The Lake County Health Department is reporting an upward trend in new Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) cases among teenagers and young adults in the past two weeks. Since June 25, 2020, cases reported in Lake County residents under age 30 have been rising while cases in the general population have remained steady.
“During our case investigations, we are finding that many young people who attended social gatherings with their friends have become infected with COVID-19,” said Dr. Sana Ahmed, Medical Epidemiologist for the Lake County Health Department. “Youth are just as likely as adults to get and spread this virus, and your risk is higher if you and those you spend time with are not following social distancing, handwashing, and masking guidelines. We ask that everyone continue to take these risks seriously and contact the Health Department if you think you have been exposed. We need your help to keep this virus under control.”
The Lake County Health Department is working closely with Lake Zurich High School after multiple cases were identified among athletic camp participants. At the recommendation of public health officials, Lake Zurich High School has suspended athletic camps until further notice. Participants of the poms, football, and baseball camps have been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. The Health department is also working with Vernon Hills High School after an individual participating in athletic activities tested positive for COVID-19 this week. Thorough case investigations and contact tracing are underway at both schools to identify cases and assure that any students and staff who were in close contact with a confirmed case are quarantined, monitoring for symptoms, and getting tested if they are determined to be at risk.
“We urge our students, parents, and the entire community to respond immediately if you are contacted by the Lake County Health Department, as time is very critical in our contact tracing process,” said Dr. Ahmed. “Our staff is here to provide you with guidance and support. Your assistance in the process helps us slow the spread of COVID-19, protecting your own household and the community.”
If you feel you have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider or call the Lake County Health Department’s Communicable Disease program at (847) 377-8130 for guidance on quarantine and testing.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms typically develop 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. A list of COVID-19 symptoms can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Some people with COVID-19 may have no symptoms at all and may still be able to spread the virus to others.
Continue to follow these steps to reduce your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19:
Maintain a distance of 6 feet from others when you go out in public.
Wear a face covering or mask when social distancing cannot be maintained.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid crowds or large gatherings.
Stay home if you are ill except to receive medical care.
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