|
Governor Pritzker previously announced that new vaccination requirements for public schools and healthcare facilities would go into effect on September 5. On September 3, it was announced that there would be an extension to the original deadline. Now all healthcare workers, including nursing home employees, all Pre-K - 12 teachers and staff, as well as higher education personnel and students will be required to receive an initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Sunday, September 19. The extension was requested by hospital and school leaders so they have more time to put in place testing, vaccine, and accountability protocols.
Read the press release on extending the deadline here.
 Some schools in Lake County have opted to participate in a trial program called Test to Stay. Test to Stay allows those that are identified as close contacts in specific school settings to stay in school, with required testing on days one, three, five, and seven after exposure. You will be notified if your school is participating in the Test to Stay Program. Watch the video above to learn more about the Test to Stay Program.
A School Quarantine Guidance graphic and additional resources can be found on the Lake County Health Department's Community Guidance and Resource page.
 Severe illness from COVID-19 is more common in those ages 65 and older but it can occur in children and adolescents. A recent CDC study found that the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations among children ages 0-17 increased significantly in many states from June to August 2021. In the study, they found that case rates were lower in communities where vaccination rates were higher. It is important that those who are eligible and able, get vaccinated. Vaccination not only protects you, but it helps to protect those that are cannot be vaccinated yet, like young children.
To read more information on children that are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the CDC's COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens page.
To find a location near you to get a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Find a Vaccine page on AllVax.
 Mobile vaccination sites are located throughout Lake County. Locations and hours are posted weekly on our Facebook and Instagram page. You can register in advance on the AllVax Portal or walk-in during the hours listed.
With new requirements for indoor mask wearing in place, having clear signage throughout businesses can help those who visit stay protected. The CDC offers a wealth of resources that can be found for Prevention and Infection Control and Facemasks. Additional guidance for specific businesses and organizations can be found on the Lake County Health Department's Community Guidance and Resources page.
The pandemic has brought on an increase in substance use and has been challenging to some people's mental health. Join Lake County leaders in discussing how they are working to effect positive change in the community. The discussion will focus on substance use and mental health. This virtual session will occur on September 21 at 5:30 p.m. There is no cost to participate. Register here to be a part of the discussion.
|
 United Way of Lake County is celebrating the second anniversary of 211 services in Lake County! Join community leaders and stakeholders to learn how 211 has grown to become a lifeline for people across the county seeking help to meet basic needs. The event will feature a panel of speakers from throughout the Lake County Community including Lake County Board of Health President, Tim Sashko.
When: September 23
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Register for the webinar here.
You can learn more about the event on the Event Facebook Page and register for free today!
The Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force is hosting their 9th Annual 5K Walk for Awareness and Suicide Prevention.
When: Saturday, September 25, 2021
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Cost:
- Adults: $20
- Children, Over 12: $10
- Children, 12 and under: Free
All proceeds go to the Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force and support our mission to prevent suicide and promote mental health awareness in Lake County through outreach events, professional training and community education—because one suicide is too many.
For more information about the event visit endthestigma2021.eventbrite.com. For further questions on the walk, how to sponsor, or how to become a member please contact prevention.lcsptf@gmail.com.
- As of September 10, 2021, over 804,500 vaccine doses have been administered to Lake County residents and 394,927 residents (56.35% of the population) have been fully vaccinated.
- Over 86.7% of Lake County seniors ages 65 and older and 68.6% of those age 18-64 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The county is averaging 1,024 doses administered per day on a 7-day rolling average.
- As of September 10, 2021, 67,968 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 1,051 deaths.
View the Lake County, IL Coronavirus Data Hub
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 (823 Wilke Rd.), and Rockford (1321 Sandy Hollow Rd.) are open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 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.
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
Lake County AllVax Portal Resources
Visit our AllVax Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers and information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Lake County. Encourage members of the community to register in AllVax utilizing resources from the AllVax Portal Toolkit, including social media messages, guides, print materials, and more.
Community Guidance and Resources
Protect yourself and your community. Our Community Guidance and Resources page has information to help residents stay safe and informed.
Based on the new guidance, we are in the process of updating our materials.
Join the Medical Reserve Corps
The Lake County Health Department is in need of volunteers with a valid medical license to fill roles as vaccinators, vaccine mixers, and wellness check observers at our mass vaccination sites. Visit our Lake County Medical Reserve Corps page to learn more.
Become a Community Health Ambassador
Community Health Ambassadors play a key role in helping our community members get vaccinated by sharing resources, answering FAQs, and encouraging community members to register on AllVax. Visit the Community Health Ambassador page for more information and to register.
Additional Ways to Help
Visit Lake County Health Departments How You Can Help page to find additional opportunities to donate or volunteer.
Forwarded this email? Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates directly from the Lake County Health Department.
|
