All Illinoisans age six months and older are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination! Look for appointments at:
The State of Illinois is currently operating in Phase 5.
In Phase 5, all sectors of the economy may reopen without restrictions (apart from masking requirements mandated by the CDC.)
Learn more.
Data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that Lake County is now experiencing medium community transmission of COVID-19.
Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19, and getting vaccinated helps protect yourself, your family, and your community, especially young children and at-risk, immunocompromised people. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and available at no cost to anyone age 12 and older. Find your vaccine at vaccines.gov.
COVID-19 testing is available at CVS and Walgreens pharmacies in Highland Park.
IDPH Testing
Free COVID-19 testing is provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health at convenient locations throughout the state. To find a COVID-19 testing site, visit dph.illinois.gov/testing.
Mobile testing sites may available in Lake County if there is a need. Find an IDPH mobile testing site.
Scams related to COVID-19 are increasing. Scammers may use telemarketing calls, text messages, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits to perpetrate COVID-19-related scams. The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) advises the public to remain alert and cautious when responding to any unsolicited contact or online posting. Many
scams target Medicare patients, with scammers trying to obtain your personal information, especially your Medicare Number. You can find
authoritative, official information about Medicare's response to COVID-19 at medicare.gov.
In particular, the following types of scams have been recently reported:
- Offers to purchase a COVID-19 vaccination card: these can only be provided by legitimate healthcare workers administering vaccines.
- Offers of a $200 Medicare prescription card: there is no such card.
- Scam COVID-19 vaccine surveys: callers fraudulently claim to offer money or gifts in exchange for your participation. Do not give your personal, medical, or financial information to callers.
- Fraudulent contact tracers: legitimate contact tracers will never ask for your Medicare number, financial information, or set up a COVID-19 test and collect payment information. COVID-19 testing is free.
- Fake grant programs or financial assistance: scammers have used hacked social media accounts to coerce individuals into providing their financial information in exchange for scam grants.
- Unapproved and illegitimate COVID-19 testing: scammers particularly target Medicare patients and ask for personal details.
HHS reminds Americans of the following safety tips:
- Do not post your COVID-19 vaccination card on social media. These cards may contain personally identifiable information that can be used to steal your identity.
- The COVID-19 vaccine is free. You cannot pay to obtain a vaccine faster.
- Only make appointments for COVID-19 vaccination or testing at official sites.
- Medicare will not call you to offer COVID-19 related products, services, or benefit review.
- Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies. FDA is monitoring fraudulent COVID-19 related products.
- If you receive a phone call claiming to be from Medicare and asking for personal information such as your Medicare Number or your Social Security number, hang up and call 1.800.MEDICARE.
If you believe you have been the victim of COVID-19 fraud, report it to:
The City is committed to supporting local businesses during the pandemic. Business assistance initiatives offer direct cash relief, eliminate administrative barriers, and provide promotional support.
Financial Aid for Restaurants & Retailers Grant Program
The City will reimburse up to 50% of eligible COVID-19 operational expenses for qualifying restaurants and retailers, up to a maximum of $5,000 for retailers and $10,000 for restaurants. Read more.
2021 Fee Waivers & Deferrals
- Registration fees for businesses occupying 7,000 sq. ft. or less are waived.
- Restaurant license fees are waived.
- 50% of liquor license fees for restaurants and hotels are waived, with payment of the balance deferred until June 30, 2021.
Read more.
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.
Detailed information about COVID-19 is available from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
County & State Metrics
The Lake County Health Department (LCHD) reports data for Highland Park. The COVID-19 Data Hub includes an interactive map of municipalities and provides information for incorporated and unincorporated areas. The Data Hub is updated once every business day, between 3:00 - 6:00 PM. Information available for each municipality includes a total range of confirmed cases and total population counts. LCHD also provides county-level statistics, including hospital admissions, testing turn-around time, total deaths, and demographic information for COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Regional COVID-19 Metrics are provided by the State of Illinois. Use this dashboard to view information for Region 9 (Lake and McHenry Counties.) This dashboard is updated daily and provides information regarding test positivity rates, hospital admissions increases, and hospital surge capabilities. IDPH will monitor these indicators to identify early but significant increases of COVID-19 transmission and may implement mitigation interventions if necessary.
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.
NorthShore University HealthSystem is responding to the COVID-19 situation with enhanced clinical and operational capabilities. Information from Highland Park Hospital and NorthShore is regularly available on their website. NorthShore asks residents experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, including fever, cough, difficulty breathing, changes to smell or taste, and others, to please contact the community health hotline at 847.432.5849 or begin an E-Visit through NorthShoreConnect.
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.
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.
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.
