Lake County, IL. - The Lake County Health Department is reporting 15 new cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Lake County since Saturday afternoon. This brings the total number of Lake County residents testing positive for the disease to 80 since the first Lake County case was identified on March 11, 2020.

“Please be vigilant against the spread of this disease by staying home,” said Mark Pfister, Lake County Health Department Executive Director. “If you do need to go out, whether to provide an essential service to our community, to purchase necessities, or to receive medical care, take every precaution to distance yourself at least six feet away from others, cover your cough or sneeze, and wash your hands frequently.”

While public demand for COVID-19 testing remains high, testing is currently only available to high-risk individuals, including people currently hospitalized and those who live or work in congregate settings like long-term health facilities or group homes.

“Let me be perfectly clear – at this time, testing is not available in Illinois for everyone who wants it,” Pfister emphasized. “Instead, everyone needs to follow the ‘stay at home’ order issued by our governor and take social distancing seriously. Together, we can prevent the spread of this highly infectious virus to others.”