COVID-19 FAQs
Ask Your COVID-19 Questions
Lake County is posting videos featuring the top 10 questions on COVID-19 pertaining to our community. Submit your questions by emailing COVID19@lakecountyil.gov with the subject line "COVID-19 Video Question."
Note: The Health Department cannot offer medical advice or answer questions related to COVID-19 cases through this service. If you have personal medical questions, please contact your healthcare provider. This email is not monitored 24/7.
Lake County FAQs
North Suburban Region COVID-19 FAQs
Virtual Town Hall FAQs
Lake County Government has provided answers to your frequently asked questions from our Virtual Town Hall on May 7, 2020. You can view the document here.
Where do I find information about...
Lake County government closures: www.lakecountyil.gov/closures
Lake County Health Department service modifications/closures: www.lakecountyil.gov/healthclosures
General information about COVID-19
- Illinois State Hotline: 1-800-889-3931 / dph.sick@illinois.gov
- Illinois Department of Public Health website: http://dph.illinois.gov
- Illinois State Coronavirus Website: http://coronavirus.illinois.gov/
- CDC Website: www.coronavirus.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 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:
- Confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases: Call the Lake County Health Department’s Communicable Disease program at (847) 377-8130
- 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 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.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several Lake County departments have announced relief measures, including deadline extensions and fee waivers, for various services. Click here for more information.
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 municipality, and demographic information of cases. The dashboard is updated daily: www.lakecountyil.gov/COVID19data
It is safe to assume that every community in Lake County is impacted by COVID-19. The best way to prevent the spread is by following the 3 Ws:
Wear a mask
- Wear a mask or cloth face covering when you leave your home.
- Wear it anywhere that maintaining social distance is difficult, like the grocery store or office.
- Make sure your mask covers your mouth and nose.
Wash your hands
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- When soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Watch your distance
- Stay at least 6 feet away from people who don’t live in your home.
- Maintain your distance, even when people are wearing masks.
- Avoid close contact with others, especially people who are sick.
- Avoid crowds and confined spaces.
- Stay home when possible – this is still the safest option.
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.
Every community in Lake County is impacted by COVID-19. We all need to work together to prevent its spread by:
Wear a mask
- Wear a mask or cloth face covering when you leave your home.
- Wear it anywhere that maintaining social distance is difficult, like the grocery store or office.
- Make sure your mask covers your mouth and nose.
Wash your hands
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- When soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Watch your distance
- Stay at least 6 feet away from people who don’t live in your home.
- Maintain your distance, even when people are wearing masks.
- Avoid close contact with others, especially people who are sick.
- Avoid crowds and confined spaces.
- Stay home when possible – this is still the safest option.
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/groups-at-higher-risk.html
Who should get tested for COVID-19?
CDC information about who should get tested can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html
In Illinois, testing through the Illinois Department of Public Health lab is available without a doctor’s order for people who:
- Have COVID-19 symptoms
- Have had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case
- Have risk factors such as compromised immune systems or serious chronic medical conditions
Testing is also available for those with or without symptoms who:
- Work in a healthcare facility
- Work in correctional facilities, such as jails or prisons
- Serve as first responders
- Support critical infrastructure, such as grocery store, pharmacy, restaurant, gas station, public utilities, factory, childcare, and sanitation workers.
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 from COVID-19?
You can find detailed information from the CDC here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
Practice social distancing, also known as "physical distancing" - keeping a distance of 6 feet from others as much as possible.
Wear a cloth face covering in public where social distancing can be difficult to maintain, such as at the grocery store, pharmacy, and at work.
Follow the 3 Ws to avoid getting and spreading COVID-19:
Wear a mask
- Wear a mask or cloth face covering when you leave your home.
- Wear it anywhere that maintaining social distance is difficult, like the grocery store or office.
- Make sure your mask covers your mouth and nose.
Wash your hands
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- When soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Watch your distance
- Stay at least 6 feet away from people who don’t live in your home.
- Maintain your distance, even when people are wearing masks.
- Avoid close contact with others, especially people who are sick.
- Avoid crowds and confined spaces.
- Stay home when possible – this is still the safest option.
Is there a cure for COVID-19?
No. There is no specific medicine to prevent or treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A number of medications are being researched to determine if they are effective in reducing the severity of illness in COVID-19 patients.
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?
Cloth face cover FAQs: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html
Recent studies show that a significant portion of people who are infected with the novel coronavirus do not have symptoms (“asymptomatic”). Some people who are infected will develop symptoms later (“pre-symptomatic”). Both asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic people can transmit the virus to others in close proximity when they talk, sneeze, or cough.
In light of new data about how COVID-19 spreads, CDC recommends that people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth when visiting public places such as grocery stores and pharmacies, where proper social distancing is difficult to maintain. This is to protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms.
Cloth face coverings can be made from common household items, such as a t-shirt. Detailed instructions for creating a cloth face covering are available on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.
A video of the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, demonstrating a simple face covering option can be found on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tPx1yqvJgf4.
If you wear a mask or cloth face covering, please continue following social distancing guidelines, frequently wash your hands, and avoid touching your face. Follow instructions on how to wash and wear cloth face coverings correctly. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which are currently in short supply. Please save those critical supplies for healthcare workers and first responders.
Do homemade masks offer protection?
A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the person wearing it. The reason the CDC recommends cloth face coverings is primarily to protect the people around someone who is infected but does not have symptoms.
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/people-at-higher-risk.html
These groups should take extra precautions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/groups-at-higher-risk.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/healthcare-facilities/prevent-spread-in-long-term-care-facilities.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.
Source: https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/food-service-faqs#a3
Should I close my business?
On Friday, March 20th, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-10 requiring all Illinoisans to stay in their homes to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The order prohibits things like visiting other people’s homes (except to provide care or supplies) and gatherings of more than 10 people and closes all nonessential establishments, including most retail, recreation and entertainment businesses.
What is an Essential Business?
Business FAQ’s
Businesses who are able should take advantage of teleworking capabilities. Every business that can have employees work remotely should consider doing so immediately.