CDC Reports that Cook County now Rated at High Community Level for COVID-19
The CDC reported on Thursday May 26 that 15 Illinois counties including Cook County are now rated at the High Community Level for COVID-19. Skokie Health and Human Services (HHS) is recommending individuals pay close attention to the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and take action to protect themselves, their loved ones and friends. The CDC recommends the following measures for people in areas that are at the High Community Level for COVID-19 transmission:
- Wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status (including in K-12 schools and other indoor community settings)
- If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease:
- Wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection
- Consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be expose
- Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to take other precautions
- Have a plan for rapid testing if needed (e.g., having home tests or access to testing
- IF YOU TEST POSITIVE: Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies
- If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe disease
- Consider self-testing to detect infection before contact
- Consider wearing a mask when indoors with them
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
- Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible
- Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19