School leaders should work directly with their local health department to decide when schools should temporarily close because of an outbreak. The number of COVID-19 cases needed to close a building will change depending on things like how much of the community is...
01. COVID-19
Who is most at-risk for COVID-19?
Anyone can get sick with COVID-19. People with immune symptoms that don't work as well are at higher risk for getting really sick if they get COVID-19. This includes: older adults, people with heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, people with diabetes, and people who...
Why doesn’t the health department rely on at-home tests?
COVID-19 tests that you can buy over the counter and take at home can sometimes be less accurate. Because of that, the public health department does not use at-home tests to track cases or make public health decisions.
Where can my younger child get the COVID vaccine?
All Cook County Health sites will be offering the vaccine. To find hours and a site closest to you, visit myshotcookcounty.com. You can make an appointment or walk in. The COVID-19 vaccine will also be offered in most physician offices. Parents are encouraged to reach...
What are the symptoms of COVID?
Many people with COVID-19 don't have any symptoms. Some people have symptoms similar to a cold or flu. Some people get very sick and need to be taken care of in the hospital. The most common symptoms include: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty...
How does COVID spread?
COVID-19 can spread easily between people when they are close together through doplets in the air from coughing, sneezing, talking or singing. Most of these droplets cannot be seen withe naked eye.