Illinois Update
Additionally, due to the change in CDC guidance, masking requirements were lifted in daycare settings and will now only be required in areas of high transmission. Read the update from DCFS.
While masks are no longer required in most indoor locations, they do offer an additional layer of protection especially for those who have an underlying health condition or are around those who do.
CDC Update
The CDC recently updated guidance around mask wearing to help people make decisions about when to wear a mask. The CDC recommends masking based on the new COVID-19 Community Level framework. This framework factors in COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and cases within a community.
The CDC’s masking recommendations are based on COVID-19 community levels. The three community levels are low, medium, and high. Lake County is currently in the low level. Visit the CDC page COVID-19 Community Levels to read more about the new guidance.
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The CDC recently updated the recommended interval between the first and second dose of mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) COVID-19 vaccines to eight weeks for certain people. They recommend that an eight-week interval may be more optimal for some people ages 12 and older, especially males ages 12 to 39 years.
Please speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding the appropriate interval between doses based on your personal health. More information can be found on the CDC.
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Getting your child vaccinated and staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines is the best way to protect your child from COVID-19. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is currently authorized for ages 5 and up. Additionally, children ages 12 and older can receive a booster shot if it has been at least five months since their second dose. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
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A recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) found that spread was more common in households with COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant. COVID-19 transmission was higher in households where individuals we not vaccinated and who did not take steps to mitigate the spread. To lower the chance of transmission in households, household members that have tested positive should:
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Stay up to date on vaccinations, if eligible.
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Isolate from others if possible.
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Wear a mask.
Read the full MMWR for more information.
 As we have often seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, guidance is modified based on science and data. The Lake County Health Department is currently collecting data through our own county-wide Community Health Survey. The Community Health Survey helps the Health Department gain insight into factors that may impact the community's current health and how they may be improved. The data collected will help us set goals and assist in implementing the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). Take the survey and find more information at lakecountyil.gov/yourvoice.
- As of March 4, 2022, over 1,246,000 vaccine doses have been administered to Lake County residents and 478,047 residents (68.21% of the population) have been fully vaccinated.
- Over 99.1% of Lake County seniors ages 65 and older and 82.5% of those age 18-64 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The county is averaging 717 doses administered per day on a 7-day rolling average.
- As of March 4, 2022, 122,227 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 1,337 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?
Contact your doctor to ask about testing availability, or check the IDPH Testing Sites Page for options.
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 Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Testing is free and open to all regardless of symptoms. These sites also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. For more information on community-based state run testing sites visit the IDPH Testing Sites Page
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.
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.
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: https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html
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.
Public Health Navigator Program
If you or someone you know is struggling with meeting their health and other needs, the Lake County Health Department is here to help! We have two new teams of Case Managers and Community Health Workers dedicated to helping community members access and utilize the resources and support they need, including:
- COVID-19 vaccine education and sign-up
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Access to medical care
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Health education and support
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Food and medicine delivery for families in quarantine and isolation
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Transportation assistance for medical visits
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Access to food support
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Rent and utility assistance
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Mental health support
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Immigration support
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And more!
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.
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