serves as a reminder that it’s important for everyone, including children and teens, to take precautions against COVID-19. Remember: wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance!
Researchers are studying new drugs, and medicines that are already approved for other health conditions, as possible treatments for COVID-19. At this time, Remdesivir may possibly help very sick patients and has been distributed to hospitals throughout Illinois including in Lake County.
The safety and efficacy of Remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 are being evaluated in multiple ongoing clinical trials; however, it’s use is approved for very sick patients under the Emergency Use Authorization.
To learn more about Remdesivir for treatment of COVID-19, visit the FDA’s Frequently Asked Questions page.
Testing Offered at our Community Health Centers
If you are a patient of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center, you can now receive a COVID-19 test at any of our health center locations. Please call (847) 377-8800 prior to coming in, and be sure to report any COVID-19 symptoms you may be experiencing.
Lake County COVID-19 Cases
As of August 7, 2020, 12,484 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
Now Hiring Case Investigators and Contact Tracers
The Lake County Health Department is hiring people to help with our COVID-19 case investigation. We are particularly focused on hiring Lake County residents from communities most impacted by COVID-19.
Job responsibilities include:
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Participate in office and field investigations of infectious diseases; interview the cases and contacts.
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Conduct case investigations and interview individuals who have tested positive for a communicable disease in the community.
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Educate individuals and their household contacts on issues such as disease spread, prevention and mitigation, including isolation and quarantine guidelines.
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Collect information on household/close contacts to monitor for illness.
Please visit the LCHD Careers website and attach a detailed resume.
The COVID-19 Housing Relief Program
The Lake County COVID Housing Relief Program (CHRP) provides rent and utility assistance for eligible households financially impacted by COVID-19.
If you are a Lake County resident and need help paying rent or utility bills, you may qualify for the COVID-19 Housing Relief Program! To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, download the CHRP flyer. You can also call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 for more information.
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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.
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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