City of Lake Forest, IL

The City of Lake Forest is closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.  Our priority is the health and safety of our residents, and we continue to work closely with local public health officials to stay informed on available resources and information.

For the most current status of 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. 

Media CenterView updates provided by Mayor George Pandaleon regarding the City's COVID-19 response, and other City updates.

Latest Message:  Friday, October 30, 2020



For a full list of the Mayor's previous videos, visit our online Video Center or YouTube video channel.

Special E-News & Press Releases

• April 24, 2020 News Release - "COVID-19 City of Lake Forest Local Business Grant Program"
• March 19,2020 News Release - "Lake Forest and Lake Bluff Acknoweldge First Local Cases of COVID-19"
• March 13, 2020 Special E-News Release - "Lake Forest Suspends all Non-Emergency Operations"
• March 13, 2020 Parks and Recreation E-News - "Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update"
• March 12, 2020 Special E-News Release - "Important Dickinson Hall News"
• March 11, 2020 Parks and Recreation E-News - "Important Information Regarding COVID-19"

Latest E-News Issues

• May 21, 2021 E-News - Updated Face Covering Guidance, COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids, Local Eagle Scout Constructs Flag Retirement Area, July 4th Festival and Fireworks, New Stories on Lake Forest Love, Public Meetings.
• May 14, 2021 E-News - Talking About COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids, Family Drive-In Movie Night, Community Solar details, the Elawa Farm Market opening, upcoming Public Meetings.
• May 7, 2021 E-News - the State's move to the Bridge Phase, local Pfizer Vaccination Clinics, Turning the Town Green for Mental Health Awareness, Gifts for Mom at Lake Forest Station, Upcoming City Meetings.
• April 30, 2021 E-News -  COVID-19 Updates, and news about Le Colonial restaurant, Lake Forest Station, Lake Forest Love blog, Lake Forest Schools Survey, Community Events, Public Meetings.
• April 23, 2021 E-News - Earth Day and Arbor Day updates, information about the Lake Forest Station pop-up shop, GO Lake Forest Bike Ride event, Deerpath Construction and Traffic updates, the Local Vaccination Event Upcoming City Meetings.
• April 16, 2021 E-News - COVID-19 Vaccine Updates, new hospitality and restaurant happenings, the Lake Forest Station pop-up shop reopens, Metra schedule changes, Summer camp registration, Fred Jackson Golf Outing, Upcoming City Meetings. 
• April 9, 2021 E-News - COVID-19 updates, COVID-19 vaccine update, Deer Path Middle School Vaccination Site, Library Listening Sessions, Lead Gala, Deerpath/41 Updates, Restaurant Week, Upcoming City Meetings.
• April 2, 2021 E-News - COVID-19 updates, Library Listening Sessions, Election Day voting, Deerpath/41 Updates, Upcoming City Meetings.
• March 26, 2021 E-News - Easter Eggstravaganza Rescheduled, Vote Early at City Hall through April 4, Expanded Hours at the Compost Center Beginning Tomorrow, The City's Financial Reporting Made Easy, Environmental Program sponsored by Green Minds on April 1, Earth Day Beach Cleanup Event is Sold Out, COVID Updates, Deerpath/41 Updates, Upcoming City Meetings.
• March 19, 2021 E-News - New Vaccination Clinic in Deerfield to serve Lake Forest residents, new vaccination phases announced by Governor Pritzker, Vote Early at City Hall beginning next week, Ragdale news, Earth Day Beach Cleanup Event, Lake Forest Celebrates 41 Years as a Tree City, Recycling reminders, Deerpath/41 Construction Updates, new Public Works Facebook Page, Upcoming City Meetings. 
• March 12, 2021 E-News - Spring Ahead this weekend, Short Videos on how to use the Lake Forest Now App, Nearby COVID Testing, Deerpath Golf Course Opens this Weekend, New Public Works Facebook Page, City Council Meeting on Monday, March 15, Vaccine Appointment Tips, Deerpath/41 Construction Updates, Paper Shredding Event reminder.
