The Lake County Health Department has share their response and planning for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
As we prepare for an increased threat of COVID-19 in Lake County, please remember:
- Current risk to Illinois residents remains low, but the state and Lake County Health Department are taking steps to prepare. As of today, Illinois has two confirmed cases. These individuals have since recovered and thus, there are no known infectious Illinois residents at this time.
- Illinois became the first state to provide COVID-19 laboratory testing in state.
- Currently there is no vaccine available for COVID-19.
- In the absence of a vaccine or medication, Illinois will also utilize community mitigation strategies. Community mitigation aims to slow the spread of a novel virus in communities using nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) better known as “everyday preventive actions”, including staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and objects.
- The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is also assessing the availability of personal protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, and masks for health care workers. However, please remind our public that handwashing and staying away from those who are sick is more effective than wearing masks and gloves.
Please remember to follow “everyday preventive actions” to reduce your risk of getting the flu.