Important COVID-19 Community Updates
Lake Forest entered into Phase 4 of the Governor's "Restore Illinois" Plan. View the Phase 4 Guidelines here.

Please remember that face coverings, frequent hand sanitizing and 6-foot physical distancing are still required.

Almost all City buildings are open with limited staffing and safety protocols in place. The City encourages residents to continue using online City services as often as possible.

This E-Newsletter will continue to be issued every Friday or as necessary.

Please dial 9-1-1 in case of emergencies only, and 847.234.2601 for non-emergencies. For all other City services, please call the City's general phone line, 847.234.2600. Check the City's website for additional information and continue to send any inquiries to cityhall@cityoflakeforest.com.
New Coronavirus Emergency Rules
Building on efforts to protect Illinois' workers and communities in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker announced this morning that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will file emergency rules for businesses, schools, and child care establishments regarding the use of face coverings and the size of gatherings.

"In an effort to maintain the progress we have made in Illinois’ COVID-19 pandemic response, the Pritzker administration is filing emergency rules for businesses, schools, and child care establishments regarding the use of face coverings and the size of gatherings. 

These rules provide multiple opportunities for compliance before any penalty is issued, giving local health departments and local law enforcement more leeway to support community public health in a productive manner. While existing, pre-pandemic enforcement laws, like revoking a license, are stringent and severe, these rules provide flexibility for local communities and a measured process to help keep people safe.  
 
That process is as follows: 

  • First, businesses will be given a warning in the form of written notice and encouraged to voluntarily comply with public health guidance. 
  • Second, businesses that do not voluntarily comply will be given an order to have some or all of their patrons leave the premises as needed to comply with public health guidance and reduce risks. 
  • Third, if the business continues to refuse to comply, the business can receive a class A misdemeanor and be subject to a fine ranging from $75-$2,500. 
 
These rules do not apply to individuals and penalties will not exceed a misdemeanor and a $75-$2,500 fine.  
 
The emergency rules also reinforce the authority of IDPH and local health departments to investigate COVID-19 cases and reaffirm that businesses have a responsibility to cooperate with those investigations."

For more information, or to learn more about what to do if you encounter violations of safety guidelines in Lake County, please contact the Lake County Health Department at 847.377.8020 or visit this web page.

Property Tax Updates

If you’re paying on the COVID 4 payment option, these are the remaining due dates. For more information, visit Lake County's Frequently Asked Questions.

  • 50% of the first installment by August 7
  • 50% of the second installment by September 8
  • 50% of the second installment by November 9
City Phone Maintenance

Phone Maintenance is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Access to the City's voicemail system will not be available during this time. This will not affect 911 Emergency calls or non-emergency calls to 847.234.2601. Thank you for your patience!
Still haven’t Responded to the Census?

Census workers have begun visiting the homes of anyone who hasn’t responded. While workers are wearing personal protective equipment and following all safety protocols, we encourage you to respond online and avoid the need for an in-person visit.


Fill out your form now at 2020census.gov, or call 844.330.2020.
What's Open in Lake Forest?
Parks & Recreation Facilities
  • Deerpath Golf Course
  • Forest Park Beach (including concessions and restrooms)
  • Park Grounds & Trails
  • Tennis Courts
  • Playgrounds at All Facilities
  • Park Restrooms
  • Volleyball nets at the beach
  • Stirling Hall 
  • Dickinson Hall (by appointment; call 847.234.2209)
  • Wildlife Discovery Center (outdoor exhibits and trails open, indoor exhibits & restrooms are closed)
  • Recreation Center (to registered program participants)
  • Fitness Center
  • CROYA 
  • Lake Forest Library
  • Lake Forest Cemetery Gatehouse (by appointment; call 847.615.4341)
  • Kinderhaven
  • Park and Beach Pavilions will remain closed through 2020 
*For a complete list of the status of recreation facilities visit the Lake Forest Parks & Recreation's website.
City Buildings 
  • Cemetery & Gatehouse
  • City Hall
  • Compost/Recycling Center
  • East Train Station - Restrooms, Silver Lining Barber Shop and Slick Shine (Metra ticket office closed)
  • Telegraph Road Train Station - Restrooms, AREA Coffee Shop
  • Municipal Services Building
  • Public Safety Building
  • Water Plant
*For a complete list of the status of City buildings visit the City's website.
Community Facilities

Visit their websites for the most up to date information:
 
County Level COVID-19
Risk Metrics

The IDPH monitors several indicators that measure the health burden of COVID-19 in each Illinois county. These metrics are intended to help raise awareness of each county’s progress during Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan. You can view Lake County risk metrics here.
Lake County Interactive Map
Lake County occupies 1/2 of Region 9 according to the latest revisions to the Restore Illinois Plan. The western 1/2 of Region 9 is McHenry County.

The Lake County Health Department's interactive map shares the number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in each municipality. You can view the map here.
Local Resources
State/Federal Resources
The City of Lake Forest, Illinois | Website