Community Guidance and Resources


Celebrating the Holidays Safely

As cases continue to increase rapidly in Lake County and across the United States, the safest way to celebrate the holidays this year is at home with only the people you live with.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and isolating for many people. The upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. This holiday season, consider how you can modify your holiday plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19. For ideas on how to keep yourself and your friends, family, and community healthy and safe, visit our 'Same greetings, new meetings' holiday page.

Virtual gatherings are the safest way to celebrate with other households. If you do choose to gather with others in-person, consistently follow the 3 Ws: Wear a mask, Wash your hands, Watch your distance. Learn more from the CDC about general considerations for the holidays.

Tier 3 State mitigations take effect Friday, November 20

The Lake County Health Department is urging the public to avoid social gatherings and stay home as much as possible to slow the rapid resurgence of COVID-19.

On November 17, 2020, the State and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that all regions in the State will move into Tier 3 mitigations—measures implemented to slow the spread of the virus—as of 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020.

Tier 3 mitigations include limiting social gatherings to members of your immediate household only, as well as restrictions on retail, personal care, health and fitness centers, hotels, manufacturing, bars and restaurants, meetings and events, recreational activities, theaters and cultural institutions. The purpose of these mitigations is to limit indoor gatherings where the virus can easily spread from person to person. Read Tier 3 FAQs.

COVID-19 Conference Calls

COVID-19 Conference Calls

The Lake County Health Department hosts monthly conference calls to provide COVID-19 updates to businesses, faith leaders, and municipal leaders. Please join us to stay informed, ask your questions, and find the answers you need to navigate this challenging time.

Sign up or view audio recordings and notes from our previous calls

Businesses and Employers

Businesses and Employers

Communities and Faith-Based Organizations

Communities and Faith-Based Organizations

First Responders and Law Enforcement

First Responders and Law Enforcement

Healthcare Providers and Hospitals

Healthcare Providers and Hospitals

Schools and Childcare Programs

Schools and Childcare Programs

Travelers

Travelers


Businesses and Employers

Businesses and Employers

Guidance

Resources


Communities and Faith-Based Organizations

Communities and Faith-Based Organizations

Guidance

Resources


First Responders and Law Enforcement

First Responders and Law Enforcement

Guidance

Resources


Healthcare Providers and Hospitals

Healthcare Providers and Hospitals

The Health Department is directing people who think they have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, to call their primary care provider. Please contact the Lake County Health Department Communicable Disease program to arrange for the patient to be assessed if they meet the criteria for a Persons Under Investigation (PUI).

Guidance

Resources


Schools and Childcare Programs

Schools and Childcare Programs

Guidance

Resources


Travelers

Travelers

Travel

To limit the spread of COVID-19, the Lake County Health Department recommends avoiding all non-essential travel at this time.

COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the country, including in Illinois and in Lake County. We recommend avoiding all non-essential travel at this time. 

Remember that wherever you go, you should always follow public health guidelines - the 3 Ws - to reduce your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19:

  • Wear a mask
  • Wash your hands
  • Watch your distance 

Do these things consistently to lower your risk. If you are returning from travel and have not followed the 3 Ws, please consider a 14-day self-quarantine to keep our communities safe. This is not a mandatory quarantine or public health order.

Updated 8/04/2020, 1:30 p.m.

International Travel

COVID-19 is spreading worldwide. CDC recommends avoiding all nonessential international travel. If you must travel, follow the recommendations in the Global COVID-19 Pandemic Notice, in addition to any travel health recommendations provided on the webpage for your destination.

Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for severe disease. These groups should consider postponing nonessential travel and avoid situations that put them at increased risk for more severe disease. This entails avoiding crowded places, avoiding non-essential travel such as long plane trips, and especially avoiding embarking on cruise ships.

Guidance

Basic tips for travelers include:

  • Travelers should avoid contact with sick people and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Travelers should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.
  • Travelers that are sick with fever, cough, or have trouble breathing should stay home and call ahead before seeking medical care.