Residents Report 1st Coronavirus Cases In Lake Forest, Lake Bluff

LAKE FOREST, IL — Residents of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff have tested positive for the new coronavirus in recent days, officials in both towns confirmed. At least 20 other Lake County residents had confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday afternoon, up from just a week earlier.

A Lake Forest man disclosed his positive coronavirus diagnosis in an interview from self-quarantine, while a Lake Bluff man contacted village officials to inform them of his positive test results, according to a release.

"This is a clear signal that the time is now to follow the guidance of health care professionals," Lake Bluff Village President Kathy O'Hara said. "We know that there are at least 22 cases in Lake County and that this virus is actively spreading in our community. We ask all of our residents to please stay home and keep their distance from others."

Because neither town has its own health department, city and village officials will not be notified of each new COVID-19 infection. In a joint statement, Lake Bluff and Lake Forest officials said they would not make any further announcements should more residents test positive. The Lake County Health Department has been reporting the cumulative countywide number of confirmed coronavirus cases.

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Gabe Funk, a 21-year-old Lake Forest High School alum and the city's first confirmed COVID-19 case, said he developed flu-like symptoms last week upon his return from a trip studying abroad in Italy.

Funk contacted his doctor and was given a test Friday at Highland Park Hospital, he said in a ScoutsFootball.com podcast. After the test came back positive for the novel coronavirus the next day, the University of Illinois junior and his mother followed medical advice and quarantined themselves at their Lake Forest home until March 27.

Describing COVID-19 symptoms as similar to a very mild common cold, Funk told host Jon Kerr he would not necessarily have sought testing had he not just returned from a hotspot in the coronavirus pandemic and been fully informed about the symptoms of infection.

"I was just shocked that I knew someone, myself included — that I actually had it," Funk said. "I didn't necessarily think it was a real thing that people could actually get but here I am. I, in fact, got it."

Funk acknowledged the dangers of contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus strain first identified last year in China, are far more significant for those who are not as young and healthy as he is. The former co-captain of the LFHS football team and current finance major said his main concern is to avoid transmitting the virus to others.

"I just carry it, I have to make sure I don't give it to anyone," he said. "But me, myself, I'm completely feeling great. At this point, five days in, I really don't feel sick at all. I don't even feel the cold anymore. Now, it's just making sure the spread is lessened."

Earlier:

• Gyms Ordered Closed As Lake Bluff Declares Coronavirus Emergency
• Lake Forest Suspends Non-Emergency Operations Due To Coronavirus
• North Shore Hospitals Prepare For Influx Of Coronavirus Patients

Lake Forest has ordered the closure of all non-essential municipal buildings, and its fire department has asked residents to limit 911 calls to "true medical emergencies," according to an announcement from city staff. Public health officials and first responders also asked that people who only have mild symptoms simply stay home to avoid potentially infecting others.

Lake Bluff entered a state of civil emergency Wednesday. In an initial set of emergency orders, O'Hara mandated the closure of all private gyms and health clubs.

"Our prayers go out to local families that have been affected by this illness. We wish for their speedy recovery," Lake Forest Mayor George Pandaleon said. "This is just the beginning, so please stay home and avoid making the situation worse."