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COVID-19 Information

For the latest information and to learn more about the current status of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our links below.

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Latest News & Updates

What is the latest COVID-19 update?

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.

 
The vaccines are safe and highly effective against severe illness and death, but wearing masks while indoors will help prevent infections among those who cannot be vaccinated, including children under age 12 and individuals with compromised immune systems.
 
At a COVID-19 update on Wednesday, August 4, Governor Pritzker reported that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in Illinois due to the Delta variant, with a 10x increase in cases since the summer low. Governor Pritzker announced the following actions to combat the Delta variant in hopes of preventing a fall surge:
  • 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
Individuals who are not vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear a mask indoors. Businesses can require face coverings and social distancing as they deem appropriate. Please be respectful and follow the requirements of individual businesses.
 
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. Find your vaccine today.


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.

Consistent with CDC guidance, fully vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons are required to wear a face covering in certain situations including (1) on public transportation, planes, buses, trains, and in transportation hubs such as airports and train and bus stations; (2) in congregate facilities such as correctional facilities and homeless shelters; and (3) in health care settings. Individuals in schools and day cares must also continue to wear face coverings per guidance issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.


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.

Sign up for our E-news, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for City COVID-19 updates and other city information.

Vaccine Information

Who can get vaccinated now?
COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and critical for our return to normal life.

Vaccines are now more widely accessible in the U.S. Everyone ages 5 years and older is recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
What is the cost of the vaccine?
There is no cost for the vaccine.  However, vaccination providers will be able to charge an administration fee for giving the shot. Vaccine providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patient’s public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration at the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Is the vaccine safe?
Vaccine safety is a top priority. Before a vaccine is authorized for any age group, data from clinical trials is reviewed to assure the vaccine is safe and effective. The COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are safe for the ages included in the authorization. 

Check out the CDC's Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines for more information.
Where can I learn more about the vaccine?

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

What restrictions are currently in place for Lake Forest?
As of February 28, 2022, 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. 
Where can I find current COVID-19 case data and resources?
The City of Lake Forest, along with its public health partner agencies, is closely monitoring key indicators to identify early but significant increases of COVID-19 transmission in Lake County, and the City of Lake Forest.

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


Stay Informed!

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