• March 5, 2021 E-News - Vaccinations at United Center, Nearby COVID Testing, Deerpath/41 Viaduct Updates, Rec Center Summer Camps Registration, Early Voting at City Hall begins March 22, Free Paper Shredding Event on April 17, "Project F_LL" offered by local school districts to establish ongoing collection and distribution of food for Lake County residents.
• February 26, 2021 E-News - COVID Testing in Highland Park on Saturday, Deerpath/41 Viaduct/Pump Station Updates, Lake Forest Now App, New Restaurants and Hotel Coming Soon, City Council Meeting on Monday, March 1, Passing of Former Mayor Waldeck, Lake Forest Love is now on Instagram, "Vaccine Buddies" Update, Upcoming City Meetings, Election Judges Needed for April Election.
• February 19, 2021 E-News - Announcing "Vaccine Buddies" program to help Seniors navigate COVID vaccine appointments, Deerpath/41 Viaduct/Pump Station Updates, Snow Removal Updates, Vaccine Information, Solar Energy Savings Reminders, Upcoming City meetings. 
• February 12, 2021 E-News - Vaccine Locations Updates, Allvax Portal Reminders, Q & A, "Our Own Winter Wonderland" video, Shop Local for Valentine's Day, Library re-opens for Grab and Go on February 15, City Council meeting on February 16, Sign up for Solar Energy Program, Upcoming City meetings. 
• February 5, 2021 E-News - Lake Forest moves to Phase 4 of the "Restore Illinois" program; Lake Forest Now Mobile App information, New Blog, New Website and New Service Request System, Deerpath/Rte. 41 Pump Station Project Updates, Lake Forest School Superintendent Search Survey, LEAD Fundraiser, Register for COVID-19 vaccine, Upcoming City meetings.
• January 29, 2021 E-News - New digital platforms launching in Lake Forest, Deerpath/Rte. 41 Pump Station Project Updates, Plastic bag recycling program announcement, Register for COVID-19 vaccine, Upcoming City meetings.
• January 26, 2021 E-News - Lake Forest moves into Tier 1 of Restore Illinois Plan, Snow Plowing and Salting Reminders, Vaccination Registration Information, Upcoming City meetings.
• January 15, 2021 E-News - Vaccine Registration Information, City Council meeting on January 19, Deerpath/41 Viaduct Update, CROYA mural time-lapse video, new COVID testing in Highland Park, Video of Lake County Town Hall featuring officials from Lake County Health Department.
• January 8, 2021 E-News - Chamber Business & Government Update on January 15, Lake County Town Hall Meeting on January 13, two new restaurants coming to Lake Forest in April, last weekend to shop at Lake Forest Station, changes in Metra schedule, safe snow salting tips, travel safety tips and COVID vaccination registration information.
• December 30, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, City offices closed on New Year's Day, new Lake Forest Business Support Program, Lake Forest Station updates, Pop-up Beach Cleanup Day, Safely Celebrate New Year's Eve
• December 18, 2020 E-News - Eat and Shop local for the holidays, Holiday Building Closures, Outdoor safety reminders, upcoming public meetings, COVID vaccine reminders and FAQ.
• December 15, 2020 E-News - "Light Up Lake Forest" video, holiday religious services, and Lake Forest Station updates.
• December 11, 2020 E-News - COVID Vaccine Registration Information, Outdoor activity safety tips, local holiday shopping opportunities, holiday Rec programs, CDC recommendations on celebrating the holidays safely, including religious services. 
• December 4, 2020 E-News - Holiday Shopping and local activities, Holiday Happenings at the Rec, Holiday Market at Elawa Opens, City Council Meeting on Monday, December 7, Deerpath/Route 41 Pump Station Project Update, Enhanced Coronavirus Data Hub, Celebrating the Holidays Safely, Testing Sites in Lake County
• November 27, 2020 E-News - Holiday Season Begins Today with many local activities, COVID test sites and FAQ
