Friday, November 13, 2020 ● Volume 1, Issue 37
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NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
The COVID-19 Weekly Update will provide current information and resources for DuPage County. We encourage you to share this widely through our community. To subscribe and receive weekly local updates on COVID-19, please fill out this form.
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Tier 2 Mitigations for Region 8
as Rolling Positivity Rates Continue to Increase
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Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) have announced additional COVID-19 mitigation efforts for Region 8 (Kane and DuPage counties), as of Wednesday, November 11, 2020. In response to the positivity rate that remains above 8 percent and continues to rise after more than 14-days under Tier 1 mitigations, which exceeds the threshold set for establishing additional mitigation measures under the state's Restore Illinois Resurgence Plan.
Additional mitigation measures include the following:
Bars and Restaurants
- Reduce party size from 10 to six individuals
Meetings, Social Events and Gatherings
- Maximum indoor/outdoor gathering size of 10 individuals
- Applicable to professional, cultural and social group gatherings
- This does not reduce the overall facility capacity dictated by general business guidance, such as office, retail, etc.
- Not applicable to students participating in-person classroom learning
- Not applicable to sports, see sports guidance
Organized Group Recreational Activities
- Limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25 percent of overall room capacity both indoors and outdoors
- Groups limited to 10 individuals or fewer
- Does not apply to fitness centers
These mitigations do not apply to schools.
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Everyone Can Make Thanksgiving Safer |
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Traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends are fun but can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. Follow these tips to make your Thanksgiving holiday safer.
The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. If you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, take steps to make your celebration safer.
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Wear a mask
- Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19.
- Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
- Make sure the mask fits snugly against the sides of your face.
Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you
- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread COVID-19 or flu.
- Keeping 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Wash your hands
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it when you are unable to wash your hands.
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
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Consider Other Thanksgiving Activities
Host a virtual Thanksgiving meal with friends and family who don’t live with you
- Schedule a time to share a meal together virtually.
- Have people share recipes and show their turkey, dressing, or other dishes they prepared.
Watch television and play games with people in your household
- Watch Thanksgiving Day parades, sports, and movies at home.
- Find a fun game to play.
Shopping
- Shop online sales the day after Thanksgiving and days leading up to the winter holidays.
- Use contactless services for purchased items, like curbside pick-up.
- Shop in open air markets staying 6 feet away from others.
Other Activities
- Safely prepare traditional dishes and deliver them to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others (for example, leave them on the porch).
- Participate in a gratitude activity, like writing down things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family.
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Testing Site Locations in DuPage County |
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The DuPage County Health Department reminds residents that there are various COVID-19 testing locations throughout DuPage County. For a list of testing locations near you including CVS and Physicians Immediate Care, visit the IDPH Testing webpage.
Additionally, Walgreens also offers COVID-19 testing.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every week, the DuPage County Health Department will be sharing the most frequently asked questions about the coronavirus pandemic to help educate and inform county residents. For the week of November 13, 2020 the FAQs are:
Why is the DuPage County COVID-19 Test Site closing so much earlier now?
We’ve seen an unprecedented demand for testing. Back in September, the test site was averaging around 300 tests per day. During the last few weeks, we are consistently meeting our test capacity of 600 tests per day. As people arrive, staff records the number of visitors on-site. Once 600 people are tallied, the gates are closed.
Why is the daily test capacity set for 600?
The 600 daily test capacity is based on support from the State of Illinois, test lab capacity, and our ability to staff the test site appropriately.
Shouldn’t test capacity be increased to meet the high demand we are seeing?
The Health Department is working with municipalities and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to provide state-run mobile testing sites in DuPage County to increase testing capacity. More information can be found at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19testing
I have symptoms and need to get a COVID-19 test.
Is this test site my only option?
No, if you have a primary care provider, you should call and make an appointment to be tested through your doctor. Often, doctor’s offices can have results available much sooner and will follow-up after your results are received to answer any questions that you have and provide additional education.
General testing information as well as mobile COVID-19 testing site locations can be found at
About how long will it take to receive my results from the test site?
What should I do while I wait?
Generally, test results are received in 3-4 days. If you are tested because you have symptoms or are identified as a close contact, please stay home and quarantine. Even if you test negative for COVID-19 or feel healthy, you should continue to stay home for the 14 days after your last exposure to the infected person since symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after.
In addition, if you are an employee, you should
- Inform your supervisor at work that you have been tested for COVID-19 and note the date of testing.
- If you are experiencing symptoms: Notify your supervisor and stay home.
- If you are not experiencing symptoms: Request guidance from your supervisor on any potential work and patient
- care restrictions until you know your test results.
- Avoid using public transportation, ride sharing, or taxis when commuting.
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COVID-19 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES |
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Flu Vaccine Voucher Program DuPage County |
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This year, it’s more important than ever to make sure everyone in your family gets a flu vaccine. Getting your flu shot will help to keep you, your family, and your community safe and can help you avoid co-infection of COVID-19 and the flu.
The DuPage Health Coalition is joining partners in DuPage County to make it easier for all of individuals to stay healthy and flu-free. With funding provided by DuPage County, DHC is offering free flu vaccine vouchers to uninsured DuPage County residents whose financial circumstances make it difficult to get their annual flu shot.
Vouchers will be sent to individuals who request them (by email or mail) and can be redeemed at any DuPage County Walgreens until December 31st, while supplies last.
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Pillars Community Health
COVID-19 Testing in Willowbrook
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Pillars Community Health offers drive-up testing for COVID-19 across the street from Burr Ridge Middle School in Burr Ridge.
Limited tests available; appointment required; please call 708-PILLARS (708-745-5277) .
Testing is available on Tuesdays from 8:30 - 11 am and Thursdays from 8:30 - 11:30 am to
anyone with symptoms of COVID-19; or anyone with a known exposure to COVID-19 (have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19); or asymptomatic, high-risk patients, first responders, health care workers, or essential workers who wish to be tested.
Please note, testing is available at Anne M. Jeans School by appointment only.
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VNA Health Care COVID-19 Testing |
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VNA Health Care offers COVID-19 testing by appointment only to new and existing patients with or without symptoms.
Community mobile testing clinics are also available in Bensenville and West Chicago through VNA Health Care.
VNA Mobile Clinic at St. Alexis Catholic Church
400 W Wood Ave, Bensenville, IL, 60106
VNA Mobile Clinic at St. Andrew's Church
155 N Prince Crossing Rd, West Chicago, IL, 60185
To schedule an appointment, call (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455.
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Illinois COVID-19 Hotline and Email Address |
If you have questions about Coronavirus - Call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Hotline:
Both are available anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Friday, November 13, 2020 ● Volume 1, Issue 37
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