Yesterday, an advisory committee recommended that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. The FDA plans to “rapidly work toward finalization and issuance” of an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), and people could begin receiving the vaccine in the United States as early as Monday or Tuesday.
Our Health Department expects to receive the first limited doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine next week. In the first phase of vaccinations, healthcare workers, and long-term care facility residents and staff will be able to receive the vaccine. We will continue to provide updates to keep you informed!
|
Since the spring, scientists have known that the virus that causes COVID-19 can take up to 14 days to develop in the body after a person is exposed. Quarantining at home for these 14 days stops the spread of the virus to others in the community.
Earlier this month, the CDC issued new options for shortened quarantine for people who have no symptoms. The CDC made clear that a 14-day quarantine is still best practice. The CDC also affirmed that local health departments should evaluate if these options are right for the areas they serve.
The Lake County Health Department has carefully considered these new options. At this time, we continue to recommend a full 14-day quarantine for those who are exposed to someone with COVID-19.
The next few weeks are crucial in the fight against COVID-19. Cases and deaths continue to soar in the United States. In Lake County, we continue to experience a surge in cases, hospitalizations, and increasing deaths. Demand for testing is high. Limited supply of vaccines are on their way for our healthcare workers, long-term care residents who are most vulnerable, and the staff who care for them. Once the first people receive the vaccine, it will take time for their immunity to develop to COVID-19. The Health Department will reassess the quarantine recommendations after the holidays. In the meantime, we need to continue doing everything we can to stop this virus.
We ask all residents to continue following the 3 Ws to slow the spread of COVID-19: Wear a mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance. Please stay home as much as you can. Quarantine at home if you are a close contact to someone who has COVID-19 and isolate at home if you become ill.
We are here for you. We understand if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19, having to quarantine for 14 days can be difficult. When our contact tracers ask someone to quarantine, they can help that person find support to make quarantine easier. You can also call 211 (or text your zip code to 898211) to talk with a specialist who can connect you to local resources.
 We are excited to announce that the Lake County AllVax Portal is now open! So far, over 70,000 people have registered. Please register so we can notify you when it is time to make your appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. You can also watch our short videos to learn how to use the system.
Here is some helpful information about the vaccine and our site.
Question: What information do I need to register?
Answer: The information needed to register for a vaccine is:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Zip code
-
Risk factors
Question: Am I able to register another person?
Answer: Yes, you can register other people through your profile. Go to your home page and click "Add another person".
Question: Who will COVID-19 vaccines be distributed to first?
Answer: At first, the supply of vaccines will be limited. Certain residents will receive their vaccines before others. We are following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) on this timing. As of December 4, IDPH has prioritized residents in this order:
-
Health Care Personnel and Long-Term Care Facility Residents
-
Essential Frontline Workers - pending CDC guidance
-
Adults with high-risk medical conditions and those over 65 years of age - pending CDC guidance
-
All other adults and people in other congregate settings - pending CDC guidance
-
Young adults and children (if a pediatric vaccine is available) - pending CDC guidance
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has it, getting tested can help you know what steps to take to keep your loved ones safe. Remember to focus on prevention first! Take steps to avoid being exposed to COVID-19. Due to the rapid spread of the virus over the past several weeks, demand for testing is very high. This can lead to increased wait times at testing sites and longer wait times for results.
Where can I get tested?
The State’s mobile testing unit will be in Lake County this month:
Monday, December 14, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
College of Lake County
19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake
The mobile testing unit will also be in eastern McHenry County several dates this month:
Saturday, December 12, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
McHenry County College (Parking Lot F)
8900 US-14, Crystal Lake
Thursday, December 17, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Johnsburg High School (Rear Parking Lot)
2002 W. Ringwood Road, Johnsburg
Monday, December 21, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Petersen Park
4300 Peterson Park Road, McHenry
Wednesday, December 30, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lippold Park Family Golf Center (Parking Lot)
1251 IL-176, Crystal Lake
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. Testing locations may close early due to inclement weather or if daily testing supplies are exhausted. Additional COVID-19 testing locations and information can be found at the IDPH website.
Read the press release on Mobile Testing in Lake County for more information.
How do I get my test results?
If you were tested by your own healthcare provider, please contact them directly and follow their instructions for getting your test results. If you were tested at a State-run Community-Based Testing Site or mobile testing site, you will receive a phone call with your results.
December 6-12 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. Everyone age 6 months and older should get their annual flu vaccine if they have not done so already. The flu vaccine protects against flu illness and serious flu complications, such as worsening of chronic conditions or pneumonia. It is not too late in the season to get a flu shot this year. It is more important than ever to get the flu shot to protect yourself and others especially as COVID-19 and the flu can spread at the same time.
Additional information about the flu shot can be found on the CDC’s Seasonal Flu Shot page.
The Respiratory Illness Clinic reopened this week. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, your appointment will take place at North Chicago Health Center's Respiratory Illness Clinic. You may get a COVID-19 test at the clinic by appointment only if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
Please call ahead at (847) 377-8800 for an appointment. No walk-ins, please.
Location:
North Chicago Health Center
2215 14th Street
North Chicago, IL 60064
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.*
Saturday and Sunday, Closed*
*Hours and availability may change based on the community need.
The Northern Illinois Food Bank will be hosting multiple mobile pantry and pop-up market distributions during the month of December. The groceries provided are free of charge. No ID is required to receive groceries. Below are the dates and locations that they will be in Lake County:
|
|
 |
Saturday, December 12, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Foss Park
1730 Lewis Ave., North Chicago
Saturday, December 12, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Grant Community High School
285 Grand Ave., Fox Lake
Tuesday, December 15, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
College of Lake County
9351 W. Washington St., Grayslake
Friday, December 18, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Ft. Sheridan Metra
461 W. Old Elm Rd., Highwood
Friday, December 18, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Mundelein High School
350 W. Hawley St., Mundelein
The month of December brings many holiday celebrations. As you plan on how to spend the holidays this year, please remember that the safest way to celebrate is to only gather in person with those who live in your home. This will protect your health and those you love. For ideas on how to keep yourself and your friends, family, and community healthy and safe, visit our 'Same greetings, new meetings' holiday page or All in Illinois for 12 ways to celebrate the holidays safely.
If you do choose to gather in-person with a small group, please continue to follow the 3 Ws: Wear a mask, Wash your hands, Watch your distance. Check out the CDC’s considerations when planning for the holidays.
|
 The Health Department’s Child & Adolescent Behavioral Services (CABS) put together a video that reminds us that strength comes in many forms. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, please reach out to a medical professional for advice or treatment. The Health Department offers a 24/7 Crisis care line at (847) 377-8088. In the case of emergencies, please call 911.
The CDC offers additional mental health resources and information.
What should I know about the COVID-19 pandemic?
Why is COVID-19 data different depending on where I look?
The numbers collected from the state and county will not always match up because the information being collected is provisional. This means it is not final and will change. It is good to look at both the Lake County Health Department Data Hub and IDPH Region Metrics for current COVID-19 data for Lake County.
Lake County COVID-19 Cases
As of December 11, 2020, 40,589 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 668 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
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.
|