• November 20, 2020 E-News - Tier 3 Mitigation Takes Effect, Deerpath/Rte. 41 Viaduct Improvements, Lake Forest Station Pop-Up Shop to Open, Holiday Stroll in Market Square
• November 17, 2020 E-News - New COVID Mitigations Effective Friday, November 20
• November 13, 2020 E-News - IDPH Updates and Thanksgiving Guidelines, City Council Meeting on Monday, November 16, "Lake Forest Lights Up the Parks" Event on November 27, Community Solar Reminder, Recycling "De"-Contamination Rate Improves, CROYA's 40th Anniversary Book and Viaduct Mural Painting
• November 6, 2020 E-News - Finance Committee Capital Budget Workshop on Monday, November 9, Chamber of Commerce Holiday Button Contest, Veteran's Day Celebration, Upcoming City Meetings, Mobile Testing offred in Round Lake and Highwood.
• November 3, 2020 E-News - Election Day information, Pumpkin Recycling, Community Solar Update, CROYA Poinsettia Sales Underway
• October 30, 2020 E-News - A Video Message from the Mayor, Early Voting ends November 1, City Council Meeting on Monday, November 2, Ward Meeting Videos Online, Halloween Trick-or-Treating Reminders, CROYA News, Upcoming City Meetings, Illinois BIG Grants Available, New Mobile COVID Testing Sites in Lake County Offered, Metra Schedule News, ComEd Helping Hand program.
• October 29, 2020 E-News - Important COVID-19 Message from Mayor Pandaleon
• October 28, 2020 E-News - State to Impose Resurgence Mitigations in Lake County 
• October 23, 2020 E-News - COVID Updates, Ward Meeting and Trick-or-Treating Reminders, Upcoming City Meetings
• October 16, 2020 E-News - Virtual Finance Committee and City Council meetings, Election Information, Burr Oak Storm Sewer Project, Native Tree & Plant Sale, Community Solar, Upcoming Ward Meetings, Thanks to Crossing Guard Ralph, Trick-or-Treating reminders, IDPH Holiday Season Safety Tips, LCHD Adds Mobile Testing Sites.
• October 9, 2020 E-News - Warning Level Rises for Lake County, Voting Information, City provides additional support to LF businesses, LF named one of Top 14 Walkable Cities in the U.S., Census Deadline Extended to October 31, Spotlight on Parks & Recreation, Facing School 2020 Digital Exhibit
• October 2, 2020 E-News - City Council Meeting on Monday, October 5, Watch the Ward 2 meeting, Election Services at City Hall and Important Dates, GO Lake Forest Events, CROCtoberfest
• September 25, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, Time Change for Ward 2 Zoom Meeting, CROYA Re-opens with a Video from Manager Todd Nahigian, Halloween Programs
• September 18, 2020 E-News - City Council Workshop on Monday, September 21, State of Illinois Second Round of BIG Grant Funding, Halloween Programs and Tips, Ward Meeting Reminders, "My Metra" campaign launches
• September 11, 2020 E-News - New COVID data available specific to Lake Forest, Dickinson Hall update, 2020 Bagpipes and Bonfire with Pipers Appearing Throughout Lake Forest, Lake County Virtual Town Hall Meeting
• September 4, 2020 E-News - Celebrate the Holiday Weekend Safely, September 7 City Council Meeting, Fall Virtual Ward Meeting Information and a Census Video Reminder from Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart
• August 28, 2020 E-News - New Restaurant Rules, Mortgage Relieve from Illinois Housing Development Authority, ComEd Assistance, Abbott looking for workers for COVID test product, How to Identify a Census Taker, Things to Know about Receiving a Contact Tracing Call
• August 21, 2020 E-News - New Travel Guidelines from the IDPH, Contact Tracing Applicants Needed 
• August 14, 2020 E-News - 2020 Vehicle Sticker Reminder, Gratitude for Donations, Financial Assistance for Rent and Utility Bills, Waukegan COVID Free Drive-Thru Testing Site Reminder 
• August 7, 2020 E-News - New Coronavirus Emergency Rules issued by the Governor's Office, Property Tax Updates, City Phone Maintenance
