The executive health director in Lake County said that the county has not yet reached the peak of the coronavirus crisis as cases reached 819, including 17 deaths on Monday.
The Lake County Health Department reported 63 new cases of coronavirus and three new deaths since Sunday. This brings the total number of Lake County COVID-19 cases to 819, including 17 deaths as of Monday afternoon.
The three newest deaths include a man in his 60s, a man in his 80s, and a woman in her 90s — all who had underlying health conditions, a risk factor for severe illness from coronavirus.
All 17 of the coronavirus-related deaths in Lake County so far had underlying health conditions, according to Chris Covelli, a spokesman for the Lake County Joint Information Center.
“We are not yet at the peak of this outbreak, and we all need to continue our efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19,” Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister said.
“I will continue saying it—the stay home order is a serious matter. It is very important to stay home and if it is absolutely necessary to leave home, limit the number of people from your household who go out for errands, keep your time in public places to a minimum, maintain a 6 foot distance from other people, and wear a cloth face covering so you don’t spread illness to others,” Pfister said.
On Monday, the Lake County Health Department opened its Respiratory Illness Clinic for patients with symptoms of coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses.
It is located at the North Chicago Health Center, 2215 14th St in North Chicago, and is operated by the health department. Appointments are required and can be scheduled through the Patient Access Center at 847-377-8800.
Data provided by the Lake County COVID-19 Dashboard shows Waukegan has the highest number of cases with 145-149, followed by Highland Park with 65-69, Lake Forest with 50-54 and Zion with 45-49.
The Illinois Department of Public Health said the state’s COVID-19 total has reached 12,262 cases and 307 deaths on Monday. The number of people tested so far is at 62,942, data shows.
Lake County government has partnered with the United Way of Lake County to coordinate local volunteer opportunities in response to coronavirus. Those who wish to help can visit the United Way of Lake County website at 211lakecounty.org for more information.