COVID-19 Information
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Latest News & Updates
February 28, 2022:
Statewide Mask Mandate Lifted on Feb. 28
The City of Lake Forest no longer requires masks indoors at City facilities, in alignment with the Governor's decision to lift the statewide mask mandate. Mask requirements will continue where federally mandated, such as in healthcare settings, public transportation, long-term care facilities, and congregate settings. Businesses may choose to continue to implement more strict public health mitigations, including requiring masks.
August 27, 2021:
In response to a statewide rise in COVID-19 cases, Governor JB Pritzker announced that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces effective on Monday, August 30. In alignment with the Governor’s order, face coverings will be required indoors at all City facilities starting on Monday, August 30.
Governor Pritzker also announced vaccination requirements for individuals in high risk settings. All healthcare workers, Pre-K-12 teachers and staff, as well as higher education personnel and students will now be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
On Monday, August 23, the Pfizer vaccine (marketed as COMIRNATY) was the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive full FDA approval for people ages 16 and older. The Centers for Disease Control has stated that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and available to anyone age 12 and older. Visit the CDC pages Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines and Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine for more information. In honor of National Immunization Awareness Month, please consider getting vaccinated if you are eligible.
August 6, 2021:
Lake County is currently experiencing a "substantial" level of COVID-19 community transmission according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC recently released guidance advising individuals in communities with substantial and high transmission to wear a mask in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status.
- Masks are required in all PreK-12 schools and day cares
- Vaccinations are required for all state employees at congregate facilities
- Masks are required in all long-term care facilities across Illinois
June 11, 2021:
On June 11, Illinois moved to a full reopening, also known as Phase 5, the final phase of the Restore Illinois Plan. The state is eliminating all capacity limits on businesses, large-scale events, conventions, amusement parks, and all other venues. In alignment with CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear a face covering and non-vaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in City facilities.
May 16, 2021:
Following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear face coverings in most settings. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear a face covering in public settings when maintaining a six-foot distance from others is not practical. View the CDC’s guidance for vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
In alignment with federal and state guidance, face coverings continue to be required for all individuals regardless of vaccination status in health care settings, schools and daycare centers, congregate settings, and on public transportation. Businesses should follow current capacity limits and distancing guidelines provided in the state’s Bridge to Phase 5 plan.
Update from May 14, 2021:Governor Pritzker announced that Illinois will move into the "Bridge to Phase 5" on Friday, May 14, further increasing capacity limits for various types of business, retail, personal care services, festivals, events and social activities. Should metrics continue to improve, and the State's vaccination rate reaches 50% for Illinoisans age 16 and older, the State could move to Phase 5, or full reopening, on Friday, June 11.
Update from March 18, 2021:Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health announced a new update to the Restore Illinois Plan, introducing a new "Bridge Phase" designed to ease the transition from Phase 4 to Phase 5. Please click here to read the full press release, or click here to read the Bridge Phase summary.
Update from February 3, 2021:
Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health announce Region 9 (Lake Forest region) will move to Phase 4. Please click here to read the full press release.
Update from January 26, 2021:
Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health announce Region 9 (Lake Forest region) will move to Tier 1 mitigations. Please click here to read the full press release.
Update from January 18, 2021:
Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health announce Region 9 (Lake Forest region) will move from the most restrictive Tier 3 to Tier 2 mitigations. Please click here to read the full press release.
Update from January 15, 2021:
Following a decrease in COVID-19 test positivity rates and hospitalizations throughout Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker announced regions across the state are now eligible to move out of Tier 3 mitigations, the strictest tier of Illinois' resurgence mitigation plan, implemented shortly before Thanksgiving, in response to a surge of COVID-19 statewide and across the Midwest. Please click here to read the full press release.
Update from December 9, 2020:
The Lake County Health Department announces a COVID-19 vaccine registration process. Lake County residents may register on the Lake County AllVax Portal to be notified when a vaccine is available to them. Residents may register online through a secure portal or call the Lake County Health Department at 847.377.8130.
Update from November 17, 2020:
Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health announce all regions in Illinois will move to Tier 3 Mitigations beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020. Please click here to read the full press release.
Update from October 28, 2020:
Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health announce resurgence mitigations for Lake and McHenry Counties (Region 9) beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2020.
Please click here to read the full press release.
Update from July 15, 2020:
Please click here to see Actions to Combat a Resurgence of COVID-19.
Update from June 22, 2020:
Please click here to see Guidelines for re-opeing during Phase 4.
Update from May 24, 2020:
Please click here to see the Guidelines established by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity to support businesses as they plan for re-opening during Phase 3 of "Restore Illinois".
Update from May 5, 2020:
Please click here to see Governor's Pritzker's "Restore Illinois" 5-Phase Program.
The City of Lake Forest is closely monitoring the novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and appreciates the chance to help you be informed, and stay informed on what we are learning from local and regional sources.
Our top priority is the health, safety and welfare of our residents. Please dial 9-1-1 in cases of emergency only and call 847.234.2601 for non-emergencies.
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Vaccine Information
Vaccines are now more widely accessible in the U.S. Everyone ages 5 years and older is recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
Check out the CDC's Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines for more information.
COVID-19 vaccinations are free and widely available through a variety of trusted providers, including the Lake County Health Department, local pharmacies, and healthcare providers. To find a vaccination site near you, click here.
Current COVID-19 Data & Restrictions
For the most current data related to the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 and the Lake County Health Department COVID-19 Websites.
Lake County Coronavirus Data Hub
Statewide Reopening Metrics
Vaccine Administration Data