• July 31, 2020 E-News - August 3 City Council Meeting, Lake Forest Day Cancellation and Video, Medline Distribution of Free PPE, Lake County Board Passes $75 Appropriation, Restore IL Sports Guidelines
• July 24, 2020 E-News - Beware of Scams, Beach Reminders, New Travel Guidance and Recommendations, Chamber Real Estate Forum
• July 17, 2020 E-News - Lunch with the Mayors Video, Updates to the Restore Illinois Plan, New Face Coverings Guidelines, Upcoming July 22 City Council Meeting, Ragdale receives CARES funding
• July 10, 2020 E-News - Waukegan Testing Site Update, Illinois Travelling Risk Metrics Map
• July 8, 2020 E-News - Metra Ridership Dashboard Launched, New Guidelines for Places of Worship
• July 6, 2020 E-News - Library Re-Opening Plans, Lunch with the Mayors Reminder, Applications for Small Business Assistance Grant Program Info, Sidewalk Sale Coming Up, Family Drive-In Movie Night
• July 1, 2020 E-News - Important Beach Weekend Info, Playground and Facilities Re-Openings, July 4 Safety Notes
• June 29, 2020 E-News - Updated Phase 4 Guidelines, July 4 Holiday Schedules, Lake County's Small Business Recovery Program
• June 26, 2020 E-News - Lake Forest Enters Phase 4 - What's Open and What's Closed, Take the Environmental Sustainability Committee Survey
• June 24, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, Summer Rec Programs and Camps Begin July 6, What's Open in Lake Forest?, Metra Train and Real Estate Transfer Tax Updates
• June 22, 2020 E-News - Moving into Phase 4 this Friday, Virtual Lunch with the Mayors, Beware of Contact Tracing Scams
• June 17, 2020 E-News - Beach Open for Swimming, Lake County Town Hall Meeting, New Cases of COVID-19 in Lake County down
• June 15, 2020 E-News - City Council Meeting, Senior Freeze Homestead Exemption, Homestead Exemption for Persons with Disabilities, Homestead Exemption for Veterans With Disabilities 
• June 12, 2020 E-News - Wildlife Discovery Center and Elawa Farm Garden Market Re-Open, City Council Meeting next Monday
• June 10, 2020 E-News - CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund information, Sign up for the Library's eNews, COVID-19 Community Forum Video
• June 8, 2020 E-News - Rec Summer Camp and Fitness Center Info, Deerpath Golf Course Patio Re-Opens, Recycling Reminders
• June 4, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, Municipal Services Building and City Hall Re-Open, COVID-19 Community Forum Video, Update from Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Waukegan COVID Testing Site Relocates, Administrative Hearings Resume
• June 1, 2020 E-News - Safety in LF during civil unrest and looting, City Council Meeting tonight, COVID-19 Community Forum Reminder, Library Update 
• May 29, 2020 E-News - Lake Forest Enters Phase 3 of the "Restore Illinois Plan" - restaurants, retailers and other businesses may now open with restrictions, COVID-19 Community Forum Info
• May 27, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, COVID-19 Virtual Community Forum on June 2, Welcome New Aldermen, Lake Forest Coming Back Together, Metra News
• May 22, 2020 E-News - Compost Center Re-Opening on May 30, Expanded Outdoor Dining Explored, COVID-19 Community Forum, Beach and Memorial Day Reminders 
• May 20, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, Beach Opening on Saturday, May 23, Memorial Day Information
• May 18, 2020 E-News - Tonight's City Council Meeting, Memorial Day Information
• May 15, 2020 E-News - Beach Prep for Opening, City Draft Comprehensive Fiscal Plan, City Council Meeting next Monday
• May 13, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, Beach Status, Coronavirus Testing Site in Waukegan, Property Tax Information
• May 11, 2020 E-News - Damage at the Beach, Tennis Courts to Re-open Wednesday, Elawa Farm Virtual Garden Market
• May 8, 2020 E-News - Emergency Rental Assistance, Re-Think Recycling, A Packard Parade at Lake Forest Place, Open Lands Virtual Fundraiser
