Last Updated June 1, 2020
There's a lot to keep up with. This is what you must know:
- Our region has progressed to a less restrictive phase of the Restore Illinois plan based on improving COVID-19 health outcomes.
- While we are safer than we were on March 21, we are not safe.
- You are required to wear a cloth face covering or mask in public places.
- COVID-19 is actively being transmitted in our community. Take every precaution.
Relaxed Rules in Phase 3 of Restore Illinois
On May 29th, Governor Pritzker formally moved our region to Phase 3 under the Restore Illinois plan. This sign of progress means that a number of COVID-19 related restrictions are relaxed in our community. Changes include:
- Social gatherings and many types of outdoor activities will be permitted in groups of 10 or fewer.
(These are still possibilities to transmit the virus, especially if people ignore social distancing.) - Thousands of people will return to work and businesses will reopen, including retailers, offices, manufacturers, physical fitness facilities, barbershops and salons. (People who can work from home should continue to do so.)
- Travel can resume subject to IDPH and CDC guidelines.
- Limited child care and summer programs can open.
- Bars and restaurants can open outdoor seating.
Some things haven't changed. You should continue to:
- Stay at least six feet from members of other households.
- Wear a face covering when in public.
- Refrain from handshakes, hugs, and other physical contact.
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, especially when leaving or returning home.
- Stay home if you are feeling ill.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often (daily at home).
For more information:
Restore Illinois: A Public Health Approach To Reopen Our State
On May 5th, Governor Pritzker released Restore Illinois, a five-phase regionalized public health plan to reopen the state. The phases are:
- Phase 1 (Rapid Spread): Strict stay at home and social distancing guidelines are put in place, and only essential businesses remain open.
- Phase 2 (Flattening): Non-essential retail stores reopen for curb-side pickup and delivery. Illinoisans are directed to wear a face covering when outside the home and can begin enjoying additional outdoor activities like golf, boating, and fishing while practicing social distancing.
- Phase 3 (Recovery): Manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops, and salons can reopen to the public with capacity and other limits and safety precautions. Gatherings of up to 10 people allowed.
- Phase 4 (Revitalization): Gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed. Restaurants, bars, childcare, and schools can all reopen under guidance from IDPH.
- Phase 5 (Illinois Restored): The Illinois economy fully reopens with safety precautions continuing.
Currently, our region is in Phase 3. The State evaluates phase changes regionally based on the rate of positive COVID-19 tests, hospital admissions for COVID-19, and available surge capacity for hospitals. For more information:
All About Face Coverings
Both statewide and local emergency orders require that you wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth when in public places where you cannot maintain six feet of social distance from others.
Wearing face coverings will help safely reopen our local businesses and activities. COVID-19 is still a serious threat to your health and the health of those around you. Wearing a face covering reduces the risk that others will contract COVID-19 if you have the virus but do not have symptoms. It is still important to take precautions.
You will need to wear a face covering if you are:
- Working in or patronizing essential businesses open to the public.
- Shopping for necessary supplies and services.
- Visiting healthcare professionals.
- Riding in public transportation, taxis, or ride shares.
You are not required to wear a face covering if you are:
- A child younger than two years old.
- Someone who cannot safely wear a face covering (for example, due to a health condition).
- Engaging in outdoor recreational activity while six feet from members of other households at all times.
- Riding in personal automobiles alone or with household members.
- Remaining at home or in a private space with members of the same household.
Not everyone has a face covering or is used to wearing one. Here are some tips:
- The covering does not need to be a manufactured mask; it can be a scarf, a bandana, or a mask you make at home.
- The most effective masks have multiple layers of fabric and are opaque (do not show light) when held up to a light source.
- Do not use surgical masks or N95/KN95 respirators. These supplies are needed for health care workers and critical infrastructure.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing the mask. Make sure to wash your hands immediately after removing it. Clean the mask frequently by using a washing machine.
Lake Bluff businesses are encouraged to post prominent notices to guests, such as these:
- 8.5" x 11" - color or black and white
- 11" x 17" - color or black and white
What we know about the COVID-19 coronavirus
Our understanding of COVID-19, and how to prevent it, is changing rapidly. This is the best information we have today from the Illinois Department of Public Health, in about 200 words:- The spread of COVID-19 is primarily by people who are in close contact by respiratory droplets. There is some evidence that suggests that even people who do not feel sick can spread the virus. This is why it is important to maintain social distance of six feet from others and to avoid contact like handshakes. People can also contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus, followed by touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
- Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 commonly include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Preliminary data suggest older adults, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems seem to be at greater risk of developing serious illness.
- If you are sick and have respiratory symptoms, stay home unless you need medical attention. Remain in your home until you feel better and have no symptoms. Keep in mind there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill can isolate at home. While at home, as much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people.
- Those who need medical attention should contact their health care provider who will evaluate whether they can be cared for at home or need to be hospitalized. You should call ahead if you need to visit a medical provider.
For the most current health information, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health's website. For specific information about the spread of COVID-19 in Lake County, including the counts of laboratory-confirmed cases in each community, visit the Lake County Health Department dashboard.
What you can do to stay safe
Social Distancing. The most effective tool we have to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to reduce social contact with each other. That means...- Keeping six feet of distance from others outside the home.
- Avoiding all gatherings with members of other households.
- Avoiding close contact like shaking hands or hugs.
- Working from home or teleworking.
- Avoiding shopping at peak hours and taking advantage of delivery and pickup services.
- Avoiding public transit.
- Calling to check on family, neighbors, and older adults instead of visiting.
At-Risk Populations. Preliminary data about COVID-19 suggests that older adults and people with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems seem to be at greater risk of developing serious illness. Everyone must home and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, but these people - and people that live with them - should be extremely cautious.
Prevention. Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as:
- Wearing a cloth face covering (such as a mask) while outside the home.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially when leaving home or returning home.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throwing the tissue in the trash.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces.
- Staying home when you are sick except to get medical care.
Press releases and announcements
March 19, 2020 - Lake Forest and Lake Bluff Acknowledge First Local Cases of COVID-19March 18, 2020 - Lake Bluff Declares Emergency; Orders Closure of Physical Fitness Facilities
March 13, 2020 - Lake Bluff Government Agencies Act to Prevent COVID-19 (Facility Closures)
