June 1, 2021 -- This news item pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic was originally posted in March 2020. For the latest information, visit cityhpil.com/covid-19.
City of Highland Park Urges Residents To Self-Quarantine Following Travel to COVID-19 Hot Spots
Action is consistent with Lake County Health Department recommendations
July 30, 2020 – In line with the latest update from the Chicago Department of Public Health, individuals returning from the following states are also urged to self-quarantine for 14 days: Wisconsin, North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. The updated guidance from the Chicago Department of Public Health is available here.
July 21, 2020 – The City of Highland Park (City) urges residents returning from states experiencing widespread COVID-19 community transmission levels to self-quarantine for 14-days. This recommendation is consistent with guidance from the Lake County Health Department (LCHD) and follows related information from Chicago and most of Cook County.
On Friday, July 17, 2020, the LCHD urged individuals to self-quarantine for 14 days following travel within any affected state. The recommendations apply to inbound travel from: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Ohio, and Oklahoma. This list is subject to change pending updated public health data regarding community transmission of COVID-19 and will be updated at cityhpil.com/covid-19.
While in self-isolation, individuals should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, and/or loss of smell or taste. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus, but regardless of symptomatic presentation or known exposure to the virus, travelers should be tested for COVID-19.
The guidance from the City and LCHD does not constitute a ban on travel to these areas, although individuals are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel to affected states where possible. Those who must travel should follow public health best practices such as wearing a face covering, regularly washing hands, and maintaining at least a six-foot distance from others.
"Self-isolating after travel is another precaution that will help minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community and could potentially save lives," said Mayor Nancy Rotering. "As people travel during the summer in these higher-risk states, the likelihood of increased COVID-19 exposure rises. Without these extra precautions, cases could potentially increase and our collective sacrifice as a community will be wasted. By working together, we can continue to keep each other safe.”
All individuals are encouraged to be tested as needed, regardless of symptoms or travel history. The timing of test results varies depending on the location and demand. For the week of July 19-26, the Illinois Department of Public Health and LCHD will operate several mobile testing sites throughout Lake County. Additional information is available at dph.illinois.gov/testing and https://covid19response-lakecountyil.hub.arcgis.com/app/7b3aa3605e994fb881469cd9d2d2c034.
Because the City of Highland Park does not have its own public health department, all testing questions should be submitted to the LCHD at COVID19@lakecountyil.gov. General information regarding the City's response to COVID-19 is available at cityhpil.com/covid-19.