Last Updated March 27, 2020, 5 p.m.
There's a lot to keep up with. This is what you must know:
- Stay home. This is mandatory with only limited exceptions described below.
- COVID-19 is actively being transmitted in our community. Take every precaution. Do not delay.
- Social gatherings of any size place our community in danger, whether they are occurring in public parks or private homes.
Governor Pritzker's 'Stay Home' Order:
Governor Pritzker's Executive Order No. 10, issued Friday, March 20, instructs Illinois residents to stay at home and orders that all non-essential businesses and operations must cease as of 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Here's a summary:- Grocery stores, delivery services, restaurant take-out and delivery services, pharmacies, gas stations, and many other essential business will continue to operate. There is no need to rush to the store or stockpile goods. There will continue to be enough for everyone, but only if families buy what they reasonably need.
- Residents can only leave their home: for their health and safety; for necessary supplies and services; for outdoor activity; to continue to work in essential businesses; and to take care of others.
- All public and private gatherings, with very limited exceptions, must cease.
- When outside the home, businesses and residents must practice social distancing including six-feet separation from others; washing hands frequently; covering coughs and sneezes; and not shaking hands.
Most Lake Bluff residents have been taking this seriously, and the Governor's order just makes mandatory what is already happening in our community. The situation is dire: Stay home and stop the spread of COVID-19.
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 200 words:- The spread of COVID-19 is primarily by people who are in close contact by respiratory droplets. This is why it is important to maintain social distance of 6 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 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Preliminary data suggest older adults 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 labratory-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...- Staying home and avoiding non-essential travel.
- Keeping 6 feet of distance between each other outside the home.
- Avoiding close contact like shaking hands or hugs.
- Avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people.
- 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. Everyone can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases by:
- 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.
Local actions and news:
Your Village Government:
- The Lake Bluff Park District has closed all facilities and offices to the public. Public parks remain open. Playgrounds will be closed no later than Saturday, March 21 at 5 p.m. as required by the "Stay Home" order. The District is also providing a Workout of the Day each day on their Facebook page.
- The Lake Bluff Library has closed all facilities and offices to the public. No materials may be returned, and late fees will be waived. The Library has digital books and resources available from home, and you can now get a library card online if you're a Lake Bluff resident.
- Lake Bluff Schools, including Lake Bluff School District 65 andLake Forest High School District 115, have been closed by order of the Governor until at least April 8.
- Dickinson Hall, the area’s senior center, has closed all facilities and offices to the public.
- Lake Bluff Village Hall will accept visitors only by prior appointment. You can call us or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- All scheduled public meetings are cancelled. Special meetings may be called as needed. Notice of any special meeting will be provided as soon as practicable and as required by law. State law has been suspended to allow public meetings to be performed without members physically present.
- Vehicle stickers, business licenses, and liquor licenses will all be extended without penalty.
In The Community:
- Restaurants in the Village continue to operate with carry-out, curbside, and delivery service. By order of the Village President, all restaurants can now sell alcohol in conjunction with carry-out and curbside orders. Here's a list of open restaurants or, if you prefer, a more interactive guide.
- The Chamber of Commerce is selling gift certificates to local businesses.
- Blood donations are down due to the COVID-19 emergency but are still needed in our hospitals. Lake Bluff's own Vitalant is accepting donors by appointment. Please consider scheduling a donation.
- Small businesses and their employees affected by COVID-19 are eligible for aid, including:
- The Small Business Administration is providing disaster loans for businesses. The State of Illinois is also offering small business loans as well as grants for small hospitality businesses. Additionally, some small hospitality businesses may remit their sales taxes late without penalty.
- Employees laid off because of COVID-19 or who have to stay home to provide childcare are eligible for unemployment insurance. While each case is unique, many unemployment applicants will receive payments without a waiting period and do not have to actively seek employment if they plan to return to their jobs after this emergency.
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)
