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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

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Start here to learn how the City of Highland Park is responding proactively to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Find the most up-to-date press releases, key information about COVID-19, symptoms & reporting, and staying healthy, and information for businesses.

Latest News from the City of Highland Park: 
  • March 24, 2020: 2020 Spring Clean-Up Canceled; Bulk Item, E-Waste, and White Goods Collection Suspended (learn more)
  • March 24, 2020: City suspends Connector Bus service until further notice (learn more)
  • March 20, 2020: Governor Pritzker Issues Stay at Home Order (news update)
  • March 18, 2020: City of Highland Park Firefighter/Paramedics in Quarantine After Exposure to COVID-19 (press release)
  • March 18, 2020: City of Highland Park Suspends Walk-in Services at the Police Department (press release)
  • March 16, 2020: Mayor Rotering Issues Emergency Order (press release)  
  • March 16, 2020: Firefighter/Paramedics Self-Monitoring and Under Quarantine After Being Exposed to Patient With Possible COVID-19 (press release)
  • March 14, 2020: Declaration of emergency due to COVID-19 (statement from Mayor Rotering; video)
Essential Information:

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:
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing disaster assistance loans of up to $2 Million to help businesses through any disruption that may be caused by the coronavirus. The following links bulleted below provide important information on how to apply for an SBA loan.  Details of the program are available in a press release. 

For additional assistance on SBA Disaster Assistance Loans or the application, please contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800.659.2955 or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

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 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.