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For Immediate Release
Date: July 31, 2021
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Lake County Experiencing Substantial COVID-19 Community Transmission
Health Department Recommends Additional Precautions Including Masking in Indoor Settings
Lake County, Ill. — As of today, Lake County is experiencing ”substantial” community transmission per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Areas of substantial transmission are considered by the CDC to be those with 50 to 99 cases per 100,000 people over a 7-day period. Areas of high transmission are considered to be those with more than 100 cases per 100,000 people over a 7-day period.
The CDC recently released guidance advising that individuals wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, the CDC is also recommending universal masking regardless of vaccination status for all individuals in K-12 schools.
“We strongly recommend that everyone follow CDC recommendations and take necessary precautions to stay protected against COVID-19 and its variants,” said Dr. Sana Ahmed, Medical Epidemiologist at the Lake County Health Department. “A combination of vaccinations and prevention strategies is our best chance to end the COVID-19 pandemic.”
More than 746,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to Lake County residents, and over 51% are fully vaccinated. Additionally, 85% of Lake County residents ages 65 and above have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and 80% are fully vaccinated.
“Vaccination is our best path to ending the COVID-19 pandemic; however, until we reach a higher vaccination rate, we must also follow necessary mitigation practices,” said Mark Pfister, Executive Director at the Lake County Health Department. “Wearing a mask while in public indoor settings will help keep you and those you love safe.”
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General Public: COVID19@lakecountyil.gov
AllVax Support: AllVax@lakecountyil.gov / (847) 377-8130
News Media Email: COVIDmedia@lakecountyil.gov
News Media Phone: (847) 377-2001
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