The Lake County Health Department recorded 42 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, bringing the total countywide to 264 cases with 2 dead.
The Lake County Health Department also said that several people tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the North Shore Christian Quad City Revival last week in North Chicago.
The event took place March 15 through March 20. Anyone who attended the event and is experiencing symptoms is asked to stay home.
Health officials noted that it is not necessary to be tested for coronavirus just because they attended the event. Those who experience worsening symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
“I can’t emphasize it enough – stay home and if it’s essential you leave, social distancing is a must,” Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister said.
“It is safe for everyone to assume COVID-19 is in every community. Close interactions with an infected person will likely result in the spreading of the virus to yourself and others, so please do your part to slow the spread,” Pfister said.
A majority of coronavirus cases in Lake County are concentrated in residents who live in the southeastern part of the county.
Highland Park leads the county with 40-44 cases, followed by Lake Forest with 35-39 cases, Deerfield with 20-24 cases, and Libertyville with 15-19 cases, data shows.
On Friday, Lake County Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper and the Lake County Health Department announced the first two coronavirus-related deaths in the county.
“Our deepest condolences go out to their families during this difficult time. This is truly a tragedy. Please know that the Lake County Coroner’s Office is working closely with our county emergency management team, area hospitals, and funeral homes during this terrible pandemic,” Cooper said.
The two deaths include a Lake County man in his 50s who died Tuesday evening at a local hospital and a Lake County woman in her 90s who died at a local hospital early Friday morning.
Both residents had tested positive for COVID-19 and had underlying health conditions.