Coronavirus (COVID-19) Newsletter — October 16, 2020

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Lake County Health Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) Newsletter

October 16, 2020

North Suburban Region 9 COVID-19 Trends May Trigger Mitigation

The North Suburban Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry Counties, is nearing thresholds set by the State of Illinois that could trigger new mitigation measures in the region as early as next week.

After a period of relatively stable metrics, signs are now pointing to substantial community spread of COVID-19 in our region, and we are close to crossing the State’s mitigation thresholds. Region 9 has seen increases in both the 7-day rolling average test positivity rate and new hospital admissions for COVID-like illness (CLI) over the past two weeks. If increases are sustained for 7 of the past 10 days for both measures, the region will be required by the State to enter into mitigation under the Restore Illinois Resurgence Plan. Mitigation measures are restrictions such as limiting bar and restaurant service, sports activities, and the sizes of social gatherings.

We are urging all residents to take action, follow the 3 Ws, and help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Read the press release here.

Upcoming Holidays and COVID-19

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When planning for fall and winter holidays, keep in mind small gatherings are places where COVID-19 can quickly spread. It is important to take precautions even when you are around family and close friends. Take time to plan with care to be as safe as possible. Consider virtual alternatives as they are the safest option.  

 

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Start planning ahead of time 

  • Get your flu shot prior to visiting friends and family and encourage them to do so as well. 
  • Take care to avoid exposure two weeks prior to any in-person gatherings. 
  • Know the infection rates in your area and consider deferring events or making them virtual. 
  • Ask your employer if remote work would be possible during this time. 
  • Make virtual attendance possible for older guests or anyone who is immunocompromised. 
  • Set boundaries/expectations for the in-person event and communicate them with your guests in advance. 

Setting 

  • Gather outside if weather permits. 
  • If indoors, create additional ventilation by opening windows slightly when possible. 
  • Consider the number of people and households your home can accommodate while maintaining social distancing.  
  • Plan with care where each household will be seated before, during, and after the meal. 
  • Measure seating spaces to ensure that households are 6 feet apart. 

General Practices 

  • Wear face coverings at all times, except to eat or drink. 
  • Maintain social distancing throughout the entire duration of the gathering.  
  • Provide paper towels in the washroom in place of a shared hand towel. 
  • Place hand sanitizer throughout the home, as well as disinfectant/wipes. 

Food 

  • Serve food with utensils or individual portions. 
  • Have one household at a time approach the food serving area to prevent congregating in the kitchen or serving area. 

Learn more about how to stay safe during upcoming holidays on the IDPH page for Small Social Gatherings. Make sure to check with your local municipality for guidance and resources on Halloween and other upcoming festivities. 

Download the PDF on how to set up small social gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Every week, the Lake County Health Department will be sharing the most frequently asked questions about the coronavirus pandemic. This week, we received the following questions: 

Q: Does Lake County have travel restrictions in place? Do they apply to those traveling to Wisconsin? 

A: The Health Department is closely monitoring the situation in neighboring Wisconsin, where dramatic surges in new cases and hospitalizations are occurring. There is no travel restriction in place. 

At this time, we recommend you avoid all non-essential travel. If you do travel, please practice the 3 Ws. Quarantining for 14 days upon your return is not required but highly recommended, especially if the 3 Ws were not followed. This recommendation extends to neighboring states, including Wisconsin. For more information about travel, visit the Lake County Health Department website. 

Q: What do I do if someone at my workplace tests positive for COVID-19? 

A:  Employers should determine who has been exposed and follow cleaning and disinfection recommendations for your facilityThose that have come into close contact with the infected person and have symptoms should self isolate. Those who do not have symptoms should remain at home and quarantine for 14 days.  

Read the Health Department’s Guidance for Worksites to learn more about how to keep those at your workplace safe. 

Refer to the CDC and Lake County Health Department pages for additional resources. 

Q: What do I do if my child needs to quarantine? 

A: It is important that if your child is sick or exposed to someone with COVID-19 at school or daycare, they quarantine with someone who lives within the home. Do not bring in someone outside of your household, such as a babysitter, to quarantine with your child. Quarantine  is used to keep someone who might have been exposed  to COVID-19 away from others. Learn more about how to quarantine and how to care for someone who is home sick.  

Mobile Testing

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mobile testing

Free COVID-19 testing will be available in Fox Lake, Libertyville, and Vernon Hills over the coming week. A mobile testing unit managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health will be stationed in Lake County according to the following schedule: 

Sunday, 10/18, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
Grant Community High School 
285 E. Grand Ave., Fox Lake 

Wednesday, 10/21, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Libertyville High School 
708 W. Park Ave, Libertyville 

Thursday, 10/22, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Vernon Hills High School 
145 Lakeview Pkwy., Vernon Hills  

Testing is free and open to all regardless of symptoms. A phone number and name are required in order to receive testing results. Photo identification and proof of insurance are helpful, but not required. High demand for testing may result in long wait times. The testing site may close early in the case of inclement weather, or if the daily testing supplies are exhausted. 

Those utilizing drive-thru testing must be seated at a functioning window. Once you get in line at the site, you will not be permitted to exit your car. All sites will also accommodate walk-up individuals. Only viral testing is provided at the mobile testing site. Read the full press release. Learn about other testing sites in Illinois on the IDPH Testing page. 

Lake County Update

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Region 9 Data and Lake County COVID-19 Cases 

Region 9 testing positivity rate is 6.6% as of October 13, 2020, with daily increases reported in 6 of the past 10 days. Hospital admissions have increased in 5 of the past 10 days. These trends are concerning and if they continue could lead to the need for mitigation measures. Please take precautions and follow the 3 Ws closely – Wear a mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance.

As of October 16, 2020 19,102 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 494 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.  

211 One Year Later

211

United Way of Lake County is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of 211 services for Lake County. Join with community leaders and stakeholders to learn how 211 has transformed the way individuals and families from all across the county are connecting with essential health and human services. 

You’ll hear about 211’s measurable impact, data on community-specific needs, and the results we have seen in its first year, including the increased needs arising from the pandemic. You’ll also hear stories of how 211 has made a real difference in Lake County for community members, employers, agencies, and local government. 

Visit the event page to learn more. 

Follow the 3 Ws

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Fall is Flu Shot Season

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IDPH

This year, it is more important than ever to get your flu shot.

Different viruses cause COVID-19 and influenza. That means you could get sick from both, even at the same time. Individuals at higher risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms, could get serious complications from flu as well. Getting the seasonal flu vaccination before the end of October is the best way to protect yourself and others.

You can get your flu shot at one of our Community Health Centers by calling our Patient Access Center at (847) 377-8800 or by visiting VaccineFinder.org to find a provider near you.

Who to Contact if You Have Questions

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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

COVID-19 Resources

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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

Useful Links

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