COVID-19 FAQs
Lake County AllVax Portal FAQs
Need help on the Lake County AllVax Portal? Please visit our FAQ page with answers to questions about:
Lake County FAQs
Where do I find information about...
- COVID-19 in Lake County: www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus
- COVID-19 Case Data in Lake County: www.lakecountyil.gov/COVID19data
- COVID-19 Vaccines: www.lakecountyil.gov/vaccine
- COVID-19 Testing: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4435
- Lake County government closures: www.lakecountyil.gov/closures
- Lake County Health Department service modifications/closures: www.lakecountyil.gov/healthclosures
- 211: 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. We’re available 24/7. 211lakecounty.org/
General information about COVID-19
- CDC Website: www.coronavirus.gov
- Illinois Department of Public Health website: http://dph.illinois.gov
- Illinois State Coronavirus Website: http://coronavirus.illinois.gov/
- Illinois State Hotline: Call 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov
Who can I contact to...
Ask a question about:
- COVID-19 in Lake County: Contact the Lake County Health Department at COVID19@lakecountyil.gov
- COVID-19 and other communicable diseases: Contact the Lake County Health Department Communicable Disease program at (847) 377-8130
- COVID-19 Vaccines in Lake County: Contact the Lake County Health Department at AllVax@lakecountyil.gov
- COVID-19 Relief and Recovery in Lake County: Contact Lake County Communications at (847) 377-2154 or communications@lakecountyil.gov
- COVID-19 in Illinois: Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931 or DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV
- Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan: Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931 or DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV
- Phase 4 Guidelines for Businesses: Contact the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity at 1-800-252-2923 or CEO.support@illinois.gov.
Report:
- Cases or outbreaks of COVID-19 in a workplace or facility: Visit https://redcap.dph.illinois.gov/surveys/?s=NHECLHEHFP
- Executive Order violations: Visit http://www.lakecountyil.gov/report
- Violation of safety guidelines at restaurants and businesses: Call the Lake County Health Department at (847) 377-8020
- An unsafe workplace environment: Contact the Attorney General’s Workplace Rights Bureau at workplacerights@atg.state.il.us or 844-740-5076
- Contact tracing scams: Visit the Federal Trade Commission website
Make a request:
- From the news media: Email the Lake County Health Department at COVIDmedia@lakecountyil.gov
What are the actions taken by the Lake County Health Department?
- The Health Department continues to monitor the pandemic, assess the needs of our community, and work closely with community partners to address those needs.
- The Health Department’s Communicable Disease team is investigating every confirmed case of COVID-19 and guiding individuals, businesses, and organizations to prevent further spread of illness.
- The Joint Information Center is working to keep the community informed so all residents know how to stay healthy and access the resources they need.
- The Health Department began Phase 1a of the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan in December 2020. The Health Department continues to vaccinate healthcare workers as vaccine supply becomes available.
- The Health Department launched the Lake County AllVax Portal for residents to register to get notified when they are able to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine.
- The Health Department continues to provide services to the community to the greatest extent possible. For a full list of service modifications, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/healthclosures.
What are the actions taken by Lake County?
Lake County Government is focused on protecting the health and safety of the community and our employees while continuing to deliver services to the greatest extent possible for the people and organizations we serve. Lake County is encouraging customers to make payments and submit documents online where possible.
For information on how to contact departments and access services during this time, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/closures.
What does Lake County’s disaster proclamation mean for people?
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart signed a disaster proclamation on March 13, 2020, a proactive measure that will allow Lake County to access additional state and federal funding and resources for coronavirus (COVID-19) response efforts. The proclamation follows a recommendation by the Lake County Board of Health at its March 12 executive board meeting.
The proclamation is a procedural step that will ensure the County is able to access the resources, equipment and personnel needed to address changing circumstances. This is particularly necessary should the number of COVID-19 cases rise and the demands on County staff and partners continue to increase.
“This proclamation allows for greater collaboration with our local, state and federal partners,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "It also positions the County to access funding and support from the federal government when additional resources are necessary, and funding is made available.”
How many cases of COVID-19 are there in Lake County?
Please visit our website, www.lakecountyil.gov/coronavirus, for the number of cases in Lake County. This website is updated daily. To receive daily updates via email, subscribe here: http://bit.ly/lccovid-19
Where can I find a breakdown of COVID-19 cases by community?
The Lake County Health Department has developed a Coronavirus Data Hub that includes COVID-19 cases and deaths, a map that shows the distribution of cases by zip code, and demographic information of cases. The dashboard is updated daily: www.lakecountyil.gov/COVID19data
Why is Lake County not releasing the exact number of cases by community?
The main reason we use ranges in our Cases of COVID-19 by Municipality map is to protect privacy. Following Illinois state code, when we share health data, we make every effort to make sure an individual can’t be identified through the data we share.