• May 6, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, Governor Pritzker's "Restore Illinois", New Recycling Campaign, Updated FAQs for Businesses and Operations
• May 4, 2020 E-News - Tonight's City Council Meeting ("Change of the Guard"), Lake County COVID-19 Town Hall Meeting Announcement, Grants available for Small Business and Not-for-Profits 
• May 1, 2020 E-News - Deerpath Golf Course Opens, Beach Update, May 4 City Council Meeting Info, CDC "Re-opening" Guidelines, May Administrative Hearing Postponed
• April 30, 2020 E-News - Warm Weather Reminders for Safety, Stay at Home Order Modifications
• April 29, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, Ward Meeting Cancellation Reminder, Classic Car Show Information
• April 28, 2020 E-News - Census Reminder, Vehicle Sticker Updates
• April 25, 2020 E-News - Deerpath Golf Course News, PPP Available for Small Businesses, Modified RETT Procedures
• April 24, 2020 E-News - Local Business Grant Program Details and Application, Chamber Webinars for Small Businesses, Native Plant & Tree Sale
• April 23, 2020 E-News - Governor Extends Stay at Home Order
• April 22, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, Earth Day News
• April 21, 2020 E-News - View City Meetings, Etiquette on Parks & Trails
• April 20, 2020 E-News - Tonight's City Council Meeting, Arbor Day Trees
• April 17, 2020 E-News - Governor's School Order, #wearehereforyouLF
• April 16, 2020 E-News - Important Sanitation Info and Hospital Updates
• April 15, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor
• April 14, 2020 E-News - Virtual City Council Meetings Coming Up
• April 13, 2020 E-News - Thank You from Fire Chief, CDC Updates
• April 11, 2020 E-News - Governor and Chamber Updates
• April 10, 2020 E-News - Hospital Update, Census Reminder 
• April 9, 2020 E-News - A Note from the Mayor, Vehicle Sticker Info
• April 8, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, Temporary Closure of Lake Forest Beach, An Inspirational Video from the Chamber
• April 7, 2020 E-News - Virtual City Council Success, Warm Weather Reminders, CDC Face Mask Recommendations
• April 6, 2020 E-News - Tonight's City Council Meeting, A Note from the Hospital, Grocery Shopping Amid COVID-19 
• April 4, 2020 E-News - Virtual City Council, Mayor Declares Local State of Emergency, Recommendations from the CDC
• April 3, 2020 E-News - Virtual City Council, Avoiding Scams!, Helping First Responders  
• April 2, 2020 E-News - Yesterday’s Mayor’s Message, Train Station Building Closure, Parks and Trails Information
• April 1, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, Home Buying Update, How to help Lake Forest Hospital
• March 31, 2020 E-News - Stay as Home Order extended Through April 30
• March 30, 2020 E-News - Social Distancing,  How Can you Help?,  Interactive Lake County Map
• March 28, 2020 E-News - Message From the Mayor, While at Home, Do’s and Don’ts When Leaving the House
• March 27, 2020 E-News - Do’s and Don’ts of Social Distancing, Small Business and Non-Profit resources, Online City Services
• March 26, 2020 E-News - Mayor’s Message: City-Wide Participation, Lake county Data Release, State and Local Resources
• March 25, 2020 E-News - Lake County Data Release, Ward Meetings Postponed, Landscape Maintenance Essential Service
• March 24, 2020 E-News - Great American Takeout!, Virtual Rec Center
• March 23, 2020 E-News - A Message from the Mayor, Thanks from the Hospital, Beware of Scams!
• March 21, 2020 E-News - Illinois Stay at Home Order, Parks and Trails Information, Police and Public Works reminders  
• March 20, 2020 E-News - Shelter in Place Order, Police Department Public Notice, A Note from the Hospital
• March 19, 2020 E-News - Message from Lake Forest Hospital
• March 19, 2020 E-News - Alternate Metra Schedules Announced
• March 18, 2020 E-News - Available City Services and Operations 
• March 17, 2020 E-News - Update on City Services and Operations, Safety Reminders