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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.

Important News from the City of Highland Park:  This page was last updated on September 14, 2020. 

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.

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 prepared to respond 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. 

Staying Healthy
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Lake County Health Department 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.
As a reminder, the State of Illinois requires the use of face coverings when in public, where a six-foot distance from others cannot be maintained. More information about face coverings is available here. 

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.