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Dear Lake County residents,
Please be aware that due to the holiday next week, we will not be issuing our weekly COVID-19 newsletter. We are still committed to sharing any breaking news, if any occurs.
We hope that you and your family enjoy a safe and happy holiday season. Our newsletter will resume the week of December 28. Thank you for understanding.
Luz Movido, RN receives the first COVID-19 vaccination at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan. Luz has served in the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit throughout the pandemic.
Yesterday, the Lake County Health Department received its first shipment of 6,000 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which was packaged and sent immediately out to Lake County hospitals. It was an exciting day bringing hope to frontline healthcare workers who have shown amazing dedication to our community, providing treatment and care to others in their time of need.
On Tuesday, December 15, the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Illinois were administered at Loretto Hospital in Chicago and OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Both events were available to the public to watch through live streams. The first batches of the vaccine will continue to be administered as quickly and efficiently as possible to high-risk healthcare workers. Watch the historic moments in Chicago and Peoria.
 At Lake County's next Virtual Town Hall on January 13, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart will host a discussion with Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister, Medical Epidemiologist Dr. Sana Ahmed, and others about the County's vaccination efforts and answer related questions from the community.
Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: Virtual meeting hosted through Zoom.
Register Now
We are excited to announce that our very first edition of the Lake County Health & Wellness magazine began hitting Lake County mailboxes this week! In this magazine, readers can find information and resources to stay safe during COVID-19 pandemic. However, many of the resources are helpful beyond the pandemic, including community services and health tips. Topics covered within the magazine include:
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- A story about a Lake County family’s journey through COVID-19.
- Ways to care for your physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Tips to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Ways to get and give help during COVID-19.
The magazine was designed as a one-stop resource for COVID-19 information you can trust. We hope that this will be a useful addition to our Lake County residents’ homes during this trying time.
Read the digital version of our magazine in English or Spanish.
 The Lake County AllVax Portal has successfully been open and available for over a week. So far, over 100,000 people have registered! We are grateful for the high level of interest in signing up for AllVax. We appreciate your patience as we are experiencing a high volume of calls and emails. If you have not already, please register so we can notify you when it is time to make your appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. If you need help, be sure to watch our short videos to learn how to register yourself and others.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
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. 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.
 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.
If you are showing signs of any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home.
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?
Contact your doctor to ask about testing availability, or check the Lake County Testing Site Locator for options.
State-run Community-Based Testing Sites located in Waukegan (102 W. Water St.), Arlington Heights (2000 W Euclid Ave.), and Rockford (1601 Parkview Ave.) are open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Testing at these sites is free. These sites have drive-through testing, as well as walk-up testing for those who do not have a vehicle or need to use public transportation. Please note, you are not permitted to exit your car to use the walk-up line once you arrive. For more information, visit the IDPH website.
The mobile testing unit will be in eastern McHenry County several dates this month:
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.
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.
If you were recently tested at a mobile COVID-19 testing site and you have not been contacted within 7 days, please call 888-297-7208 or visit https://idph-mychart.pchosted.com/idph/Authentication/Login.
Lake County COVID-19 Cases
As of December 18, 2020, 42,935 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 698 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
Please note, the data hub will not be updated on December 24, 25, and on January 1.
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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