How to Protect Yourself and Others

Protect yourself and your community from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like coronavirus disease 2019. Everyone has a role to play in getting ready and staying healthy.

We encourage residents to take “everyday preventive actions” to prevent the spread of illness and to keep our communities healthy.

Practice Social Distancing

Social distancing is a set of actions you can take to avoid close contact with others to prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID‐19.

social-distancing-icon
  • Stay home as much as possible. 
  • Wear a face covering in public, when maintaining social distancing is difficult (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).
  • 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. 

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, please take extra actions to reduce your risk of getting sick. Learn more.

If You Are Feeling Sick

Stay home. If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, 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 can refer you to a testing site. 

If you do not have a primary care provider, please contact the Lake County Health Department at (847) 377-8800.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have or think you might have COVID-19. If possible, put on a face covering before medical help arrives.

Practice the 3 C’s - Clean, Cover, Contain

Clean

Clean

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
Cover

Cover

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
  • If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
Contain

Contain

  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Guidance and Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Prevent Getting Sick

Daily Life and Coping

People Who Need Extra Precautions

Planning and Preparedness