Lake County Health and Community Services Committee Vice Chair Marah Altenberg advised caution as a COVID-19 summer surge continues in the U.S., although hospital admission rates remain low in the county.
Speaking at a meeting Tuesday, Altenberg said, “There’s a lot of COVID going around right now. People should be very vigilant about it when they’re going out if they have health conditions. I know so many people in Lake County who have COVID or have gotten it recently.”
Emily Young, public information officer with the Lake County Health Department, said the guidelines for COVID-related safety have remained the same.
According to CDC guidelines, those with respiratory symptoms should try to isolate and stay away from others. Anyone with a higher risk for severe illness should seek health care for testing or treatment. Other precautions include wearing a mask, regularly testing for COVID and maintaining good hygiene and air quality.
With a new COVID vaccine available and flu season approaching, Young advised keeping up with vaccinations.
“As we head into flu season, get the most updated vaccines for flu and COVID,” Young said. “We always advise making sure you’re keeping both of those in mind.”
The current 2024-2025 Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older according to the CDC.