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Dear Residents,
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across the United States are rising. The United States is reporting over 150,000 new cases per day, and since November 20, at least one person dies every minute of every day from COVID-19 in the U.S.
During the colder months, as we spend more time indoors, the risk of the coronavirus spreading increases. Thank you for taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to wear a mask, wash your hands often, watch your distance – keeping at least 6 feet apart – and avoid crowds. The more steps you take, the more you are protected against COVID-19.
Thank you for your commitment to receiving information you can trust from the Lake County Health Department. Together, we will get through this. We will always be here for you.
 The CDC recently updated their quarantine recommendations. While quarantining for 14 days is still the best practice, this can be difficult and financially straining for some. If you are exposed to COVID-19, you should try to quarantine for 14 days. If you are unable to do so, two alternatives are:
- 7 days of quarantine with a negative test and no additional symptoms developing OR
- 10 days of quarantine without a test and no additional symptoms developing.
While in quarantine, monitor for any new or worsening symptoms.
Learn more about the new guidelines from the CDC.
 On November 30, pharmaceutical company Moderna announced that they filed for Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their COVID-19 vaccine. In clinical trials, Moderna’s vaccine showed 94.1% effectiveness in preventing COVID-19.
Next Thursday, December 10, the FDA will review the Emergency Use Authorization application for the Pfizer vaccine, which was approved in the UK on Wednesday. Our Health Department has been preparing for months for mass vaccination, and we anticipate receiving the first limited doses of vaccine by the end of the year if one or more vaccines are approved.
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?
We know some people are concerned about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. While these vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible, safety is still a top priority. Routine safety standards remain in place to ensure that any authorized or approved vaccine is as safe as possible. No steps have been skipped during the clinical trial process for COVID-19 vaccines. Safety will continue to be monitored as long as a vaccine is available.
Who will get the vaccine first?
Early on, supply of COVID-19 vaccines will be limited. Certain groups will be prioritized to receive the vaccine before others. This week, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that initial doses be given to healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents. The CDC is reviewing these recommendations and will make the final decision on who will be eligible to receive the first phase of vaccinations soon.
What should I do while I wait for a vaccine?
As we wait for a vaccine, we need to continue to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Follow the 3 Ws. Seek out information from reputable sources like the CDC on Vaccine Safety in the United States.
The month of December brings many holiday celebrations. Traditions may need to look a bit different this year in order to keep loved ones safe. The safest way to celebrate is to only gather with those who live with you.
If you do choose to travel for the holidays, the CDC recommends getting a COVID-19 test 1-3 days before and 3-5 days after travel. If you are having any symptoms, cancel your travel and stay home to prevent spreading COVID-19.
Please consider alternative ways to celebrate to protect those you love and follow the 3 Ws whenever you are around others — Wear a mask, Wash your hands, Watch your distance. Check out the CDC’s considerations when planning for the holidays.
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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. Due to the rapid spread of the virus over the past several weeks, demand for testing is very high. Remember to focus on prevention first! It is very important that we all take steps to avoid being exposed to COVID-19.
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 State’s mobile testing unit will be in Lake County at the following dates and locations:
Saturday, 12/5, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
College of Lake County
19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake
Sunday, 12/6, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Grant Community High School - South Lot
285 Grand Ave., Fox Lake
Monday, 12/14, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
College of Lake County
19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake
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 Illinois Department of Health website.
Read the press release on mobile testing in Lake County for more information.
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 have not received your results within 7 days, call the number that was given to you at the testing site.
What would bring us back to Tier 2 in the Illinois COVID-19 Resurgence Mitigation Plan?
For our region to move back to Tier 2 mitigations, we must experience less than 12 percent test positivity rate for three consecutive days AND greater than 20 percent available intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital bed availability AND declining COVID hospitalizations in 7 out of the last 10 days. Governor JB Pritzker stated on November 30 that no region would be moving out of Tier 3 for the next few weeks.
Check out the Illinois Regional COVID-19 Resurgence Criteria for Region 9’s current metrics.
Why is it taking so long to get test results back?
Due to increased demand and the recent holiday, test results from the State are backlogged. Please expect to wait between 5-7 days for your test results.
If you were recently tested at a mobile COVID-19 testing site and you have not been contacted within 7 days, please call the IDPH at 888-297-7208 or visit https://idph-mychart.pchosted.com/idph/Authentication/Login
How can I trust the information that I am reading or hearing?
COVID-19 has brought about a lot of misinformation. It is important to fact-check any information you see from your peers and social media. Check out the World Health Organization’s MythBusters page to learn about COVID-19 misinformation.
The latest COVID-19 information and resources can be found through the CDC, IDPH, and Lake County Health Department.
Lake County COVID-19 Cases
As of December 4, 2020, 37,730 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 639 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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