 On Sunday, January 17, Region 9, which Lake and McHenry Counties, moved in to Tier 2 mitigation. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) adjusted mitigation metrics because of an increase in hospital staffing across the state. Due to this increase in staffing, IDPH will no longer utilize medical/surgical bed metrics when determining regional mitigation status. Check out Region 9’s current metrics on IDPH’s Regional COVID-19 Resurgence Criteria page.
What is now available in Tier 2?
- Indoor fitness classes with groups limited to 10 people
- Cultural Institutions reopen (libraries, museums)
- Household, meeting, and event gatherings are limited to 10 people
- Gaming and casinos reopen at 25% capacity
- Movie theaters reopen at 50% capacity
When could we move into Tier 1?
Region 9 will be able to move into Tier 1 when these metrics are met:
- Test positivity rate between 6.5 and 8 percent (7-day rolling average) for three consecutive days; AND
- Greater than or equal to 20% percent available intensive care unit (ICU) (7-day rolling average) for three consecutive days; AND
- A decline in the number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital (7-day rolling average) in 7 out of the last 10 days.
What could put us back in Tier 3?
Region 9 could move back into Tier 3 mitigation if the testing positivity rate reaches 13% or higher for three consecutive days within a 14-day monitoring period.
 The Health Department is now administering COVID-19 vaccines by appointment only at the Lake County Fairgrounds. This move provides us with more space for vaccinations, logistics, and personnel, helping us increase efficiency.
Anyone coming to the fairgrounds must have an appointment and bring their appointment confirmation details. Walk-in appointments will not be allowed. Everyone that lives and works in Lake County must register on AllVax. Once registered in AllVax, you will be notified via email when it is time to make an appointment through the Lake County Health Department. Please note that vaccine supply is limited. We are working a quickly as possible to get as many vaccinated as we can.
 Question: What vaccination phase are we currently in?
Answer: Lake County is currently vaccinating people in Phase 1a. Phase 1a includes healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents.
Question: Will Lake County be vaccinating Phase 1b starting on January 25?
Answer: At this time, the Lake County Health Department mass vaccination site will continue to vaccinate people in Phase 1a. No AllVax appointments are available to people in later phases. We may begin vaccinating people in Phase 1b in early February. Please make sure you are registered on the AllVax Portal to be notified when a vaccine may be available for you.
Some local pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers will begin providing Phase 1b vaccinations starting January 25. If another provider or hospital has availability, you can get vaccinated there. Registering on AllVax does not obligate you to get vaccinated at a Lake County Health Department mass vaccination site.
Please read the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium (NIPHC) press release for more information.
Question: Will the vaccine lose effectiveness if I do not get the second dose exactly on the recommended date?
Answer: Both COVID-19 vaccinations authorized at this time require two doses to reach their full efficacy. According to the CDC, you should get your second shot as close to the recommended interval as possible. However, there is no maximum interval between the first and second doses for either vaccine. You should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended interval.
- For Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, schedule the second dose at least 21 days after your first dose.*
- For Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, schedule the second dose at least 28 days after your first dose.*
*The effectiveness of the vaccine does not decrease if the second dose is not received on the recommended date. The goal is to get people fully protected sooner, but do not worry if you cannot get the second dose on the earliest day.
Question: How can I volunteer to help with the vaccination efforts in Lake County?
Answer: Currently, we are accepting volunteers through the Medical Reserve Corps. To volunteer for the Lake County Medical Reserve Corps, please email HLHealthEM@lakecountyil.gov or call 847-377-8186.
 The Lake County Virtual Town Hall that occurred on Wednesday, January 13, continues to provide valuable information. Hosted by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, the conversation features the Lake County Health Department’s Executive Director Mark Pfister and Medical Epidemiologist Dr. Sana Ahmed. Mark Pfister and Dr. Ahmed answered questions from the public about the COVID-19 vaccine
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.
Where can I get tested?
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 is free and open to all regardless of symptoms. 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.
Know Before You Go
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.
Lake County COVID-19 Cases
As of January 22, 2021, 50,585 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 830 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.
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