Lake Forest Coronavirus Cases Declining, Mayor Says

LAKE FOREST, IL—Mayor George Pandaleon issued his sixth video message to Lake Forest residents since Gov. JB Pritzker issued his March 20 stay-at-home order. According to the mayor, new cases of the coronavirus in Lake Forest have slowed substantially.

"We are running at a rate of less than one new case per day, according to the Lake County Health Department," Pandaleon said in the video. "Staying home, physical distancing, wearing masks in crowded places and frequent hand washing are all having an impact on our community. We can all thank each other for taking these measures seriously."

Close to 20,000 people call the incorporated portion of Lake Forest home. Of that number, the city currently has approximately 80-84 confirmed lab cases of the virus as of Thursday. In the unincorporated portion of the city, there are between five to nine confirmed cases of the virus. In late March, the city's rate of confirmed infections was the highest in Lake County, at 15.35 per 10,000 residents.

Beginning this Friday, May 1, the governor's order will extend to May 30. The order requires for anyone over the age of two to wear a face covering when in a public indoor place where six foot distancing cannot be maintained.

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According to the mayor, greenhouses, garden centers, nurseries, animal grooming services and golf courses have now been deemed essential businesses. As such, Deerpath Golf Course has plans to reopen Friday.

"We are working with Kemper Sports Management to ensure a healthy environment so that everyone can enjoy the golf season," the mayor said.

Pandaleon said residents should also begin seeing crews from parks and forestry working on athletic field repairs and other maintenance in the park. Public works will also begin street sweeping, filling pot holes and continuing sanitation services.

"They will be continuing the complimentary curbside pickup for items intended for the compost and recycling center. This last service has been particularly well received and is very popular," Pandaleon said.

The city's next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4. It will take place virtually at 6:30 p.m. Residents can tune in on cable ch. 17. Residents can also watch the live stream on the city's website or via Zoom.

To watch the mayor's latest video message in its entirety, see below:

SEE ALSO:

• Hundreds Of Lake Foresters Likely Have Coronavirus, Mayor Warns
• Lake Forest Mayor Declares State Of Emergency Due To Coronavirus