The Lake County Health Department on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 released a new interactive map with shaded areas indicating the concentration of cases per 10,000 population. Lake County suburbs with the leading concentrations of cases in Lake County in the March 25, 2020 report are Lake Forest, Highland Park, Deerfield, Libertyville, Lake Bluff, and Libertyville. Only Lake Zurich, with a relatively higher number indicating 5-9 cases, was outside the southeast region of Lake County. Highland Park and Lake Forest are leading the concentration of cases with 20-24 cases. Highwood, in between Highland Park and Lake Forest, was reported at less than five. Deerfield and Highland Park are the only municipalities with higher concentrated cases that border Cook County. Residents of unincorporated areas in the map are not included in the municipality totals. The total cases among residents of unincorporated Lake County was reported Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at < 5.
The current Lake County population is 703,462.
[caption id="attachment_581655" align="alignleft" width="595"]
Lake County Health Department Coronavirus Map on March 25, 2020.[/caption]
The Lake County Health Department COVID-19 interactive map can be viewed at www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus.
The Lake County Health Department on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 reported 20 new cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Lake County since Tuesday afternoon. This brings the total number of Lake County residents testing positive for the disease to 135Coronavirus, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Lake County Health Department update since the first Lake County case was identified on March 11, 2020 (numbers are as of March 25, 2020, 1:00 p.m.).
Multiple cases have been identified at two long-term care facilities in Lake County—three staff at a long-term care facility in Lincolnshire and three residents of a long-term care facility in Lake Zurich have tested positive for COVID-19.
“Protecting our most vulnerable residents is something we take very seriously, and our Communicable Disease team is working closely with these facilities to monitor the health of staff and residents who may have been exposed to COVID-19,” said Mark Pfister, Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department. “In addition to restricting outside visitors to the facilities, appropriate infection control measures are being taken, including checking the temperatures and symptoms of all staff and residents twice per shift. If a resident shows symptoms, they are appropriately isolated, and extra precautions are taken.”
Older adults, people living in congregate settings like long-term care facilities, and people with certain chronic health conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. All residents are reminded to follow the governor’s ‘stay-at-home’ order to help protect our communities.
ADDITIONAL INFO …
The Three C’s
It is critically important that the community follow prescribed preventative measures such as social distancing and the 3 C’s to avoid getting sick:
Clean hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol;
Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your elbow; and
Contain illness by staying home if you are sick.
Testing availability
Testing is being prioritized for people with symptoms who have high risk of complications. This includes older adults living in congregate settings and those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, and those with weakened immune systems. People who do not show any symptoms do not need to get tested.
A number of healthcare providers in Lake County currently have tests available. The PHEOC is working to collect information on the availability of testing in Lake County and will provide updates at www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus as it becomes available.
What to do if you are sick
If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, stay home. Distance yourself from others in the household and if possible, stay in your own bedroom and use your own bathroom. If your symptoms worsen, call your healthcare provider.
Do not walk into a healthcare facility, urgent care clinic, or hospital before calling. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. If your doctor believes that you need to be tested for COVID-19, your doctor should call the Lake County Health Department Communicable Disease program to determine if you should be tested.
In accordance with Illinois Department of Public Health guidance, recommendations for reducing the spread of COVID-19 include:
Social Distancing
Stay home as much as possible.
If gatherings are necessary, limit the number of people to 10.
Call to check on family, neighbors, and older adults instead of visiting.
Check with your healthcare provider about telehealth options.
Nursing Home Facilities
Restrict all visitation except for certain compassionate care situations, such as end of life residents.
Restrict all volunteers and non-essential health care personnel (e.g., barbers).
Cancel all group activities and communal dining.
Implement active screening of residents and healthcare personnel for fever and respiratory symptoms.
Additional guidance for long-term care facilities is on the Illinois Department of Public Health website.
The Health Department will continue to provide updates as recommendations change.
Additional resources
Visit www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus for updates on COVID-19 in Lake County and to sign up for the Lake County Health Department’s COVID-19 email newsletter.
People can find more information regarding COVID-19 in Lake County at www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus
For government closures visit:
For financial help and other community resources, please call 2-1-1. If you need assistance finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, CALL 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. For more information, visit 211lakecounty.org.
For general state and national information, please call the Illinois State Hotline at 1-800-899-3931, or visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website at dph.illinois.gov, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at coronavirus.gov.
Visit www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus for updates on COVID-19 in Lake County and to sign up for the Lake County Health Department’s COVID-19 email newsletter.
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