If we shared that one person in a certain town has a rare disease, the chances of someone identifying that their friend or co-worker who live there are high. So when we are sharing the municipality, like we’ve done in our map, one way to protect individuals in that community is by sharing a range of numbers. In general, the smaller the number, the more easily a person can be identified.
We also believe that the case numbers do not represent everyone who is infected in Lake County. Many people have not been tested. Many people may have only mild symptoms and can recover at home, and many people have no symptoms at all.
What are the capacities of Lake County hospitals?
Can you elaborate on the underlying conditions of those who have died?
Health-related data, including which health conditions a person has, is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We can’t share that information. However, you can find more information about what underlying health conditions makes a person more vulnerable here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html
Who should get tested for COVID-19?
In Illinois, testing through the Illinois Department of Public Health lab is available without a doctor’s order. People who should consider getting tested include those who:
- Have COVID-19 symptoms
- Have had close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case
- Have risk factors such as compromised immune systems or serious chronic medical conditions
- Have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot socially distance as needed. Higher risk activities include work, travel, large gatherings, or crowded indoor settings.
What is the current status of testing in Lake County?
How much does testing cost?
On March 18, 2020, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act making testing for COVID-19 completely free. More information can be found here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6201/
Is antibody (serology) testing available in Lake County? Should I get an antibody test?
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Learn more. |
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases.
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
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Coronavirus Self-Checker: The CDC and Apple, in partnership with the White House and FEMA, developed a tool to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. Use the COVID-19 Screening Tool |
What should I do if I am sick?
If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow these steps to help protect yourself and other people in your home and community. |
General information on what you should do if you are sick can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
What can I do if I don’t have health insurance?
Please contact the Lake County Health Department at 847-377-8800.
How do I protect myself and others from COVID-19?
You can find detailed information on our webpage How to Protect Myself and Others
When will the COVID-19 vaccine be available to me?
Phase 1a: Healthcare Personnel and Long-Term Care Facility Residents
Currently, vaccine supply is limited. The Lake County Health Department continues to vaccinate Phase 1a, healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents by appointment only.
Phase 1b: Adults Ages 65 and Older and Frontline Essential Workers
Some local hospitals, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other partners began giving vaccines on a limited basis to Phase 1b, adults ages 65 and older and frontline essential workers, on January 25. The Lake County Health Department is offering appointments to seniors ages 65 and older at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
Learn more on our COVID-19 Vaccine page.
How do I register for the COVID-19 vaccine?
We are excited to let you know that the Lake County AllVax Portal is now open! Please register so we can notify you when it is time to make your appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.
To access the portal, visit AllVax.lakecohealth.org.
What can I do to lower my symptoms?
Information on what you should do if you are sick can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
Should I wear a mask?
Regardless of vaccination status, all people should continue to wear a mask:
- In healthcare settings
- In congregate settings
- On public transit
- In schools, daycares and educational institutions
For unvaccinated people:
- Masks should be worn any time you are traveling on a plane, bus, train, or other form of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
- People age 2 and older should wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in their household.
- Wear a mask inside your home if someone you live with is sick with symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19.
Is antibody (serology) testing available in Lake County? Should I get an antibody test?
What measures should families/schools/colleges take?
Protect yourself and your community from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
Preparedness guides for specific groups:
There are more groups who can follow the CDC guidelines- Workplaces
- Community- and Faith-Based Organizations
- Large Community Events and Mass Gatherings
- Healthcare Settings
- First Responders
- Homeless Shelters
- Travelers
For community resources, please call 2-1-1.
How do we protect vulnerable populations?
A list of individuals who are at a higher risk for severe illness can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html
Long-term care facilities in Lake County should follow Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Long-Term Care Facilities Guidance to protect their residents and staff.
What are nursing home facilities doing to protect the vulnerable population?
Information on Nursing Home Facilities response can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/long-term-care.html
Additional guidance for long-term care facilities is on the Illinois Department of Public Health website: http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus/long-term-care-guidance
I’m a healthcare provider. Should I still provide vaccinations for other vaccine-preventable diseases?
Immunizations for children are an essential healthcare function and should certainly continue. However, in doing so, clinics should take necessary precautions to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus.
For example, vaccine visits could be the first appointments scheduled in the morning, followed by sick visits in the afternoon. Alternatively, if your practice has several office sites, vaccinations should take place at a separate office site and sick visits at another. Additionally, screening of all children and those who accompany them should be done upon entrance into the clinic (i.e., temperature and symptom checks) and patients should be called before the visit to ensure they are free of symptoms and fever.
What is the help available for small business owners?
U.S. Small Business Administration (USBA) is also offering loans for businesses impacted by coronavirus. For more information on the loans, visit the USBA website.
Other FAQs and Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Illinois
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) FAQs
- Illinois.gov FAQs
- Restore Illinois FAQs
- Unemployment FAQs