Donated Supplies Sought As Lake County Coronavirus Count Rises

WAUKEGAN, IL — The number of Lake County residents to have tested positive for the new coronavirus stood at 111 as of Tuesday afternoon, but public health officials warned of more undetected cases due to a lack of available tests for the "highly infectious" virus.

Nearly 10,000 people in Illinois have been tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new strain of the coronavirus that first emerged in December in Wuhan, China, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Of those to have received a test in Illinois, there were 1285 confirmed cases and 12 deaths.

Patti Corn, emergency response coordinator for the Lake County Health Department said the number of people infected is higher, and it is safe to assume people with coronavirus are in every community throughout the county.

"Testing for the COVID-19 right now is extremely limited in Illinois to those who are hospitalized and those who live or work in high-risk, congregate settings, such as a nursing home. So because testing is really limited, we know that the number of cases being reported is not representative of all people who are ill," Corn said.

Public demand for coronavirus tests is high, but it is not yet available to everyone who wants it.

"The testing guidelines will be relaxed as tests become available," Corn said.

The health department has been focused on stocking up on supplies of personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves and gowns for those treating coronavirus patients.

"We're really working with the long-term care hospitals and first responders to make sure we have adequate supplies in the county. That seems to be the number one job this week," Corn said. "Everybody just needs to be patient on the testing."

Coronavirus In Illinois: March 24 Update Don't miss updates about precautions in the Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Anyone who has protective equipment to donate to medical professionals and emergency personnel was asked to email PPE.Donations@Illinois.gov with details about what is available. The Illinois Manufacturers Association is also asking those with the ability to donate or provide essential material needed during the COVID-19 to respond to an online survey to connect supplies with needs.

Public health officials urged residents to follow the governor's executive order to practice social distancing — staying at home or at least six feet away from others when possible to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting the virus.

"Let me be perfectly clear — at this time, testing is not available in Illinois for everyone who wants it. Instead, everyone needs to follow the 'stay at home' order issued by our governor and take social distancing seriously. Together, we can prevent the spread of this highly infectious virus to others," Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister said in a release.

"We all have a role in protecting the people we love and those who are most at risk by the rapid spread of this disease — older adults, people living with chronic health conditions, and let's not forget our first responders and healthcare workers," Pfister said.

Businesses that are permitted to remain open during the governor's "stay at home" order should still take steps to limit the opportunities for the virus to spread, according to Agnes Masnik, a regional manager with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

"Even essential businesses and operations should promote telecommuting whenever possible," Masnik said. "Consider working alternate work schedules and, to the greatest extent that you can, please exercise including maintaining a six-foot social distancing for both employees and members of the public."

People who develop respiratory symptoms like a cough, shortness of breath, or a fever, should stay home and call a doctor, according to the health department. If possible, they should stay in their own bedroom and use their own bathroom to keep a distance from others in the household. If the illness worsens, health officials said to seek medical care right away.

Residents who do not have a primary care provider can contact the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center at 847-377-8800 to schedule an appointment.

Those with questions or concerns may also call the statewide COVID-19 hotline at 800-889-3931, or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.