Latest News from the City of Highland Park:
- March 14, 2020: Declaration of emergency due to COVID-19 (statement from Mayor Rotering; video)
- March 13, 2020: All municipal buildings closed to the public effective March 16; Emergency City Council meeting called for March 14 (press release)
- March 12, 2020: Highland Park Public Library closed effective after close of business March 12; all digital and limited physical services remain accessible (press release)
- March 11, 2020: Highland Park Senior Center closed effective March 11; all non-essential public meetings canceled (press release)
- March 10, 2020: City Manager Ghida Neukirch provided an overview of COVID-19 and the City's emergency response at the regular meeting of the City Council (slides; video)
What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?
COVID-19, known informally as the coronavirus, is an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a new virus that was first detected in China in 2019. COVID-19 causes a respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms & Reporting in Lake County
The Lake County Health Department is closely monitoring this developing situation, and is providing updates on COVID-19 via the LCHD website as information becomes available.
If you are concerned about coronavirus exposure, contact your healthcare provider. If your healthcare professional believes there is cause for concern after assessing your health and history, the Lake County Health Department will follow up with you directly to provide further instructions.
If you do not have a healthcare provider, please contact the Lake County Health Department at 847.377.8000 to make an appointment to be seen at a Lake County Health Department clinic.
In emergencies, always dial 911.
Staying Healthy
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend taking the following steps to stay healthy and prevent the spread of illness:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Questions about COVID-19?
You may also contact the Illinois COVID-19 hotline with any questions you might have, either by phone at 1(800) 889-3931 or by email at dph.sick@illinois.gov.
Information for Businesses & Employers:
Employers play a key role in promoting healthy communities. The CDC recommends that employers encourage sick employees to stay home, especially if they have had a fever of 100.4°F or higher. Employees should be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning to work. For additional best practices, the CDC offers guidance for an informed response from employers. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has prepared a useful fact sheet for businesses and employers.
The Small Business Administration will be providing disaster assistance loans to help businesses through any disruption that may be caused by the coronavirus. Details of the program are available in a press release.
The CDC provides updates for business and leisure travelers as information becomes available. View CDC’s specific guidance for travelers at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/novel-coronavirus-china.
Special guidance for healthcare professionals is also available.
The information on this page is adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Lake County Health Department. Please contact your healthcare provider with questions about symptoms of COVID-19 or if you require medical advice for yourself or your family.